By Steve Crum

To say, as one source does, that RRR, dubbed in English, is a “Telugu-language, epic action drama film” limits the scope of this wowser of a motion picture. RRR is as described plus so much more. Factor in its love story, patriotism and originality. Then there are the spectacular CGI effects (particularly the wild animals) and the memorable music. 

The singing and dancing were superb enough to elicit a deserved Oscar nomination.

AND we get two leading men (N. T. Rama Rao Jr. & Ram Chardan) who play superheroes. Forget Marvel and DC, these guys have abilities far beyond mortal…well, you know the line. 

Direction and screenplay is by S. S. Rajamouli, who helmed the film’s 182-minutes into a work that resulted in the most expensive Indian film of all time. However, it has already made a profit due to worldwide box office. 

The film’s plot is somewhat complex, at least in the beginning. Bear with it. By that time, you should be used to Rajamouli’s rapid pace and surprises. For example, young Malli (Tinkle Sharma), is kidnapped by the British Governor Scott Buxton. Cut to Komaram Bheem as he is literally face to face with a ferocious (emphasis on ferocious) tiger in the woods. Like other sequences in RRR, the action is played out meticulously and to nail biting conclusion. I won’t say who wins the battle, but remember that Bheem IS one of the aforementioned “superheroes.” He is on a trek to government headquarters to rescue said Malli. 

So we do get a historical sense that RRR is at its core another story of the British Empire once again at odds with India during its notorious Crown Rule/Raja that lasted two centuries.    In this case, the young girl is violently taken from her family because the Brit governor’s wife likes the girl’s painting talent. 

Before Bheem arrives at the governor’s mansion, we get a sample of the supernatural physical power of Raju—a British officer who is actually Indian by birth. Let us just say he is a one-man army concerning violent crowd control. (See it to believe it.) 

There are sequences wherein the opposing two meet and join forces (the brilliantly choreographed river rescue of a little boy). But the entire set-up we anticipate is when they have an ultimate confrontation. Who will win? 

However, however, however—there are complications and coincidences at work. That is the heart and soul of this great adventure laden with fantasy.

Perhaps the strangest inclusion is when the two heroes team to lead an infectious dance of the Oscar nominated Naatu Naatu. Strange or not, it is awesome. 

Bravo for the visionary work of S. S. Rajamouli. 

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By the way, the film’s title signifies “Rise, Roar, Revolt.” 

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GRADE on an A-F Scale: A

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