RRR Movie Analysis (2022): Rise, Roar, and Revolt!
Following its first theatrical release, the Telugu language Indian action epic “RRR” (short for “Rise Roar Revolt”) has returned to US theatres for an unusual one-night-only engagement on June 1st. In retrospect, it’s easy to see why writer/director S.S. Rajamouli has just recently broken through to Western audiences with “RRR” despite his regular box office success. Rajamouli’s most recent film is an anti-colonial tale and buddy drama about the fictional pairing of two real-life independence fighters, Komaram Bheem (NT Rama Rao Jr.) and Alluri Sitarama Raju (Ram Charan). “RRR” also serves as a wonderful showcase for Rajamouli’s trademark maximalist action choreography, overpowering stunt work and pyrotechnics, and sophisticated computer graphics.
The last time filmmaker SS Rajamouli wowed audiences were in 2017 with the film Baahubali: The Conclusion. It required him five long years to conceptualize, shoot, and release his next feature, RRR (also dubbed in Hindi). Bringing off a multi-starrer featuring Jr NTR and Ram Charan in the major parts may appear to be a feat in and of itself. But Rajamouli succeeds in providing regardless of when there’s a twist to the tale.
RRR is based on a basic principle. There’s ‘fire,’ a young, aggressive police officer named Ramaraju (Ram Charan) who is equally adored and feared by the British. He’s done their bidding for years, he’s the one they use to kidnap anyone, and yet he’s the one who’s not received enough respect because of the colour of his skin. Then there’s ‘water,’ pure, simple, pure Bheem (Jr NTR), who possesses brute strength but only employs it when it is necessary. He’s a Gond native whom travelled to the palace to rescue Malli, a young girl who had been kidnapped by Lady Scott (Alison Doody) to be a singing doll “on (her) mantel.”
The first half of RRR runs smoothly. There’s an emotional core in Malli, a song and dance with Naatu Naatu (which will make you grin), a friendship explored through Dosti, and even a few laughs when Bheem tries to befriend Jennifer. Dramatic mistakes are used, though they aren’t as apparent as in the movie’s final half, when it stumbles a little. Certain scenes seem to drag since we already understand something that a key character does not. Apart from Ram Charan’s shift to another look, the way Ramaraju’s fiancée Sita (Alia Bhatt) is threaded into the narrative feels forced in a story that was previously smooth sailing.
RRR is far from flawless because, after seeing how Rajamouli pulls off certain situations, you question if he could’ve done a greater job in others. But if you’re looking for a terrific action-packed drama, check out this one this weekend. Especially if you like the primary couple.
