PremiumModern Masters: SS Rajamouli review - Celebrating the master storyteller and family man
Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli review - the Netflix documentary celebrates the one-of-a-kind journey of the master storyteller, his unparalleled passion for cinema, and much more.
Last Updated: 04.28 PM, Aug 03, 2024
Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli Plot: The Netflix documentary takes us through the journey of the Baahubali director both in cinema and life. A befitting tribute to the master storyteller, Modern Masters brings together some of the finest talents of world cinema, including James Cameron, and provides glimpses of unseen, memorable moments from the SS Rajamouli movie sets.
Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli Review: This Netflix documentary directed by Raghav Khanna, co-directed by Tanvi Ajinkya, and presented by the Film Companion Studios brings the stories of much-revered SS Rajamouli magic behind the camera, to its audience. However, the documentary never really restricts itself to a mere fan service to the hitmaker but acts more like a complete guide that helps any cine-goer who wishes to know more about the master storyteller - the ‘mad man’ as his family and close ones address him. Rajamouli, on the other hand, reveals that he is only a slave to storytelling.
Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli and its presenter, journalist Anupama Chopra try to get deeply into the head of the celebrated filmmaker, along with celebrating. In those conversations, we are presented with a different side of the filmmaker, who admits how he eventually regretted putting the famous ‘stamp’ in all his films and narrates how nervous he was on the first day of the shoot of his debut film. When he was reminded about the comparisons with James Cameron, Rajamouli is seen brushing it off it is not humanely possible to match up to the Avatar director’s level.
Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli narrates the filmmaker’s journey from his childhood, mostly through his own words, and sometimes through the eyes of his big brother, the Academy Award-winning musician MM Keeravani, and other close associates. At the beginning of the documentary, Karan Johar describes the RRR director as the greatest filmmaker of contemporary Indian cinema. James Cameron, one of the finest filmmakers in the world, states his love for the drama and ‘masculine’ world-building of SS Rajamouli films. We also see glimpses of a low-key actor in Rajamouli’s in the location visuals.
The leading men of Rajamouli films – Prabhas and Rana Daggubati from the Baahubali franchise, and Ram Charan and Jr NTR from RRR, make special appearances in the docu-film. It is exciting to see how these massive movie stars, who are the close associates of the master craftsman are still in absolute awe of his work. While Ram Charan shared anecdotes on Rajamouli’s perfectionism, Jr NTR opined that he is a born storyteller. Rana shared backstories on the filmmaker’s unmatched passion. Prabhas, on the other hand, unveiled the crazy side of Rajamouli, who used to do all the unbelievable stuff during the making of the Baahubali franchise.
However, Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli is not just about the filmmaker. It is also about a doting husband, father, son, and brother, adored by his entire family. The big fat Indian family scenario has come true in Rajamouli’s life, as his colleagues suggest – the director is surrounded by at least 20 family members, all the time. Vijayendra Prasad, the veteran writer, and his father, and elder brother MM Keeravani the most important roles in SS Rajamouli’s massive growth as a filmmaker, along with his beloved wife Rama, and sister-in-law Srivalli.
Right from his birth in Kovvuru, the guidance of his mother who encouraged him to read comics and play, and his family’s reaction to his atheism, the Netflix docu-film presents a never-seen-before side of the filmmaker in all its glory. It also shares insights into Rajamouli’s famous romance with Rama, which in her words, was not romantic at all. The unique bond between the director and his children, especially hiis son Karthikeya, is heartwarming to watch.
Verdict:
Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli is a masterful insight into the personal and professional life of one of India’s finest filmmakers. This Netflix documentary is a must-watch if you love modern Indian cinema and SS Rajamouli or wish to know more about the master craftsman.