SS Rajamouli’s “Modern Masters” Documentary REVIEW

Story:
The highly-anticipated documentary *Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli* is now streaming on Netflix. It celebrates the celebrated Indian filmmaker’s remarkable journey and impact. The film explores three key phases of Rajamouli’s life: his early years and initial forays into filmmaking, his rise in the industry with notable successes, and his global acclaim through the “Baahubali” franchise and “RRR”. The documentary highlights Rajamouli’s exceptional talent and influence, offering an insightful look at his career. Check out our review to find out what works and what falls short in this tribute to one of India’s top directors.

Pros:
“Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli” is a captivating exploration of one of India’s most celebrated filmmakers, now streaming on Netflix. The documentary delves into Rajamouli’s life, revealing intriguing facets of his personality and career. It’s a well-crafted journey through three key phases of his life: his early years and initial steps in filmmaking, his rise to prominence with massive box office hits, and his global recognition with the Baahubali franchise and “RRR”. The film offers an engaging mix of fun and insightful content, highlighted by contributions from Hollywood icons James Cameron and Joe Russo. Their admiration for Rajamouli’s craft underscores his international impact. The documentary also features personal anecdotes from Rajamouli’s family—his wife Rama Rajamouli, his father, and his longtime collaborator V Vijayendra Prasad—as well as close friends and industry peers like Prabhas, NTR, and Ram Charan.

Audiences are treated to rare glimpses into Rajamouli’s life, including unseen childhood photos and stories from his early acting days. The documentary reveals lesser-known aspects of Rajamouli’s character, such as his habit of thinking while in motion, his atheistic beliefs, and his unique take on ancient Hindu mythology. His mother’s encouragement of comic reading and play over strict academics is highlighted as a pivotal influence in his storytelling career. The film also showcases Rajamouli’s honest reflections on his career fears and the significance of the “An SS Rajamouli Film” stamp. The praise from Cameron and Russo further emphasizes Rajamouli’s global stature, making this documentary a must-watch for fans and those curious about the man behind the epic films.

Cons:
“Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli” caters primarily to Rajamouli’s global audience following his Golden Globe and Oscar success. While it offers insightful glimpses into his career and personal life, many aspects are already well-known to his Telugu fans, resulting in a sense of déjà vu. The documentary doesn’t explore many new facets of his life and misses an opportunity to include reactions from Rajamouli’s fans, which could have added depth to the portrayal of his larger-than-life persona and widespread popularity.

Verdict:
“Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli” celebrates the visionary director who elevated Indian cinema to a global stage. The documentary effectively reveals Rajamouli’s distinctive persona and his significant impact on the film industry. However, it may not provide new insights for his Indian fans, as much of the content is familiar to them. Despite this, the film offers a chance to get closer to the master filmmaker and appreciate his journey and achievements. It’s a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the global influence of Indian cinema and Rajamouli’s role in it.

#Rating: 3/5

Directors: Raghav Khanna, Tanvi Ajinkya
Starring: James Cameron, Joe Russo, MM Keeravani, V Vijayendra Prasad, Karan Johar, SS Rajamouli, Rama Rajamouli, Prabhas, NTR, Ram Charan, and others
Music Director: Rohit Kulkarni
Cinematographer: Nikunj Singh
Editor: Sanyukta Kaza
Producers: Anupama Chopra, Sameer Nair, and Deepak Segal