‘Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli’ celebrates the filmmaker’s illustrious journey from a humble background to becoming an international name…writes Soumya Tare
Watching ‘Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli’, a Netflix documentary, is like watching the filmmaker’s own drama!
Like the Indian-turned-global director treats his hero, the docu-film treats him the same way. Like his emotionally charged films, the documentary, too, tries to tap into the same beats. The last montage sequence of him winning an Oscar and the Golden Globe Award makes the audience cheer for him, just like they do for a hero’s triumph.
‘Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli’ celebrates the filmmaker’s illustrious journey from a humble background to becoming an international name.
Director Raghav Khanna beautifully weaves interview clips into an engaging narrative structure. The film features his elaborate and much-talented family members, actors Prabhas, Ram Charan, Jr NTR, Rana Daggubati, director-producer Karan Johar, and the world-known James Caron.
As Rajamouli talks about witnessing his father’s struggle as a filmmaker and its impact on his filmography, it instantly reminds one of Sanjay Leela Bhansali. He, too, talks about how his deprivation of space in childhood led him to become a grandeur filmmaker. It would be exciting to watch someone dive deep into the analysis of how these voids have gifted the nation the most majestic storytellers.
The documentary positions Rajamouli as a ‘Karma Yogi’. While discussing his practice of atheism, the filmmaker insightfully talks about Sanatan Dharma and its stance on treating work as God.
V. Vijayendra Prasad, his father, says in the docu-drama that he respects his son’s religious choice. It reminds one of Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s speech where he said, “Unki Nastikta Me Bhi Jo Astikta Hai Main Uska Aadar Karta Hu” (I respect his theism in atheism.)
What brings home is the climatic sequence, highlighting Rajamouli’s international accolades, which fills viewers with pride as he brings Indian cinema to the global stage. The documentary concludes on the note that the filmmaker wants to keep the Indian stories alive through his work.
Anupama Chopra, a celebrated film critic, holds the narration together.
But while she is known for her impeccable and insightful questions, the documentary fails to deliver the audience a peek into Rajamouli’s process. It doesn’t tell us much about his process, imagination, what the worldwide acclaim has done to him, or what he has in store next for cinema lovers.
While the documentary captures Rajamouli’s achievements, it does not entirely fulfil the promise of its title, ‘Modern Masters’. Instead, it maintains a laudatory tone, focusing more on his accolades than his filmmaking expertise.
You can watch ‘Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli’ on Netflix.
Cameron and Russo Applaud Rajamouli’s Craft
International filmmakers James Cameron and Joe Russo have opened up on Indian director S S Rajamouli’s cinematic sorcery, sharing how he balances action, drama, and emotion that makes his films a true spectacle.
In a rare and insightful discussion featured in the upcoming docu-film ‘Modern Masters: S.S. Rajamouli’, Cameron and Russo delve into Rajamouli’s storytelling wizardry. They marvel at his talent for creating worlds that are both epic and profoundly human.
James shared his thoughts in the docu-film, saying: “Well, that’s quite a compliment. As filmmakers now, we all have the same influences as we were coming up, as we were growing up, the things that impressed us. But he’s (Rajamouli) made it his own in a very — I want to say, a muscular style, but I’m not referring to the strength and the physicality of the actors.”
“Although he celebrates that very well. But it’s very…it’s a style that’s just got a lot of energy, a lot of dynamism…a lot of it kind of sears into your consciousness in an unforgettable way,” he added.
Both Cameron and Russo applauded Rajamouli’s fearless innovative spirit, commending his relentless pursuit of cinematic innovation and his willingness to push the boundaries of what’s possible on the big screen.
Commenting on the scale of ‘RRR’ and Rajamouli’s craftsmanship, Joe Russo added: “I think people were blown away by ‘RRR’ in Hollywood. I just think that the level of craft exhibited here is equal to any major film that comes out of Hollywood, any large-scale movie.”
Produced by Applause Entertainment and Film Companion Studios, “Modern Masters” is directed by Raghav Khanna and is now streaming on Netflix.
Rajamouli’s latest release, the Telugu epic period action drama ‘RRR’, stars NTR Jr, Ram Charan, Ajay Devgn, Alia Bhatt, Shriya Saran, Samuthirakani, Ray Stevenson, Alison Doody, and Olivia Morris.
The film has won the Academy Award for ‘Best Original Song’ for ‘Naatu Naatu’.
ALSO READ-‘Modern Masters: S.S. Rajamouli’ Premieres on August 2
