In the opening moments of the docu-film Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli, acclaimed producer-director Karan Johar sets the tone by declaring that there is no filmmaker in contemporary Indian cinema bigger than Rajamouli. Directed by Raghav Khanna, this documentary, now streaming on Netflix, ushers viewers behind the scenes of the screenings of “RRR” (Rise, Roar, Revolt) at iconic venues like the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles and in Tokyo, Japan, where the audience’s fervor is palpable. This docu-film meticulously retraces the journey of Rajamouli, whose monumental films “Baahubali” and “RRR” have earned global acclaim, to understand what has made him the most celebrated showman of our times.
For those who have been avid followers of Telugu cinema and Rajamouli’s meteoric rise, some interviews in the documentary might feel familiar. However, the film offers enough new insights to keep everyone engaged. Renowned actors Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, NTR Jr., and Ram Charan contribute their perspectives on what makes Rajamouli a stickler for detail, rarely compromising on his high standards. NTR Jr. describes him as a natural-born storyteller, while Ram Charan admits that he sometimes watches Rajamouli’s films like a mesmerized third party, even though he has acted in them.
With film journalist and critic Anupama Chopra conducting interviews in Los Angeles and Tokyo, the documentary delves into Rajamouli’s mindset. While he humbly refers to himself as a slave to storytelling and downplays comparisons to ‘India’s James Cameron,’ the documentary intriguingly includes James Cameron’s own views on Rajamouli.
Tracing his journey from his humble beginnings in Kovvuru, Andhra Pradesh, the documentary features interviews with his family, including his father and screenwriter Vijayendra Prasad, and his older cousin and music composer M. M. Keeravani. Anecdotes from these early years, supplemented with unseen photographs, reveal that storytelling was an integral part of Rajamouli’s upbringing, laying the foundation for his stellar career.
The documentary also offers a background on his entry into the entertainment industry.
. From directing the television serial “Santhi Nivasam” in 1999 to his first feature film “Student No. 1” in 2001, these early steps are highlighted alongside the formative journeys of composer Keeravani and actor NTR Jr.
Produced by Applause Entertainment and Film Companion Studios, Modern Masters expertly weaves together the personal and professional facets of Rajamouli’s life. The film provides insights into how various family members have taken on diverse roles in filmmaking. It also brings lesser-known aspects of Rajamouli’s life to light—his courtship with his wife Rama, his bond with his sister-in-law Srivalli (a maternal figure to the family), and amusing details from a family vacation, all humanizing the towering director.
While celebrating Rajamouli’s contributions to cinema, the documentary does not shy away from tackling uncomfortable topics. It addresses how Rajamouli’s family deals with his atheism and Rajamouli’s own responses to criticisms about casteism in “Baahubali” or the romantic portrayal between Shivudu (Prabhas) and Avantika (Tamannaah Bhatia).
The fun moments come alive through behind-the-scenes footage from the sets of “Magadheera,” “Baahubali,” and “RRR.” This exclusive access shows Rajamouli not just directing emotional scenes but also action sequences, often strapped in harnesses. Further nuggets of information enrich the narrative, such as the revelation that “Magadheera” (2009) was the first Telugu film to feature a visual effects supervisor in its title credits.
Beyond discussing the sheer scale of Rajamouli’s films, the docu-film touches upon his nuanced understanding of cinematic rules, only to challenge and break them. An example is a scene from “Eega,” illustrating how he combines scale and vision with a narrative that establishes an emotional connection with the audience.
Clocking in at one hour and fourteen minutes, the film serves as an excellent introduction to Rajamouli and his oeuvre for a global audience. It acknowledges his most significant films like “Magadheera,” “Eega,” “Baahubali,” and “RRR,” while omitting mention of other blockbusters like “Yamadonga,” “Chatrapathi,” or “Vikramarkudu.” Including these might have provided a fuller picture of his uninterrupted string of box office successes.
Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli is currently available for streaming on Netflix, providing a revealing and enjoyable journey into the life and mind of one of the most groundbreaking filmmakers in Indian cinema.
