Tollywood

‘RRR’ Review: A visually stunning, exhilarating epic

To borrow from Aditya Chopra in his short review of Hum Aapke Hain Koun (1994), “It’s a mind-blowing film, a complete entertainer [which] deserves all the success it gets”. This description is apt for the latest Indian Tollywood epic titled RRR.

Directed by S.S Rajamouli, the film is a large scale period action drama that outshines even his record-breaking Baahubali. Its seemingly strange title, RRR, originates from the director’s initials (Rajamouli) and the two protagonists (RamCharan and RamaRao). The three-letter title also stands for Roudram Ranam Rudhiram (Rage war Blood) and Rise Roar Revolt in the film’s Telugu and Hindi versions, respectively.

Firmly placed in Rajamouli’s style of high fantasy, elaborate set design and spectacular CGI, the film is visually stunning and exhilarating. The story is a historical fiction set in the 1920s British India, with Alluri Sitarama Raju (Played by Ram Charan) and Komaram Bheem (Played by N.T Rama Rao Jr.) as the leading characters. Two Indian revolutionary leaders who fought against the British colonial rule at the time inspired these characters.

Plot:

Sitarama Raju (Ram Charan) is an anti-British rebel leader disguised as a loyal police officer of the Crown. Komaram Bheem (N.T. Rama Rao Jr.), on another side, is a freedom fighter from the Gond tribe on a mission to attack the British colonial rulers and rescue a girl, Malli, who they enslave. Unfortunately, the British authorities get information about his mission, and their fearless cop, Raju, takes up the challenge to search and arrest him to get a promotion. However, Raju and Bheem become friends as they are unaware of each other’s true identities.

Later on, Bheem reveals his mission to Raju and goes on to attack the British. Raju chases him and succeeds in arresting him after a fierce face-off. Therefore, the British government promotes him to a senior officer, not knowing that he, too, is plotting against them. The story continues…

The film is indeed an exciting movie full of breathtaking adventures. It proves enthralling right from the beginning when it introduces Ram Charan in a crowd scene, where he bravely manhandles thousands of protesters to catch one of them. It then continues with the equally rousing NTR’s introduction scene showing his encounter with wild beasts. It keeps the magic with another thrilling sequence in which the two heroes team up to save a boy from a ghastly train accident. All these, even before the climax! Indeed, director S.S Rajamouli has shown his unrivalled directorial talent in this movie.

The efficient, exciting performance of the two musclebound leading actors (Ram Charan and Rama Rao) makes this film a huge success. They effortlessly excel in the skillfully choreographed action sequences throughout the action-packed movie.

Without mincing words, RRR is a fascinating, thoroughly entertaining movie that keeps the viewer hooked throughout. You will immensely enjoy it. Don’t miss out! Rating 4/5.

Reviewed by:

Habibu Maaruf Abdu

(Kano, Nigeria)

habibumaaruf11@gmail.com