If you have read any of my reviews as of late, you know that I have lamented Hollywood’s constant need to play it safe. I have also discussed on Twitter (on numerous occasions) that there aren’t as many fun movies anymore. Many have often lamented the success of IPs such as “the Fast and Furious” franchise and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, claiming that studios lack originality and variety. While there is certainly some truth to this, it’s also worth noting that the many moviegoers fuel this fire with their wallets despite films such as “The Northman”, “Malignant”, or many of A24’s offerings hitting theaters. However, I feel like the tide is slowly turning. Last year, a South Korean Drama started making all sorts of noise around the world. The show in question was the Netflix series “Squid Game”. Many people praised the show for its writing, characters, and narrative. It also felt like a breath of fresh air for many seeking something different from the usual mainstream fare that was popular stateside. Ever since then, K-dramas have risen in popularity.
This brings us to the latest global phenomenon from director S.S. Rajamouli: “RRR”. A Tollywood Blockbuster from India, “RRR” (Rise. Roar. Revolt) has been garnering enthusiasm from across the globe ever since it hit theaters this past March. With a massive worldwide opening of ₹240 crores (US$31 million), “RRR” continuously broke records at the global Box Office. As a matter of fact, the enthusiasm has become so great that select US theaters have planned a re-release on June 1st named the “RRR Encore”. That, in itself, is pretty rare for a foreign film that isn’t an awards season favorite.
Taking place in the 1920s, predating India’s independence, “RRR” is about two legendary revolutionaries and their journey away from home. Komrarem Baheem (NTR) is a leader of the Gond tribe from Telangana who embarks on a journey to rescue a little girl that has been kidnapped by the British. Alluri Sitarama Raju (Ram Charan) is a revolutionary leader from Andhra Pradesh who plans on infiltrating the British Army in order to take down Governor Scott Buxton (Ray Stevenson). As soon as they cross paths, a friendship forms between them, making headway for an epic revolution.
For starters, Both leads do an incredible job bringing the historical figures to life. NTR (N. T. Rama Rao Jr.) as Baheem is the heart of the film. He’s very likable when it comes to being a kind and compassionate leader of the Gond tribe. As for Ram Charan’s Raju, he’s got plenty of charisma and a magnetic screen presence. Both actors do a hell of a job selling the thrilling and ludicrous action that this film has to offer as well. Another standout is Olivia Morris who plays Jenny, a British woman who ends up being Baheem’s love interest. She and NTR have great chemistry but, we don’t see a lot of her. Similar to Ana De Armas in “No Time To Die”, her screen time is just right: not too little, which would be detrimental to character development, nor too much to the point of overstaying her welcome.
The film is an absolute gonzo spectacle of Wall-to-wall action. We’re talking about one guy flip kicking motorcycles in one scene and one guy jumping out of a Jeep (mid-crash) who proceeds to whip out his rifle and shoot. The amount of absurdity that director S.S. Rajamouli commits to with “RRR” is so vast, that it puts the recent entry of the “Fast & Furious” franchise to shame. Throughout its sprawling 3-hour and 5-minute runtime, There was not a dull moment in sight.
Beneath the bombastic spectacle, however, is the true reason why “RRR” is winning over audiences all over the world: Heart. The film’s central characters have a similar goal, but they learn from each other as the film progresses. The film’s heroes’ journey storyline feels a lot fresher here than it does in a lot of what Hollywood has produced lately. The screenplay wastes no time fleshing out its central characters, putting them through all sorts of obstacles that they must overcome, giving the audience not one but two emotionally satisfying character arcs.
There is a lot to say about “RRR”: a fun historical fiction epic from S.S. Rajamouli. The action set pieces are entertaining to watch and rival a majority of what Hollywood has put out currently. The lead characters are not only likable but, are only elevated by strong performances and a tightly written script. The narrative, just like the action, is also engaging. There were very few times within the second act where I felt the film’s epic run time. However, once the third act kicks in, the rest of the film zips through. So, is “RRR” worth the hype? Absolutely! If you can find it in a theater, definitely go. If not, “RRR” is now streaming on Netflix and ZEE5.
Final Verdict:
A fictionalized historical epic, “RRR” is a gleefully insane film with great performances, a well-crafted screenplay, and a ton of heart.