‘Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli’ Review: A Fascinating Inside Look Into Making of the Director They Call ‘James Cameron of India’ (LatestLY Exclusive)

Modern Masters - SS Rajamouli Review: Film Companion, the popular film analysis and discussion website, may have shut down, but the veteran journalist Anupama Chopra, who led the team, has now pivoted FC into a new domain: documentary filmmaking. From their new ventures comes what seems to be the first of many documentaries for Netflix, titled Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli, made in collaboration with Applause Entertainment. Well, If you're going to start a documentary series on present breed of Indian filmmakers, why not start on a director who has popularised the term 'Pan-India,' and now even 'pan-globe'. ‘Modern Masters’: NTR Jr and Ram Charan Praise SS Rajamouli’s Unique Style of Direction in Netflix Documentary.

Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli is directed by Raghav Khanna and co-directed by Tanvi Ajinkya. The main interview, where Anupama Chopra questions the maverick filmmaker, is shot in Tokyo, where his global sensation, RRR, is having a special fan screening. The format isn't groundbreaking. There's the usual walk-and-talk, followed by a chat over a coffee table in an open-air café. When they discuss Rajamouli's rise to superstardom, they cover the usual beats, from his 'humble' beginnings to his movies, particularly focusing on the Baahubali series and RRR.

Watch the Trailer of 'Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli':

The documentary includes snippets of interviews with stars from his films, like Prabhas, Ram Charan, Jr NTR, and Rana Daggubati. To illustrate Rajamouli's impact on Hollywood, directors like James Cameron and Joe Russo (of the Russo Brothers) also offer their praise for the great Rajamouli and express anticipation for what he will create next. So no pressure on SSMB 29!

'Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli' Review - The Family Man

If you're unaware of how deeply entrenched nepotism is in Telugu cinema, you might be surprised by how involved Rajamouli's family is in his films, extending beyond his father, V Vijayendra Prasad, a screenwriter, and his eldest cousin, MM Keeravani, the Oscar-winning composer.

It was nice to hear family members share anecdotes about the filmmaker, describing how he is as a person when with them and how their familial dynamics are reflected when they work together. The documentary also addresses his atheism, which contrasts with his family's strong beliefs. Rajamouli actually worships something—his work—which he calls his 'Karmayoga.'

'Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli' Review - The Director With an Incredible Vision and Passion

Naturally, discussions about his movies are a major focus, and in this regard, Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli has much to offer. The documentary attempts to unravel the method in his madness, exploring the fervour in his filmmaking passion. His evolution is illustrated through five of his movies: Simhadri, Magadheera, Eega, the two Baahubali films, and RRR, aided by star anecdotes and behind-the-scenes footage. Both the BTS footage and snippets confirm one thing: SS Rajamouli's vision and dedication to creating immersive cinema makes him a rare breed indeed.

He envisions every frame and translates it exactly to the screen, often without concern for continuity. He performs scenes for the actors so convincingly that we wish he would pursue acting beyond his cameo in Kalki 2898 AD. My favourite moment was a behind-the-scenes clip during the Magadheera shoot, where he tries to outrun a horse to show Ram Charan how to perform a scene, and he does a fabulous job. ‘SSMB 29’: Prithviraj Sukumaran To Play Lead Antagonist in SS Rajamouli-Mahesh Babu’s Film – Reports.

Even if you're not a fan of his filmography (his earlier films aren't discussed), you will likely come away impressed by SS Rajamouli, the craftsman and understand why RRR has become a global phenomenon.

'Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli' Review - Some Cheeky Flaws

However, Rajamouli gaaru is also human, and not everything he says or believes is something you might agree with. For instance, when Anupama addresses certain criticisms raised about his films, such as the inherent casteism, his response feels dismissive. Similarly, when questioned about the most controversial scene in Baahubali: The Beginning, where Sivudu (Prabhas) disrobes Avantika (Tamannaah Bhatia) during an attack, critics called it a glamourised sexual assault scene. I wasn't impressed by his reply, where he insists he's trying to create films for a larger audience and shifts the blame to critics, claiming they lack a sense of drama or storytelling. Shouldn't storytelling be the responsibility of the storyteller and how they want to communicate it to viewers? Claiming that Sivudu disrobed Avantika to reveal her true self is not a very satisfying answer.

In a way, for Rajamouli and his films, this answer could make sense. After all, as the documentary points out, his cinema celebrates masculinity. This might also explain why Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli didn't include any of his leading ladies to discuss the director.

'Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli' Review - Final Thoughts

Overall, Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli is an engaging exploration of a visionary filmmaker whose work has not only redefined Indian cinema but has also garnered international attention. The documentary effectively captures the passion and dedication that Rajamouli brings to his craft, highlighting his unique storytelling approach and the familial ties that influence his work. Whether you're a fan of his films or simply curious about the man behind the cinematic spectacles, this documentary offers a compelling look at one of India's most influential directors. Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli is streaming on Netflix.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 02, 2024 12:31 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).