S.S. Rajamouli is one of the most popular and successful film directors in Indian cinema, known for his exceptional filmmaking skills and larger-than-life storytelling.
Here are some of S.S. Rajamouli's best movies:
Baahubali: The Beginning:
Baahubali: The Beginning is a 2015 epic action film directed by S.S. Rajamouli and produced by Shobu Yarlagadda and Prasad Devineni. It stars Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty, Tamannaah Bhatia, and Sathyaraj in lead roles. The film is the first part of a two-part series, with Baahubali: The Conclusion released in 2017. Baahubali: The Beginning is one of the most successful and critically acclaimed Indian films of all time and for good reason.
The film begins with the story of a queen, Sivagami (played by Ramya Krishnan), who takes an orphaned baby boy under her wing and raises him as her own. The boy is named Shivudu (Mahendra Baahubali) (Prabhas) and grows up to be a strong and skilled warrior, although he is unaware of his true identity. He lives in a small village and dreams of climbing the nearby waterfall, which is believed to be impossible to scale.
One day, while attempting to climb the waterfall, Shivudu comes across Avantika (Tamannaah Bhatia), a rebel warrior who is on a mission to rescue the queen's captive daughter, Devasena (Anushka Shetty). Shivudu is immediately smitten with Avantika and decides to help her in her mission. Together, they set out on a dangerous journey to rescue Devasena from the clutches of the evil Bhallaladeva (Rana Daggubati), who is the son of Sivagami's late husband's brother.
As the story progresses, we learn that Shivudu is actually the son of Baahubali, the former king of Mahishmati, who was betrayed and killed by his own brother Bhallaladeva. Shivudu's mother was killed by Bhallaladeva's men after she gave birth to him, but Sivagami saved the baby and raised him as her own. Shivudu, now aware of his true identity, decides to avenge his father's death and defeat Bhallaladeva.
The film is a visual treat, with stunning cinematography, elaborate sets, and breathtaking action sequences. The battle scenes are especially impressive, with thousands of soldiers fighting on screen in intricate formations. The film's music, composed by M.M. Keeravani, is also exceptional, with memorable songs and a powerful background score that enhances the emotional impact of the story.
The performances by the lead actors are also top-notch. Prabhas, in particular, shines as Shivudu/Baahubali, bringing both physicality and emotional depth to the role. Rana Daggubati is equally impressive as the villainous Bhallaladeva, exuding a menacing presence and delivering a nuanced performance. Anushka Shetty and Tamannaah Bhatia also give strong performances as the two female leads.
One of the standout elements of Baahubali: The Beginning is its world-building. The film creates a rich and detailed universe, with its own mythology, customs, and politics. The kingdom of Mahishmati is brought to life with intricate set designs and beautiful costumes, and the film's attention to detail is impressive.
Another notable aspect of the film is its portrayal of women. While Indian cinema has often been criticized for its treatment of female characters, Baahubali: The Beginning features several strong and complex women who are integral to the story. Sivagami, in particular, is a formidable character who commands respect and is not afraid to use her power to protect her people.
Baahubali: The Conclusion
Baahubali: The Conclusion is the second part of the epic Baahubali franchise, directed by S.S. Rajamouli and produced by Shobu Yarlagadda and Prasad Devineni. The film stars Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty, Tamannaah Bhatia, and Sathyaraj in lead roles, and continues the story from where the first film, Baahubali: The Beginning, left off. Baahubali: The Conclusion was released in 2017 and went on to become one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time, grossing over 1 billion USD worldwide.
The film picks up where the first one left off, with Shivudu (Prabhas) discovering his true identity as Mahendra Baahubali, the son of the late king Amarendra Baahubali (also played by Prabhas). Mahendra is now determined to avenge his father's death at the hands of his evil uncle, Bhallaladeva (Rana Daggubati), and reclaim the throne of Mahishmati.
The film's narrative is split between two timelines - the present, where Mahendra is preparing to face off against Bhallaladeva, and the past, where we see the events that led up to Amarendra Baahubali's downfall. Through flashbacks, we learn more about the relationship between Amarendra and Bhallaladeva, and the machinations that led to Amarendra's tragic end.
One of the standout elements of Baahubali: The Conclusion is its sheer scale. The film is a visual spectacle, with breathtaking action sequences, elaborate sets, and stunning visual effects. The battle scenes, in particular, are a sight to behold, with armies of soldiers clashing in epic battles. The film's music, composed by M.M. Keeravani, is also a highlight, with memorable songs and a powerful background score that adds to the film's emotional impact.
The performances by the lead actors are once again exceptional. Prabhas is magnetic as both Amarendra Baahubali and Mahendra Baahubali, bringing both physicality and emotional depth to the roles. Rana Daggubati continues to impress as the villainous Bhallaladeva, while Anushka Shetty delivers a standout performance as the brave and determined Devasena. Tamannaah Bhatia also has a strong presence as the warrior princess Avantika.
The film's themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and power are explored with greater depth in Baahubali: The Conclusion. We see the consequences of betrayal and the toll that power can take on those who wield it. The film also delves deeper into the mythology of the Baahubali universe, introducing new characters and exploring new territories.
One of the most memorable aspects of the film is its climax, which features a stunning action sequence involving a chariot, a bridge, and a waterfall. The sequence is a masterclass in visual storytelling, with the action unfolding in a way that is both thrilling and emotionally satisfying.
Another notable element of Baahubali: The Conclusion is its portrayal of women. Like the first film, the female characters in the sequel are strong and complex, with their own motivations and agency. Devasena, in particular, is a standout character, as she fights to protect her people and stand up against injustice.
In conclusion, Baahubali: The Conclusion is a worthy follow-up to the first film and a testament to the vision and skill of director S.S. Rajamouli and his team. The film is a visual feast, with stunning cinematography, elaborate sets, and breathtaking action.
RRR:
RRR is an Indian epic period action film that was released in 2022. Directed by S.S. Rajamouli, the film stars Jr. NTR, Ram Charan, Alia Bhatt, and Ajay Devgn in lead roles. Set in the pre-independence era of India, the film is based on the stories of Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram Bheem, two revolutionary freedom fighters from South India.
The film's plot follows the lives of Alluri and Komaram, who fought against the British Raj and the Nizam of Hyderabad respectively, during the 1920s. The film portrays the struggles and sacrifices made by the two freedom fighters in their quest for justice and equality.
Jr. NTR plays the role of Komaram Bheem, while Ram Charan plays the role of Alluri Sitarama Raju. Alia Bhatt portrays the character of Sita, a character inspired by real-life author and activist, Kuppamal. Ajay Devgn is also part of the cast, playing a pivotal yet-to-be-revealed role.
RRR is known for its spectacular action sequences, which are a trademark of Rajamouli's films. The film features intense hand-to-hand combat, horseback chases, and explosive battle scenes, which have been executed with great finesse.
M.M. Keeravani, who has previously worked with Rajamouli on Baahubali: The Beginning and Baahubali: The Conclusion, composed the music for RRR. The soundtrack of the film was a major highlight, with Keeravani's talent for creating memorable and emotive soundtracks being evident throughout.
The film also makes extensive use of visual effects, with advanced motion capture technology and state-of-the-art visual effects being used to create a visually stunning cinematic experience.
RRR was released in multiple languages, including Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, and several others. The film was highly anticipated by audiences and critics alike, owing to Rajamouli's track record of creating cinematic experiences that transcend language and cultural barriers.
Overall, RRR was a massive success at the box office, grossing over ₹800 crore (US$107 million) worldwide. The film received critical acclaim for its action sequences, music, and visual effects, as well as for its portrayal of the lives of two revolutionary freedom fighters who played a significant role in India's struggle for independence.
Magadheera:
Magadheera is a 2009 Telugu-language epic action film directed by S.S. Rajamouli. The film features Ram Charan and Kajal Aggarwal in the lead roles, with Dev Gill, Srihari, and Sarath Babu in supporting roles. The film's plot revolves around a young warrior named Kala Bhairava who falls in love with a princess named Mithravinda and the obstacles they face in their love story.
The film starts with a scene where a group of archaeologists discovers a coffin in the ruins of an old fort. Inside the coffin is the mummified body of a warrior. The story then shifts to 400 years ago, where Kala Bhairava, a warrior from the kingdom of Udayghad, is deeply in love with Mithravinda, the princess of the Kandhahar kingdom.
The two lovers face many obstacles, including Mithravinda's engagement to another prince. Despite this, Kala Bhairava and Mithravinda are determined to be together. However, their love story is cut short when Kala Bhairava is betrayed and killed by the traitorous chief minister of Udayghad, Ranadev Billa.
In the present day, the archaeologists who discovered the coffin realize that the mummified body inside it belongs to Kala Bhairava. The story then takes a supernatural turn when Kala Bhairava's spirit is summoned from the past to the present day to seek revenge against Ranadev Billa, who has been reincarnated as Ghora.
The rest of the film follows Kala Bhairava as he seeks revenge against Ghora and also tries to reunite with his love, Mithravinda, who has been reincarnated as Indu. The film is packed with action, romance, and supernatural elements, making it a captivating watch from start to finish.
Magadheera was a massive commercial success, grossing over ₹1.5 billion (US$21 million) worldwide. The film received critical acclaim for its screenplay, visual effects, and performances. Ram Charan's portrayal of Kala Bhairava was widely appreciated by both audiences and critics. His performance in the film established him as one of the leading actors in Telugu cinema.
The film's music, composed by M.M. Keeravani, was also a major highlight. The songs "Bangaru Kodipetta" and "Dheera Dheera" became instant hits and are still popular among audiences today.
One of the major reasons for the film's success was its direction by S.S. Rajamouli. The film showcased his ability to create grandiose action sequences and emotionally resonant storylines. The film's use of visual effects was also highly praised, as it set a new standard for visual effects in Telugu cinema.
In conclusion, Magadheera is a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences with its engaging story, exceptional performances, and breathtaking visual effects. The film's success paved the way for more Telugu films to explore grandiose themes and epic action sequences, making it a significant milestone in Telugu cinema.
Chatrapathi:
Chatrapathi is a 2005 Telugu-language action film directed by S.S. Rajamouli. The film stars Prabhas and Shriya Saran in lead roles, with Bhanupriya, Pradeep Rawat, and Kota Srinivasa Rao in supporting roles. The story of the film revolves around a young man named Sivaji who is separated from his family during his childhood and grows up in the slums of Sri Lanka. He becomes a powerful leader of the local fishermen and fights against oppressive government officials to protect his people.
The film begins with a flashback where Sivaji (Prabhas) is seen as a child who is separated from his mother in a riot. He grows up in Sri Lanka, living in a fishing village with his adoptive mother. After years of living a peaceful life, Sivaji's world turns upside down when his mother is killed in a police encounter. In an act of revenge, Sivaji kills the police officer who was responsible for his mother's death and becomes a fugitive.
Sivaji, along with his group of fishermen, is forced to flee to the sea to escape the wrath of the government officials. During their journey, they are attacked by a group of pirates and Sivaji is taken captive. He is sold as a slave to a wealthy merchant named Baji Rao (Bhanupriya) who recognizes Sivaji's strength and courage. She takes him under her wing and trains him to become a powerful fighter.
As Sivaji gains strength and popularity, he becomes a symbol of hope for the people of Sri Lanka who are oppressed by corrupt officials. Sivaji leads a rebellion against the corrupt government officials, and in the process, he reunites with his lost brother and mother.
The film's narrative is packed with action, suspense, and drama, making it an engaging watch from start to finish. The film's plot is well crafted, with the right balance of action and emotion. The film's use of striking visuals and well-choreographed action sequences adds to its overall appeal.
Prabhas' performance in the film is noteworthy. He delivers a powerful portrayal of Sivaji, a character who is complex, layered, and driven by a sense of justice. His performance is complemented by Shriya Saran, who plays Sivaji's love interest, and Bhanupriya, who portrays the role of Baji Rao, the merchant who takes Sivaji under her wing.
The film's music, composed by M.M. Keeravani, is another highlight. The songs "Veyi Kannulatho" and "Andham Hindolam" became instant hits and are still popular among audiences today.
Chatrapathi was a commercial success, grossing over ₹40 crore (US$5.6 million) at the box office. The film received critical acclaim for its direction, performances, and action sequences. The film's success established Prabhas as one of the leading actors in Telugu cinema and cemented S.S. Rajamouli's reputation as a director who can deliver grandiose action films.
In conclusion, Chatrapathi is a must-watch film for fans of action and drama. The film's engaging plot, striking visuals, and well-choreographed action sequences make it an exciting watch. Prabhas' performance, complemented by the strong supporting cast, adds depth and emotional resonance to the film. The film's success set a new benchmark for Telugu cinema and established S.S. Rajamouli as a master of the action genre.
Eega:
Eega, also known as Naan Ee in Tamil and Eecha in Malayalam, is a 2012 Telugu-language fantasy film directed by S.S. Rajamouli. The film stars Nani, Samantha, and Sudeep in lead roles. The story follows a man who is reincarnated as a housefly after being killed by his rival, and how he seeks revenge against his murderer.
The film opens with a scene where a woman named Bindu (Samantha) is haunted by a recurring dream of a housefly. She then meets a man named Nani (Nani) and they fall in love. However, their happiness is short-lived when a wealthy businessman named Sudeep (Sudeep) develops an interest in Bindu and becomes jealous of Nani. Sudeep tries to eliminate Nani by trapping him in a box and burning him alive. However, Nani is reincarnated as a housefly and begins to torment Sudeep to get his revenge.
The film's plot may sound strange, but it is a testament to Rajamouli's creativity and ability to tell a compelling story. The film is visually stunning, with the housefly as the central character providing a unique perspective. The use of CGI to create the housefly's character and to depict the world from his point of view is impressive.
The film's music, composed by M.M. Keeravani, is another highlight. The songs "Eega Eega" and "Konchem Konchem" became instant hits and are still popular among audiences today.
The performances in the film are also noteworthy. Nani delivers an outstanding performance as the housefly, conveying a range of emotions through his facial expressions and body language. Samantha is charming and delightful in her role as Bindu, and Sudeep is convincing as the antagonist.
One of the most impressive aspects of Eega is the way in which Rajamouli blends humor with action and drama. The film is filled with moments of levity that provide much-needed relief from the intense action and drama. The film's use of satire is particularly effective, with Sudeep's character representing the corrupt and power-hungry elite who will stop at nothing to get what they want.
Eega was a critical and commercial success, grossing over ₹1 billion (US$14 million) at the box office. The film received critical acclaim for its direction, performances, and special effects. The film won several awards, including the National Film Award for Best Special Effects.
In conclusion, Eega is a unique and entertaining film that showcases Rajamouli's creativity and ability to tell a compelling story. The film's stunning visuals, impressive special effects, and standout performances make it a must-watch for fans of Telugu cinema. The film's success established Rajamouli as a director who can deliver a film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Eega is a true gem in the Telugu film industry and is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a good fantasy film.
Vikramarkudu:
Vikramarkudu is a 2006 Telugu-language action film directed by S.S. Rajamouli. The film stars Ravi Teja and Anushka Shetty in lead roles, with Vineet Kumar and Prakash Raj in supporting roles. The film tells the story of a police officer who takes on a dangerous criminal in order to protect the people of his village.
The film begins with a police officer named Vikram Singh Rathod (Ravi Teja) who is assigned to a remote village to deal with a group of criminals led by a notorious gangster named Musafir (Vineet Kumar). The villagers are terrorized by Musafir and his gang, who have been extorting money from them for years. Vikram decides to take on the criminals and begins to investigate their activities.
As Vikram begins to uncover the truth about Musafir and his gang, he learns that Musafir is actually a lookalike of a wealthy businessman named Ranbir Singh (also played by Vineet Kumar). Ranbir has been missing for several years, and Musafir has been impersonating him in order to gain access to his wealth.
Vikram realizes that the only way to defeat Musafir is to find Ranbir and bring him back to the village. He travels to the city and manages to track down Ranbir's wife (Anushka Shetty), who is shocked to learn that her husband has a criminal double. With her help, Vikram manages to locate Ranbir and brings him back to the village.
In the film's climax, Vikram and Ranbir team up to take on Musafir and his gang. The action-packed sequence features several thrilling fight scenes and a dramatic showdown between the two lookalikes.
Vikramarkudu is a well-crafted film that showcases Rajamouli's ability to deliver a fast-paced action thriller. The film is filled with suspense, drama, and plenty of action, which keeps the audience engaged throughout. Ravi Teja delivers a standout performance as the police officer Vikram, conveying both toughness and vulnerability in equal measure. Anushka Shetty is also impressive in her role as Ranbir's wife, bringing depth and nuance to her character.
The film's music, composed by M.M. Keeravani, is another highlight. The songs "Jum Jum Maya" and "Dhillana Dhillana" became instant hits and are still popular among audiences today. The film's cinematography, by Senthil Kumar, is also noteworthy, with the visuals capturing the rugged beauty of the village and the gritty realism of the action scenes.
Vikramarkudu was a commercial success, grossing over ₹50 crores (US$7.5 million) at the box office. The film received critical acclaim for its direction, performances, and action sequences. It won several awards, including the Filmfare Award for Best Director - Telugu for Rajamouli.
In conclusion, Vikramarkudu is a thrilling action film that showcases Rajamouli's talents as a director. The film's engaging storyline, impressive performances, and thrilling action sequences make it a must-watch for fans of Telugu cinema. Ravi Teja's performance as Vikram is particularly noteworthy, cementing his status as one of Telugu cinema's leading action stars. With its high-octane action and gripping storyline, Vikramarkudu is a true gem in the Telugu film industry.
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