RRR Review: S.S. Rajamouli’s Latest Is a GRRReat Time, but Isn’t without Faults
Editor's Note: Today, I'm excited to bring you the first in what I'm hoping to be a long-standing contributor - Beta-Critic, one of my critic friends, signed up to be a contributor back in July. Before we get into that, I wanted to address the elephant in the room. India, for whatever reason, has decided to submit Malin Kan's Last Film Show as their sole entry for the 95th Academy Awards for the International Feature Film category.
This means that the film will therefore be ineligible in that category. While it's not a death sentence for the film, it's certainly disappointing, given how much love the film has received online. To call this a fumble would be an understatement. However, there is good news: according to Variety, US distributors Sarigama Cinemas and Rafter Creations are submitting the film for Best Picture, Directing (S.S. Rajamouli), Original Screenplay (Rajamouli and V. Vijayendra Prasad), Lead Actor (both N.T. Rama Rao Jr and Ram Charan), Supporting Actor (Ajay Devgn), Supporting Actress (Alia Bhatt), Best Original Song ("Natu Naatu"), Best Original Score (M.M. Keeravaani), Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Film Editing, Best Costume Design, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Sound, and Best Visual Effects.
Beta-Critic's review of RRR follows.
I am not surprised at the overwhelming praise this movie has been getting recognition from all quarters, especially from the American audience, because this film was such a treat to watch on the big screen. Every scene got raucous applause from the audience. The atmosphere was electrifying and one of the most memorable cinematic experiences after Spider-Man: No Way Home and Avengers: Endgame.
Underneath the commercial facade, RRR is a journey of two persons with distinctive personalities toward their glorified destiny. It's Ram-Bheem's story, and all the characters contribute to their growth. I was afraid that the movie might be restricted to a mere spectacle. Still, the movie comes out of the claws of the commercial trappings retaining the emotional core reminiscent of SSR's earlier films.
This movie had a very wafer-thin plot compared to SSR's other films. However, it's story writer Vijayendra Prasad who's at fault here. The first half was strong, but the writing faltered in the second half. The flashback sequences weren't strong enough and felt stretched at times. If not for Ajay Devgn, it would have been a total waste. Except for 2-3 sequences, 2nd half isn't as strong as 1st half. The writing could have been much better here. I felt the writing could have extracted more drama from the flashback sequences. The potential was ripe, but sadly, the film's writing makes a rough work of it.
NTR JR. and Ramcharan are terrific in their roles. I loved Ram Charan as an actor from Rangasthalam. The man delivers! Ntr Jr.'s expressive eyes carry lots of emotions, which shows how good he is! The interval scene is the highlight of this movie - I just had goosebumps 10x watching that. SSR and intermission scenes are a match made in heaven. This one is no exception! This scene was so unreal! The action scenes were a bit over the top but satisfying to watch.
The cinematography showcases the scale of the movie and amplifies it. The background score by M.M.Keeravani is the movie's soul, accentuating every emotion.
Beta-Pros: + Performances + Intermission scenes + Action scenes + First half + Background score Beta-Cons: - Flashback Sequences - Wafer-thin plot - Writing is shaky at times in the second half.
Overall, RRR isn't SSR's best work, but it's damn entertaining.
★★★.5/5
If you'd like to watch RRR for yourself, RRR is streaming on Netflix.
Until next time!
Thanks to Thomas Stoneham-Judge from Movies For Reel, Shane Conto, Joseph Davis, David Walters, Ambula Bula, Matthew Simpson, Thom Blackburn, and Libby Stephenson for supporting Austin B Media on Patreon!