OTT Review : Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli – A Netflix documentary

Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli, the highly-anticipated documentary on the numero uno Indian filmmaker, finally landed on the streaming platform Netflix earlier today. The film attempts to celebrate the phenomenon called Rajamouli and his unmatched brilliance and aura. Check out our review to know what worked and what didn’t in the movie.

The film primarily throws light on the three important phases of Rajamouli’s life and career – his childhood and his baby steps in filmmaking, his foray into showbiz and the formative years that witnessed massive box office success, and finally attaining global recognition with the Baahubali franchise and RRR.

Plus Points:

The film is an enjoyable ride throughout, thanks to some fun, fascinating, and even jaw-dropping snippets about Rajamouli’s persona and penchant for perfection. Hollywood mavericks James Cameron and Joe Russo enthusiastically share their insights on their Indian counterpart. And then Rajamouli’s family members, including his wife Rama Rajamouli, father and his long-time collaborator V Vijayendra Prasad, cousins MM Keeravani and Kanchi, son Karthikeya, and Rajamouli’s heroes, Prabhas, NTR, and Ram Charan, and others, reveal several interesting tidbits and anecdotes about Rajamouli that leave us in awe and amusement.

Certain unknown facts like how Rajamouli can only think while in motion, practicing atheism, his knowledge about the ancient Hindu mythology, his admiration for the demon king Raavan over Lord Rama, how his mother who didn’t give much importance to his studies but encouraged him to read comics and play inspired him to become a storyteller unveil an unknown side of the most celebrated Indian filmmaker of our time.

Fans will also get to see Rajamouli’s rare and unseen childhood pictures, including the one from his acting stint as Lord Sri Krishna in the unreleased Telugu movie Pillana Grovi. Rajamouli also gets honest about his fears and insecurities in the early days of his career that prompted him to insist on the “An SS Rajamouli Film” stamp in all his movies.

Who could think, even in their wildest dreams, that Hollywood legends such as James Cameron and Joe Russo would heap praise on an Indian filmmaker? Anupama Chopra, the co-producer and host of Modern Masters, has made it possible. Both Cameron and Russo talk about Rajamouli’s craft and his Hollywood entry.

Minus Points:

This documentary seems to have been made for Rajamouli’s global fans following his newfound overseas craze after the Golden Globes and Oscar glory. Most of the facets the film explores about the master storyteller are very well known to the Indian audience, especially his Telugu fans. As a result, the film repeatedly offers a sense of deja vu and doesn’t delve into unknown realms much. Also, the makers should have considered including the reactions of Rajamouli’s fans to complement the larger-than-life aura and popularity the film depicts.

Verdict:

Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli is a tribute to the man who placed Indian Cinema on the global map. The film succeeds in unveiling the star director’s persona and showcasing the indelible impression he has left on Indian Cinema. However, on the flip side, the film may not have much to offer Rajamouli’s Indian fans. This aside, do watch the movie to get up close and personal with the master himself.

123telugu.com Rating: 2.75/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team

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