S S Rajamouli became a hero for many after he delivered the Baahubali films. Now he’s back with RRR. The expectations are humongous and thankfully, the much awaited films gives audiences a paisa vasool time!
The story of the movie: In 1920, in Adilabad Forest, the wife (Alison Doody) of a corrupt British officer Scott Buxton (Ray Stevenson) gets impressed by a tribal girl, Malli, of the Gond tribe. She takes away the girl with her to Delhi, much to the shock of her parents and the rest of the tribal members. Bheem (Jr NTR), who also belongs to the Gond tribe, promises to bring back Malli. He reaches Delhi and assumes the identity of Akhtar to avoid suspicion. He tries his best but fails to find Malli’s whereabouts. Meanwhile, A Rama Raju (Ram Charan) is a brave police officer, who’s also posted in Delhi. When the British learn about Bheem and his mission, they decide to find him at any cost. However, no one knows what Bheem looks like or his history. Finding him is next to impossible. Rama, however, takes up the challenge. He’s promised a post of Special Officer if he succeeds in his mission. Rama starts looking for Bheem. Interestingly, he does bump into Bheem but doesn’t realize that he’s his man. In fact, they strike up a deep friendship. Rama helps Bheem woo Jenny (Olivia Morris), who’s related to Scott. Bheem, meanwhile, saves the life of Rama after the latter suffers a snakebite. One day, Rama finds out that his best friend is none other than the one he’s searching for. Will he fulfill his duty while sacrificing his friendship or vice versa?
RRR doesn’t waste any time. The conflict is established in the very first scene. The entry of A Rama Rao is a bit illogical but audiences are sure to love it as it’s one of its kind. Bheem’s entry is also massy. The way Rama and Bheem meet while saving the child is outstanding, to say the least. The film continues to be engaging as Bheem falls in love with Jenny and even enters the palace while searching for Malli. The intermission point is arguably the best ever. It’s going to create a frenzy in cinemas! Post-interval, the film dips a bit but soon comes on track as Bheem escapes from jail. The last 45 minutes are terrific with the climax fight enhancing the mass quotient of the film.
Speaking of performances, both Jr NTR and Ram Charan have given highly memorable performances. Jr NTR is in full form and plays a difficult role with ease. Ram Charan, too, puts his best forward. Both are quite good in the action scenes but watch out for them in the scenes where they are vulnerable. It’s these moments that contribute to the success of their performances. Alia Bhatt (Sita) has a supporting part but it contributes immensely to the narrative. Performance-wise, she’s first rate. Ajay Devgn (Venkat Ram Raju) is superb in a special appearance. Alison Doody and Ray Stevenson are apt as the antagonists. Olivia Morris is lovely. Varun Buddhadev (Young Rama) leaves a mark. The actors playing Malli, Lachhu and officer Robert are fine. Shriya Saran is okay in a special appearance.
M M Kreem‘s music is of chartbuster variety. ‘Naacho Naacho’ has already become a party anthem and is very well shot and thought of. ‘Dosti’ is quite entertaining, ‘Janani’ is touching. ‘Komuram Bheemudo’ comes at a great point and is memorable. ‘Raamam Raaghavam’ is played in the opening credits. ‘Sholay’ is foot-tapping and the tribute to the freedom fighters of various regions of India is a great idea. M M Kreem‘s background score is dramatic and has a cinematic feel. Special mention should also go to the visually stunning cinematography, especially in ‘Naacho Naacho’.
K K Senthil Kumar‘s cinematography is spectacular and adds to the grandeur. Sabu Cyril‘s production design is authentic. Rama Rajamouli‘s costumes are well researched. VFX is out of this world and matches global standards. Action is a bit gory but also one of the strengths of the film. A Sreekar Prasad‘s editing is fine but at some places, the film should have been shortened for a better impact.
V Vijayendra Prasad‘s story is outstanding and fit for a big, grand film. S S Rajamouli‘s screenplay is extremely gripping and full of massy moments. The expert writer has ensured that audiences get tons of entertainment at each and every step. Yet, he has also taken care that not a single masala scene seems out of place. Each action and dramatic sequence is well infused in the narrative. Riya Mukherjee‘s Hindi dialogues are sharp.
S S Rajamouli‘s direction, as expected, is terrific. He had set a benchmark with the Baahubali films. To even reach near this franchise is a difficult task. S S Rajamouli, however, manages to deliver a film that is as legendary as his previous blockbuster. The way he has executed the story is seen to be believed. The characters are well fleshed out and hence, one is constantly rooting for them. He scores even in the emotional moments and it adds to the impact. However, where S S Rajamouli really succeeds is by upping the entertainment value like never before. Certain sequences will take your breath away. One has to see it to believe it as it’s unlike anything viewers have experienced in the past!
Sadly, there are certain blemishes in the narrative. At 181 minutes, the film is too lengthy and the pace dips at the beginning of the second half. A few developments are bewildering. One can understand why Bheem hid his intentions from Rama. However, it is strange that Rama never revealed his work to Bheem. Bheem never even asked once what Rama does for a living! A few massy scenes are sure to get whistles and claps but some of them defy logic and how. Hence, a tiny section of the audience might be put off. The violence is also a bit disturbing at places. Thankfully, these are minor complaints and doesn’t really affect the experience.
On the whole, RRR (Hindi) is a paisa vasool entertainer and has everything that audiences expect from a big-budget, commercial entertainer. In fact, it also boasts of the best interval scene ever arguably in the history of Indian cinema! Missing this film in cinemas would be criminal. Grab your ticket immediately and have a rocking time!
My rating – **** ½ out of 5!