'Modern Masters' Review: SS Rajamouli's Journey From Humble Beginnings To Oscar Glory

Watching 'Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli' on Netflix is akin experiencing one of the filmmaker's own tales. The documentary mirrors the emotional intensity found in his films, celebrating his journey from modest beginnings to global fame. The final montage, showcasing his Oscar and Golden Globe wins, evokes the same triumphant cheers as a hero's victory in his movies.

The documentary, directed by Raghav Khanna, skillfully integrates interviews into a compelling narrative. It features notable figures such as Prabhas, Ram Charan, Jr NTR, Rana Daggubati, Karan Johar, and James Cameron. Rajamouli's family members also make appearances, adding depth to the story.

Rajamouli's Influences and Inspirations

Rajamouli discusses how witnessing his father's struggles as a filmmaker influenced his work. This aspect of his life draws parallels with Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who also turned childhood challenges into cinematic grandeur. Exploring these personal voids offers insight into what makes these directors exceptional storytellers.

The documentary portrays Rajamouli as a 'Karma Yogi'. He shares his views on atheism and Sanatan Dharma, emphasizing treating work as divine. His father, V Vijayendra Prasad, respects his son's religious choices, reminiscent of Atal Bihari Vajpayee's speech about respecting theism within atheism.

International Recognition and Impact

The climactic sequence highlights Rajamouli's international accolades, instilling pride in viewers for Indian cinema's global reach. However, despite Anupama Chopra's engaging narration, the documentary falls short of delving into Rajamouli's creative process or future plans for cinema lovers.

While it captures his achievements well, 'Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli' doesn't fully explore the filmmaker's expertise or imagination. Instead, it maintains a laudatory tone focused more on his accolades than on providing insights into his filmmaking techniques.

The film concludes with Rajamouli expressing his desire to keep Indian stories alive through his work. Despite its shortcomings in exploring his process deeply, the documentary remains a tribute to a filmmaker who has brought Indian cinema to new heights.