RRR (Rise Roar Revolt) is a film from S.S. Rajamouli and V. Vijayendra Prasad that tells a wildly fictitious tale of revolutionaries Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram Bheem. From start to finish, RRR boasts top-quality acting in every category imaginable.
The film takes place at a time when Europe, specifically the United Kingdom, was still drunk on colonizing the planet and desecrating every country where brown people resided. “The crown” at this time was exacting their terrorism in India. After a little girl named Malli (Twinkle Sharma) gets taken from the Gond tribe, a legendary tribal defender devotes his life to getting her back. This defender, Komaram Bheem, or simply Bheem (N.T. Rama Rao Jr.), is the type of hero that needs to be seen more often.
The introduction to Bheem was absolutely breathtaking. The fearless warrior wasn’t just quick, strong, or agile, but he was kind, humble, and when it came to defending his people, absolutely ruthless. The violence? Incredible. The fight scenes? Jaw-dropping. There’s action, drama, suspense, romance, and even a few plot twists.
To any doubters or naysayers of this film, if the masses at large are willing to sit back and watch a Marvel film with a “creative lens”, then watching a fictional friendship based on two actual revolutionary heroes should be given equal respect. Yes, outrunning tigers and stopping man-less motorcycles with your bare hands is a bit of a stretch, but nobody complains when Superman does it. My sentiments were echoed by the film’s director.
What I have come to understand from the movie’s popularity in the West is that people like watching characters doing extraordinary things. In American movies, superheroes do supernatural things, but the perception I got is that audiences really like seeing normal people doing extraordinary things.”
Director S.S. Rajamouli
Alluri Sitarama Raju (Ram Charan Teja) is a soldier that’s equally as formidable as Bheem. When the two cross paths, their connection is instant. From there, you’ll get to experience the two-and-a-half-hour bromance that you didn’t know you needed. You can learn more about the two real-life heroes in this article from the India Times.
This gorgeous piece of cinema boasts elegant costume design, larger-than-life action sequences, and the best dance battle of all time. RRR is all but a shoo-in for an award at the 95th Academy Awards. The film has brought home India’s first-ever Golden Globe award just yesterday for best original song – “Naatu Naatu”.
RRR gets a 10 out of 10. It’s outlandishly funny and wildly entertaining. There’s blood, there’s violence, and there’s even a musical number (or two), but at no point will you be bored during this three-hour extravaganza.
RRR is available to stream now on Netflix
-Jon Jones
Photos: Courtesy of Variance Films