RRR (2022)

Director: S.S. Rajamouli

Starring: N.T. Rama Rao Jr., Ram Charan, Ajay Devgn

A fictitious story about two legendary revolutionaries and their journey away from home before they started fighting for their country in the 1920s.

Rise. Roar. Revolt. Wow, ‘RRR’ is an incredible action-packed adventure comedy drama. Based on actual people, the story is all fiction, though. Interesting…

Governor Scott Buxton (Ray Stevenson) and his wife Catherine (Alison Doody) abducts a young girl, Malli, from a peaceful tribe because Catherine insists on “having her” for her artistic talent, taking her with to their lavish residence. The British are selfish, rude and racists who believe they can do as they please.

A tribesman, Bheem (N.T. Rama Rao Jr.), disguises himself as Muslim Akhtar as he goes in search of Malli to rescue her. When Catherine hears of a “hunter” who will come for Malli, she offers a promotion to the man who captures this hunter. The ambitious officer Rama Raju (Ram Charan) vows to capture him.

During a a train accident, Bheem and Raju teams up in a daring rescue operation to save a young boy, and thereafter they become friends. Raju doesn’t realize Bheem is the man he is meant to capture. The men become close and seeing these two muscled hunks dancing and doing things together as if they were a gay couple, was an absolute treat. It was kind of a beautiful romance, actually (although it wasn’t a romance). When Bheem meets Jenny (Olivia Morris) and becomes smitten with her, Raju helps them get better acquainted. As luck would have it, she works at the Buxton residence, and might just be Bheem’s ticket to saving Malli.

‘RRR’ is an epic action movie unlike any other. You are guaranteed to see action choreography like you’ve never seen before. Ok, it’s not always plausible, but it was fun (and some sequences were unintentionally funny). Many of these action sequences are for effect and sensation only. (Truth be told, it seldom was believable.) But it was SO ENTERTAINING!!! The film is stunningly photographed, with fantastic cinematography and amazing slow motion photography. ‘RRR’ is a visual spectacle in every sense of the word. But apart from the stunning visuals and action, it has a really good story. I cared about these characters.

The film doesn’t tell us much about Bheem’s background, but Raju’s back story is told in detail. By the time the film reaches the third act, we realize Raju has been working towards fulfilling a dream an honouring a promise he made to his Dad. Some of his actions are going to make you wonder why he is doing it, but it all makes sense towards the end. This character is very well set up, and his determination is to be admired. He also has a beautiful romantic back story in the form of his fiancée, Sita (Alia Bhatt)

The well-written song lyrics cleverly aided the narration. For a 3 hour movie, there never was a single dull moment. This film grips you from the opening and never lets go until that incredible finale! This is definitely one of 2022’s best movies. I loved every minute of ‘RRR’!

Upon release, ‘RRR’ broke several box office records. It is also the most expensive Indian film ever made, and – thankfully – was a huge success at the box office. It received 201 award nominations, winning 63 including an Oscar for Best Original Song.

In Telugu.

Would I watch it again? Hell, yes, can’t wait to get this on Blu Ray!