Netflix is finally here with one of the most-anticipated documentaries about the living legend and visionary filmmaker, SS Rajamouli. The documentary titled Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli tells the vibrant tale of a master craftsman in his journey from being a daily soap director to a global sensation.

The documentary comprises several interviews featuring celebrities including stars like Prabhas, Ram Charan, Jr NTR, and Rana Daggubati. Along with the SS Rajamouli, MM Keeravani, Karan Johar, James Cameron, and Joe Russo are also interviewed by film journalist Anupama Chopra.

Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli – Review

The documentary Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli starts off slow, introducing the audience to the reception that RRR had received for its release in Japan. The documentary starts with Rajamouli, Jr NTR, and Ram Charan attending a screening of the film in Japan, meeting the audience. It then shifts to the actual show, feat. various interviews and montages of footage, photos, and videos.

Retracing his steps to the formative years, SS Rajamouli is interviewed on his childhood days, personal life, and relationships with his team. He recounts how he was brought up in a family that was embedded in cinema values and a deep sense of storytelling.

Owing to his initial growth towards his mother, Rajamouli defines how she was an integral part of his knack for storytelling and would prompt him to play outside and hear stories. The director also recounts the formative years his father, famous writer Vijayendra Prasad had to face in terms of working in cinema.

As their family was not reaping success for the movies they had envisioned making, the director shifted from Chennai to Hyderabad to make a living for himself, which launched the early stages of his career. The start of his directing journey began when he collaborated with Raghavendra Rao in a short film for the Andhra Pradesh government.

Making his way into direction, the avid craftsman worked as the director for the serial Santhi Nivasam and later moved into commercial cinema with Student No. 1 starring Jr NTR.

What works in the documentary

The documentary does not only capture the essence of his films and how they transformed the landscape of Telugu movies but also emphasizes the relationships he had developed with his craft.

The interviews of the documentary feature actors like Jr NTR, Ram Charan, Rana Daggubati, and Prabhas. While the Darling actor calls the director a ‘mad man’ for his way of working, NTR and Ram depict how the man is a stickler for perfectionism and would take multiple takes till it is just the way he wants.

Other than the stars, the documentary also features filmmakers like James Cameron, Joe Russo, and Karan Johar talking about the euphoric nature of his movies and the grandeur at which they scaled up. Calling him a visionary and a legend, the filmmakers tout him to be one of a kind in our generation.

The Avatar director even added on feeling honored after hearing SS Rajamouli is considered the ‘James Cameron of India’, for his spectacles and craft over the years.

With various details about his films like Simhadri, Eega, Magadheera, and Baahubali 1 and Baahubali 2 being discussed, we also see a different angle towards the director in his personal life. On account of the words of his wife Rama, son Karthikeya, and father Vijayendra Prasad, the documentary reveals much more about the artist within him and what makes him human.

On account of his personal life, the director also sheds light on his atheistic values while also being profoundly fascinated by interesting mythology characters. Furthermore, the director also talks about the initial challenges they faced after Baahubali 1’s release, the casteist and misogynistic remarks made against it, and how it was all misunderstood by some strata of people.

What doesn’t work in the documentary

Even though the 1 hour and 14-minute long documentary largely covers the highs and lows of the director’s life, it does fail to mention some of his greatest hits like Chatrapathi, Vikramarkudu, and Yamadonga.

Far from discussing details about them, these movies were not even mentioned in the documentary, making it feel like a large part of his filmography was being missed out on.

The Verdict

If you are an aspiring filmmaker or have a general love for the craft and making of films by SS Rajamouli, then this documentary is surely made for you.

The documentary not only gives some BTS developments of some blockbuster films but also relates to the account of struggling to land a foothold, even if one’s a legend.

Check out the trailer of Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli here:

Earlier in June, Ajay Devgn started shooting for the much-awaited sequel to the Diwali 2012 release Son of Sardaar. Titled Son of Sardaar 2, the Vijay Kumar Arora directorial is touted to be an out and out family entertainer with Mrunal Thakur as the female lead and Sanjay Dutt in key role. And now, we have exclusively learnt that Ajay Devgn and director Vijay Kumar Arora have got a big ensemble cast on board the film.

Son of Sardaar 2 team casts 11 actors for key roles

According to sources close to the development, Son of Sardaar 2 will feature Vijay Raaz, Ravi Kishan, Deepak Dobriyal, Kubbra Sait, Vindu Dara Singh, Mukul Dev, Roshni Walia and Ashwini Kalsekar in key roles alongside Ajay Devgn, Sanjay Dutt and Mrunal Thakur. “Son of Sardaar 2 is a strong family entertainer and the makers have got a strong ensemble cast on board. The plot of this comic caper rides on quirky characters and the humor is a result of the inter-character dynamics. The Son of Sardaar 2 team has cast actors based on their ability to pull off the comic sequences with conviction and are confident to take the audience on a funny ride in 2025,” revealed a source close to the development.

Son of Sardaar 2 to be shot in India and Scotland

The source further added that Son of Sardaar 2 is currently on floors in Scotland. The film is produced by Jio Studios with Devgn Films, NR Pachisia and Pravin Talreja. “The film will be shot primarily in Scotland, as the team intends to shoot for the film in the country till the end of August. After calling it a wrap on the international leg, they kick off the second schedule in Mumbai, followed by the next round of leg in multiple cities of North India,” the source added.

Son of Sardaar 2 is slated to hit the big screens in the second half of 2025. Sources inform that the camaraderie between Ajay Devgn and Sanjay Dutt will be among the major highlights of the film, as a treat for the audience. Apart from SOS 2, Ajay Devgn has Singham Again, Raid 2, De De Pyaar 2, Total Dhamaal and Golmaal 5 under his kitty. Stay tuned to Pinkvilla for more updates.