RRR movie review

RRR movie review

SS Rajamouli’s magnum opus RRR is gearing up for its biggest ever release in over 10,000 screens across the globe in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam and Kannada languages. The film has NTR, Ram Charan, Alia Bhatt, Ajay Devgn, Olivia Morris, Shriya Saran and Samuthirakani in the lead roles.This is SS Rajamouli’s next immediate release after Baahubali: The Conclusion that released five years ago. Here is our review :

Story:

Set in the 1920 period, RRR film is a fictional story of two men who, driven by their beliefs for family and the nation, rise and revolt against the oppressive British government. Rama Raju (Charan) is employed with the British police while Akthar alias Bheem (NTR) is in search of a child taken away from his family. Destiny brings these two together in friendship – a powerful bond challenged by their purposes. The rest of the movie unveils the conflict and the path forward in their lives.

Analysis:

RRR is a commercial potboiler with Rajamouli’s signature high performance elements spaced at regular intervals. He sets up simple causes for his protagonists Ram, Bheem and ties their journey together. The first half is very well paced as the audience is treated to the much talked about Ram Charan introduction lathi charge scene, followed by an excellent introduction of NTR in the jungle. Their friendship is well established with the Dosthi song, with typical banter of friends as they continue to progress in their purposes. Soon we arrive at the ‘ Naatu Naatu’ song , another great score. The interval block is elevated in typical Rajamouli style. The NTR led tribal attack fight gives you the goosebumps – has the audience glued to their seats in anticipation. The chemistry between NTR and Charan is an excellent value add to the movie. Ajay Devgn & Alia don’t have much to do in the first half, however we see them for a bit in the second half.

The second half gets off the ground with an OK flashback giving insight into Rama Raju’s past. NTR’s Komaram Bheemudo song is very emotional, such excellence !! Seeta (Alia Bhatt) plays a pivot role in reuniting the two friends. From here movie sets into turbo mode racing towards climax with Bheem rescuing Rama Raju, Raghavam song, Charan’s powerful Alluri Sitarama Raju’s getup. This more than makes up for initial lag with the flashback episodes. The movie ends in a positive note with a highly charged climax.

A simple rescue of a tribal girl is masterfully tied to a fight for freedom and respect on the bonds of a great friendship.

Performances:

NTR and Charan deliver beyond expectations. Their dance in ‘ Naatu’ song is unparalleled. Rajamouli has once proved himself the master director who knows his heroes strengths and how to mold them into a highly emotional saga. Ajay Devgn, Shriya and Alia Bhatt roles are minimal and not author backed. The elements missing here are the strong villain and other supporting characters which is usually a staple in Rajamouli movies. In RRR, the audience will not see anything except Ram and Bheem – there simply is no more room for anyone else.

Music and background score by M.M. Keeravani elevates the scenes as usual. The director’s imagination for VFX work is excellent, majority of the shots output came out good though, few graphic shots could have been better. The production work is world class, sets look good. The miniature artwork in place for the train episode in first half came out well. Stunts by King Solomon are a very good effort. The mob fights came out well. Cinematography by Senthil is a great asset to the film.

Positives :

• Rajamouli signature highly charged elements spaced throughout the film
• NTR and Charan’s spectacular performance
• Emotions, Action Episodes, Art Work, Cinematography etc. technical brilliance is major asset
• Keeravani songs and background score

Negatives:

• Patchy CG work in few scenes
• Slight lag in second half

Verdict

RRR’s first half is fantastic, second half is a bit routine albeit with a good climax. Rajamouli has unleashed the potential of the both the heroes to maximum extent with regards to performance. All the songs are good and blend well with the context. NTR and Charan coverup the flipsides of the film with their powerful and yet emotional performances. RRR has all ingredients to become yet another Rajamouli mark money spinner at the Box-office.

TELUGU360 RATING : 3.5/5

Movie Name :RRR
Release date: 25 March 2022 (India) 24th March (USA)
Director: S. S. Rajamouli
Cast : Jr NTR,Ram Charan, Alia Bhatt
Music by: M. M. Keeravani
Produced by: D. V. V. Danayya
Distributed by: Lyca Productions, Pen India Limited