RRR Review {4.0/5} & Review Rating
Everyone’s discussing RRR for a solid reason: SS Rajamouli. He pioneered the trend of PAN-India films with BAAHUBALI and BAAHUBALI 2. The second part — the facts are known to all and sundry — holds the enviable record of being the highest grossing *Hindi* film.
Naturally, the expectations from RRR — his third PAN-India film in a row — are massive. Also because it marks the Hindi debut of Jr NTR and it happens to be the second Hindi outing of Ram Charan. Two hugely popular actors of the Telugu film industry.
Both, Jr NTR and Ram Charan reunite with Rajamouli after a gap. For the uninitiated, RRR is Jr NTR’s fourth film with the master storyteller, while Charan reunites with Rajamouli after the mega-success of MAGADHEERA.
There’s a lot at stake this time. BAAHUBALI [2015] arrived with zilch expectations at that point of time. RRR is carrying the baggage of expectations and also has to deliver the numbers, after the historic success of BAAHUBALI 2 [2017]. The important question is, does RRR live up to the lofty expectations?
Like BAAHUBALI [both parts], Rajamouli goes back in time with RRR. The difference is, it’s about two revolutionaries this time. Also, RRR is set in the pre-independence era [1920].
Now let’s come to the point…
RRR is a solid entertainer that doesn’t make you restless, despite a marathon run time. The screenplay is wonderfully constructed, the twists and turns are attention grabbing and the nail-biting episodes as well as superbly executed action pieces keep you mesmerised till the final credits roll. The best part is, you don’t know the plot [Rajamouli hasn’t revealed much either, pre-release], so what unfolds on screen catches you by complete surprise.
The plot, without revealing spoilers. The year is 1920. The British are ruling India. The wife [Alison Doody] of a British officer Scott Buxton [Ray Stevenson] gets impressed by a tribal girl, Malli. She forcibly takes the girl away to Delhi, much to the shock of her parents and the rest of the tribe.
Komaram Bheem [Jr NTR] — who belongs to the tribe — promises to bring back Malli. When the British learn about Bheem and his mission, they decide to trace him at any cost. However, no one knows what Bheem looks like. A police officer, Alluri Sitarama Raju [Ram Charan], takes up the challenge.
Rajamouli’s films are desi at heart and soaked in entertainment. RRR is no different. He knows what his audience expects from him, which explains why every sequence is loaded with entertainment. Wait, Rajamouli also knows well that mass moments minus emotions will backfire, which is why there’s a strong undercurrent of emotions in his films. RRR has it as well.
Rajamouli has a fantastic sense of narrating an epic tale, which is evident when you look at the visuals. The introduction of Ram Charan first and Jr NTR later leave you stunned thanks to the sheer magnificence.
RRR Hungama: Jr. NTR, S.S. Rajamouli & Ram Charan’s most entertaining interview | Alia Bhatt | Ajay Devgn
RRR contains enough worthy material to hold the moviegoer’s attention for most of its run time. The emotional component is well balanced with subtle humour, drama, action pieces and of course, some stunning visuals that leave you awe-struck.
Any hiccups? Yes, the pace slackens in the second act, after intermission. Besides, a few sequences in this hour aren’t too convincing. Sure, it’s an entertainer and one shouldn’t look for logic, but, a few portions lack the impact. Also, Alia Bhatt’s character could’ve done with better writing.
RRR rests on Jr NTR and Ram Charan’s brawny shoulders. Jr NTR is exceptional, pitches a sterling act that doesn’t miss a beat. He gives RRR the much-needed power. Ram Charan is fantastic. Electrifying in dramatic and action moments. Winsome act adds weightage. Also, you are left awestruck by Jr NTR and Ram Charan’s dancing skills in ‘Naacho Naacho’. The choreography of this song deserves distinction marks.
Also, the two actors have dubbed their lines in Hindi themselves and the diction as well as the flow of words are perfect.
Alia Bhatt doesn’t get much scope, while Ajay Devgn appears in a well-written cameo. Ray Stevenson [Scott] and Alison Doody [Lady Scott] are effective as the antagonists. Olivia Morris gets limited scope. Shriya Saran is okay in a cameo.
The soundtrack has a smash hit number in ‘Naacho Naacho’, while ‘Sholay’ [end credits] is an apt track to conclude the film. KK Senthil Kumar's cinematography is spectacular and does complete justice to the scale of the film. Sabu Cyril's production design is superb. Rama Rajamouli's costumes are well researched and the detailing catches your eye. VFX [V Srinivas Mohan] matches global standards. Action sequences are one of the strengths of the film.
On the whole, RRR is a teRRRific entertainer that’s meant for the big screen. The film has the merits to emerge a massive hit. Don’t miss it!
RRR Movie Review
