Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli, the documentary that focuses on the life of the filmmaker who created the Baahubali franchise and RRR, is now streaming on Netflix. The project is directed by senior documentary filmmaker Raghav Khanna, and co-directed by Tanvi Ajinkya, has impressed film fanatics by providing a closer look at the personal and professional journeys of the master craftsman. Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli is now receiving immense love from both film fanatics and common audiences.

In an Exclusive chat with OTT Play, Raghav Khanna, who directed Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli, extensively spoke about his journey with the prestigious project, and much more. Read the excerpts from the chat, below:

1. How was the experience of working with SS Rajamouli for the Netflix documentary?

As a young filmmaker, I could not have asked for anything better. When you are working with a maestro like SS Rajamouli sir, what you like to do is, learn from him as much as you can in the limited time. Because he is at the top of his craft. What he has contributed to the Indian cinema is unparalleled. And it is just a great learning experience to be in his company. My biggest learning recently has come from spending a lot of time making this documentary. 

2. How did you become a part of Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli?

This concept originated with Film Companion, and I was brought it later as the director. What excited me personally was that the contribution SS Rajamouli sir has done to Indian cinema – he was like the obvious choice to make a film over. 

3. Can we expect more installments of Modern Masters?

I don’t think I’m at the liberty to disclose that.

4. Was bringing together the biggest names of Telugu cinema and Bollywood task, an easy task?

It was an easy ride. Firstly, Anupama Chopra Ji is an esteemed journalist, and it was she who opened up access to everyone in the industry. And secondly, the admiration, the respect everyone has for Rajamouli sir. They all wanted to contribute to his story, be it the actors, the producers, and the family. They only have great things to say about his artistry. As I said earlier, it was such a learning experience – when you make a documentary about a director who redefined Indian cinema in many ways and took it to unprecedented global frontiers – you tend to get inspired, and you are in awe.

5. What is your take on the great audience feedback for Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli?

I’m deeply honoured and humbled by the responses. When something like Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli is being made, or any other project for that matter – it is a team effort. A lot of people put months and years into making something like this, and they gave it their best. When we set out to make Modern Masters, there were there was no blueprint or readily available references on what it could look like. It was Film Companion’s idea, and I came on board with a certain treatment.

And we meticulously invested in every detail of how we were filming it, every interview, how the conversations were happening – a lot of it is designed and not by default. And then finally when the audience and critics receive it so well, it is not only a reward for you and your team’s hard work, it is also an inspiration to continue and better your work. As a filmmaker and creator, it is the biggest inspiration that whatever you are doing next, has to match up or has to be better.

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