INDIA: A tale of two revolutionary Indian freedom fighters from history, Komaram Bheem and Alluri Sitarama Raju, who faught against the British Raj. The film follows a fictionalized story of these legendary heroes that begins with Britishers forcibly abducting a tribal girl Malli, provoking Bheem to go on the hunt for the Britishers.
On the other hand, Ram is an ally or, to put it another way, a policeman under the domain of the British Raj who is resolute in the pursuit of his goal.
The director’s vision
S. S. Rajamouli helms the tale of these legendary freedom fighters. If Sir Rajamouli is involved in the story, there is no doubt that something extraordinary and phenomenal will be delivered on the screen. He has such a talent that if given an empty canvas, he can build a full world, complete with characters that have a lasting influence on the viewers.
Rajamouli possesses a unique capacity to construct a world in which his legendary persona makes us feel as if we are also a part of this incredible universe. Whether it’s Udaigarh or the Kingdom of Mahishmati, Rajamouli’s great imagination has dragged us into them all, and RRR is no exception.
Ensemble cast:
Jr NTR as Komaram Bheem, a revolutionary Indian freedom fighter from the Gond tribal community who led a rebellion against the British Empire and the Nizams of Hyderabad. Ram Charan as Alluri Sitarama Raju, a revolutionary Indian freedom fighter who waged an armed campaign against the British Raj.
Ajay Devgan as Venkata Rama Raju, Ray Stevenson as Governor Scott Buxton, Shriya Saran as Sarojini, Olivia Morris as Jenny, Makarand Deshpande as Peddanna, and Alia Bhatt as Sita.
Jr NTR and Ram Charan excel in every form with Ajay Devgan’s impacting performance
The cast of S. S. Rajamouli’s RRR is so full of brilliant actors that it’s safe to assume they’ve all given it their hardest. However, Jr NTR and Ram Charan steal the show with performances that outshine the other characters.
This could be because they are the major characters or have more screen time, but their dynamic duo elicits every expression of friendship and betrayal. The way both characters have shaped the narrative’s core is a symphony of creativity.
Ajay Devgan has limited screen time, but whenever he enters, his role leaves an indelible impression, with his powerful dialogue “load, aim, and shot,” establishing the richness of the plot and his character.
As Governor Scott Buxton, Ray Stevenson is a scary villain who doesn’t do much but fills the air with shivers. A moment in which his character picks up a gun and fires in slow motion in the middle of a chase sequence characterizes his cold demeanour.
The cinematography and the BGM work as the soul of the film RRR
The cinematography of K. K Senthil Kumar and the BGM of M. M. Keeravani amplifies the thrill and heightens the impact of each scene, evoking genuine artistic emotions. The introduction of Ram and Bheem foreshadows a larger-than-life event to come, with Ram representing fire and Bheem representing water. Every picture feels like a magnificent painting, thanks to the spectacular cinematography.
The entire budget of 550 crores can easily be witnessed getting used wisely in CGI animals and spectacular explosions that do not feel cheap or faked for a second. Before the intermission, a sequence exemplifies Rajamouli’s use of the budget where it was most required.
The last 30 minutes of the climax are pure goosebumps. Though the film is full of goosebumps sequences, Ram Charan’s appearance at the end of the film fills the heart with joy and pride. Almost no other director has done a better job blending Indian culture and history with the characters than Rajamouli.
Costume design gives the perfect heroic touch to the characters
Another improvement in the film is the outfit design. Jr NTR’s clothing with tiger claws as a weapon is perfect. Ram Charan’s clothing is flawless and does not require any further explanation.
At times, the songs also help to elevate the character’s emotions. They are not used for frivolous purposes, like in Bollywood. Every piece of music can describe emotion while also adding depth to the plot.
All the songs such as:
- Priyam by Vijay Yesudas.
- Karinthol by K. S. Harishankar and Yazin Nizar.
- Janani by M.M. Keeravaani.
- Komuram Bheemudo by Kaala Bhairava.
- Raamam Raaghavam by Chandana Bala Kalyan, Charu Hariharan, and Vijay Prakash Sharma.
- Etthuka Jenda by Vijay Yesudas, Sahithi Chaganti, Harika Narayan and Harishankar.
- Naatu Naatu by Rahul Sipligunj and Kaala Bhairava.
Every song has a relaxing effect on the ears and looks like a pure form of music, which is scarce in today’s movies.
What could have been better?
As Governor Scott Buxton, Ray Stevenson is a terrifying adversary, although the way his character is resolved feels a little low at times. There should have been a sequence where his character confronted Ram and Bheem in a true climactic battle.
Verdict:
This film is a true S. S. Rajamouli work of art that sends the audience on a joyride of nationalism and action.
Transcontinental Times rating: 4/5
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