RRR!
The crafty, creative carver that SS Rajamouli is, armed with trusted lieutenants, takes his time and never fails to impress. RRR is not just a mass entertainer, but suffice to say that in depressing times, it remains one of the few positive points to feel proud as a Telugu guy and a film fan. Very often, I abhor the artistic creativity and cinematic liberty that puts a film on a higher level. Not this time though....
Almost a Roman a clef, the film is set in the backdrop of British India of 1920s, an era marked by simmering discontent. With the underlying themes of patriotism, friendship and courage, the simple tale weaves an alluring web of events, the fictional 'what if' of Manyam champion and freedom fighter Alluri Sitaramaraju meeting Gond rebel and warrior-hero Komaram Bheem. Right from the word go, one is transported to that part fictional and part factual era, crying, laughing, dancing and fighting - as an entire gamut of emotions play out!
The grandiose visual spectacle, the cinematography and the taking, the slow build-up backed by adrenaline pumping music, the Ramayana epic theme - all hallmarks of the director are extremely impressive. Ram Charan and Jr NTR stand out in their respective defining roles - iconic, flawless. The ensemble cast also dished out their best. A jam-packed theatre on a week day with crying babies, shouting fans and deeply immersed audience - for once it harked back to pre-covid times. I'd certainly watch the film again!
