Movie Name : Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli
Release Date : August 02, 2024
Starring : SS Rajamouli, Rama Rajamouli, James Cameron, Joe Russo, Prabhas, NTR, Ram Charan, MM Keeravani, V Vijayendra Prasad, Karan Johar, and others
Directors : Raghav Khanna, Tanvi Ajinkya
Producers : Anupama Chopra, Sameer Nair, and Deepak Segal
Music Director: Rohit Kulkarni
Cinematographer: Nikunj Singh
Editor: Sanyukta Kaza
The much-anticipated documentary, Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli, has finally arrived on Netflix today, bringing with it an in-depth look at one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated directors. The film sets out to honor the phenomenon that is Rajamouli, exploring his extraordinary talent and magnetic presence.
The documentary delves into three pivotal stages of Rajamouli’s life and career. It starts with his early years, tracing his childhood and initial steps into filmmaking. From there, it moves on to his breakthrough into the film industry, highlighting the formative years that saw him achieve significant box office success. Finally, it examines his rise to international acclaim with the monumental successes of the Baahubali series and RRR.
Positive Aspects :
The documentary Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli offers an engaging and entertaining journey through the life of the celebrated Indian filmmaker. It captivates viewers with intriguing and sometimes astonishing glimpses into Rajamouli’s personality and his meticulous approach to filmmaking. Hollywood icons James Cameron and Joe Russo lend their voices to the documentary, sharing their admiration for Rajamouli and offering their perspective on his impact. Additionally, the film features insights from Rajamouli’s family, including his wife Rama Rajamouli, his father, his long-time collaborator V Vijayendra Prasad, his cousins MM Keeravani and Kanchi, his son Karthikeya, and his film heroes Prabhas, NTR, and Ram Charan. Their stories and anecdotes provide a fascinating look at the man behind the camera.
The documentary also reveals some lesser-known aspects of Rajamouli’s life, such as his unique ability to think only while moving, his atheism, his deep knowledge of ancient Hindu mythology, and his surprising preference for the demon king Raavan over Lord Rama. It also touches on how his mother’s encouragement to read comics and play, despite her lack of emphasis on his academic studies, played a crucial role in shaping his storytelling career.
Fans will be treated to rare glimpses of Rajamouli’s childhood, including a notable photograph from his acting role as Lord Sri Krishna in the unreleased Telugu film Pillana Grovi. The film also offers an honest look at Rajamouli’s early career fears and insecurities, shedding light on his decision to prominently feature “An SS Rajamouli Film” in all his projects.
It’s remarkable to see Hollywood legends like James Cameron and Joe Russo express their admiration for an Indian filmmaker. This is made possible by Anupama Chopra, the co-producer and host of Modern Masters, who brings these global voices together to discuss Rajamouli’s craft and his influence in Hollywood.
Negative Aspects:
This documentary feels tailored for Rajamouli’s international fans, especially given his recent surge in global recognition following his Golden Globe and Oscar successes. While the film sheds light on various aspects of Rajamouli’s life and career, many of these are already familiar to his Indian audience, particularly his Telugu-speaking fans. As a result, the documentary can come across as somewhat repetitive and doesn’t explore many new angles.
Additionally, it might have been more engaging if the film had included reactions from Rajamouli’s fans. Including their perspectives could have added depth and resonance to the portrayal of his larger-than-life presence and global popularity.
Conclusion:
Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli is a heartfelt tribute to the filmmaker who has brought Indian cinema to the global stage. The documentary effectively reveals the essence of Rajamouli’s personality and highlights the significant impact he has made on the industry. However, for Rajamouli’s Indian fans, the film might not present much new information. Despite this, it’s well worth watching to gain a closer, more personal glimpse into the life of this cinematic legend.
Piktalk.com Rating: 3/5
Reviewed by Team Piktalk