By Habibu Maaruf Abdu
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 very apt for the latest Indian Tollywood epic ‘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 initials of the director (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 the1920s British India, with the leading characters; Alluri Sitarama Raju (Played by Ram Charan), and Komaram Bheem (Played by N.T Rama Rao Jr.), being inspired by two Indian revolutionary leaders who fought against the British colonial rule at the time.
Plot:
Sitarama Raju (Ram Charan) is an anti-British rebel leader disguising 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 is enslaved by them. The British authorities gets information about his mission, and their fearless cop, Raju, takes up the challenge to search and arrest him in order to get a promotion. However, Raju and bheem become friends as they are unaware of each other’s true identity.
Later on, Bheem reveals his mission to Raju and goes on to attack the British. Raju chases him and succeeds in arresting him after extreme face-off. The British government, therefore, promote 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. And 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! Director, S.S Rajamouli, has really shown his unrivalled directorial talent in this movie.
Another big reason that makes this film a success is the effective performance from the two musclebound leading actors (Ram Charan and Rama Rao). They effortlessly excel in all the skilfully choreographed action sequences throughout the action-packed film.
Without mincing words, RRR is an engrossing, thoroughly entertaining movie that keeps the viewer hooked throughout. You will greatly enjoy it. Don’t miss out! Rating 4/5.
Reviewed by:
Habibu Maaruf Abdu
(Kano Nigeria)
habibumaaruf11@gmail