On October 10, ace director SS Rajamouli turned 50 and fans around the world celebrated the legendary storyteller’s work. From Student No 1 in 2001 to RRR in 2022, Rajamouli proved over and over again that he can deliver commercial success – 12 hits – and at the same time, put his unique stamp on every project. His box office feat has not been repeated by any other Indian director and that speaks volumes of his talent and how he can make even a small film big, literally and figuratively. Here’s a look at the director who made ‘pan-Indian cinema’ a global term.
Content is always king
Rajamouli, a master storyteller, forms an unstoppable duo with his father, screenwriter Vijayendra S Prasad. Their collaboration led to the superhit “Magadheera” (2009), solidifying Rajamouli’s position in the Telugu film industry. “Eega” (2012) further catapulted the Telugu director to household fame in South India. The film’s Hindi version, “Makkhi,” also garnered attention in North India, highlighting Rajamouli’s directorial prowess. With “Baahubali” and “RRR,” he expanded his storytelling to a global audience, emphasizing the universality of compelling narratives.
Rajamouli’s films are imbued with emotions that resonate with audiences. He recognizes the power of basic human emotions and their ability to connect people, as seen in the widespread success of “Baahubali” and “RRR.” He believes that stories grounded in these fundamental emotions have a broader appeal, emphasizing their significance in the pan-Indian cinema landscape.
Another distinctive trait of the director is his grandiose, culturally-rooted vision. While Hollywood embraces VFX, Rajamouli adheres to conventional methods, creating visually spectacular films. This choice reflects his profound understanding of his craft and audience preferences. He describes his films as “big scale action movies driven by hard-core emotion” and believes that culturally-rooted, creatively crafted films can reach a wider audience.
Rajamouli’s heroes, often kings or warriors, resonate with audiences due to their relatable qualities. They embody the characteristics of the working middle class—selflessness, dedication, hard work, and family values. Despite lacking formal education, these heroes possess a strong moral compass, endearing them to viewers. Rajamouli’s storytelling prowess lies in his ability to create characters who embody the essence of relatability and righteousness.
No Hidden Agenda
Rajamouli, an atheist filmmaker heavily influenced by Hindu epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana, faced criticism for supposedly promoting a Hindu nationalist agenda, particularly in his film RRR. In a 2022 interview with The New Yorker, he unequivocally clarified his stance, emphasizing that he harbors no hidden agenda. Rajamouli’s primary aim is to entertain his audience, allowing them to experience dramatic characters and situations, enjoy themselves, and return to their lives enriched. He distanced himself from any form of Hindu or pseudo-liberal propaganda and rejected catering to extremist groups, acknowledging their presence among his audience. When asked about his remarkable success, Rajamouli attributed it to two factors: maintaining a strong connection with his audience and avoiding complacency. He stressed the importance of understanding what the audience desires rather than attempting to dictate market trends. Despite humble beginnings in the small town of Eluru, Andhra Pradesh, Rajamouli has achieved immense success. His film RRR earned over Rs 1200 crore globally, solidifying his flawless track record. He continues to seek grand visions for his future projects, including a film with Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu, styled akin to Indiana Jones, set to begin production in 2024. Additionally, he is presenting a biopic on Indian cinema produced by his son, SS Karthikeya.
Rajamouli aspires to bring Indian stories to the global stage and lead a new revolution in filmmaking. With the triumphs of Baahubali and RRR, he is well on his way, and audiences eagerly await his next cinematic spectacle.
