Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli Plot: The Netflix documentary takes us through the journeys of the Baahubali director both in cinema and life. A befitting tribute to the master storyteller, Modern Masters bring together some of the finest talents of world cinema, including James Cameron, along with many unseen, memorable moments from the SS Rajamouli movie sets.

Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli Review: This Netflix documentary directed by Raghav Khanna and presented by the Film Companion Studios brings quite a lot of stories behind the much-revered SS Rajamouli magic behind the camera, for its audience. However, the documentary never really restricts itself to a mere fan service to the hitmaker, but acts more like a complete guide that helps any cine-goer who wish to know more about the master storyteller and the ‘mad man’ as his family and close ones addresses him. Rajamouli, on the other hand, states that he is only a slave to storytelling.

Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli and its presenter, journalist Anupama Chopra also try to get deeply into the head of the celebrated filmmaker, along with celebrating. In those conversation, we are presented with a different side of the filmmaker, who admits how he eventually regretted putting the famous ‘stamp’ in all his films, and narrates how nervous he was on the first day of the shoot. When he was reminded about the comparisons with James Cameron, Rajamouli is seen brushing it off it is not humanely possible to match up to the Avatar director’s level.

Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli narrates the filmmaker’s journey from his childhood, mostly through his own words, and sometimes through the eyes of his big brother, the Academy Award-winning musician MM Keeravani, and other close associates. At the beginning of the documentary, Karan Johar describes the RRR director as the greatest filmmaker of contemporary Indian cinema. James Cameron, one of the finest filmmakers in the world, stated his love for the drama and ‘masculine’ world-building of SS Rajamouli films. We also get to see glimpses of a low-key actor in Rajamouli’s in some of the location visuals.

The leading men of Rajamouli films – Prabhas and Rana Daggubati from the Baahubali franchise, and Ram Charan and Jr NTR from RRR, make special appearances in the docu-film. It is exciting to see how these massive movie stars, who are the close associates of the master craftsman are still in absolute awe of his work. While Ram Charan shared anecdotes on Rajamouli’s perfectionism, Jr NTR stated that he is a born storyteller. Rana shared backstories on the filmmaker’s undying passion, while Prabhas unveiled the crazy side of Rajamouli, who used to do unbelievable stuff during the making of the Baahubali franchise.

However, Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli is not just about the filmmaker. It is also about a doting husband, father, son, and brother, who is adored by his entire family. The big fat Indian family scenario has come true in Rajamouli’s life, as his colleagues suggest – the director is always surrounded by at least 20 members of his family. Vijayendra Prasad, the veteran writer, and his father, and elder brother MM Keeravani the most important roles in SS Rajamouli’s massive growth as a filmmaker, along with his beloved wife Rama, and sister-in-law Srivalli.

Right from his birth in Kovvuru, the guidance of his mother who encouraged him to read comics and play, his family’s reaction to his atheism, the Netflix docu-film presents a never-seen-before side of the filmmaker in all its glory. It also shares the insights into Rajamouli’s famous romance with Rama, which in her words, was not at all romantic. The unique bond between the director and his son Karthikeya, is simply heartwarming.

Verdict:

Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli is a masterful insight into the personal and profession life of one of the India’s finest filmmakers. This Netflix documentary is a must watch if you love modern Indian cinema and SS Rajamouli, or wish to learn more about the master craftsman.

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