'Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli' review: Decoding magic behind the maverick
Netflix's Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli opens a window like never before into the life of the director whose global popularity finds few parallels in Indian cinema. It gives us insights into his most famous works, his years of tenacity, and by the time the credits roll, you know why he's called a maverick director. A few shortcomings aside, it thrives on a rich narrative.
Shows SSR in ways we've never seen him before
Modern Masters, through its painstaking research, proves how SS Rajamouli's legend is one for the books. From his early years shadowing his family members to coming so far that Hollywood wishes to work with him, his journey has been marked by passion and an indefatigable spirit. It's also interesting to see him being described through the eyes of the actors he turned into superstars.
His personal side swims to the surface candidly
Documentaries like these must always show us the personal side of the subject, and Modern Masters does this by featuring several family members (and collaborators) of the director. While watching, I found it laudable that Rajamouli married Rama Rajamouli when she was a divorcee and had a son—It's normal in 2024, but wouldn't have been in 2001. Mark of a progressive, liberal man.
SSR unveils his hidden side: acting!
Rajamouli is a visionary in the truest sense, because, who else would have thought of Jason Momoa for the role of Bhallaladeva? It's an eye-opener to see how Rajamouli not only narrates but also enacts scenes, even putting his own life on the line to show what a stunt should look like. "He's a fabulous actor," Jr. NTR says, and this documentary demonstrates that.
His 'thinking' technique gives insight into why he's class apart
The informative documentary digs deep into how SSR takes actors and turns them into larger-than-life, yet believable, superheroes. I find it interesting when he says how he "can't think" when his car stops—for a man who has grand ambitions, of course he wishes to stay in motion. "Don't compare him to humans," he says about James Cameron, while the world feels this about him!
SSR's fascination with stories and legends is explored well
SSR's stories and their presentation often feel like rich mythological tales have come alive, and this finds an explanation in the documentary when SSR speaks about his fascination with the Mahabharata and Ramayana. He finds Ravana more layered than Rama, which immediately explains why his characters, like Bhallaladeva, Sudeep (Eega), and Sivagami Devi (Baahubali) are such interesting, believable, memorable characters with meaty backstories.
Problems: 'Baahubali' segment—KJo features but other contributors amiss
Baahubali would perhaps have not been the kind of pan-India phenomenon it became if it didn't get the sturdy support of Karan Johar, who presented it in the North Indian market. However, while KJo features here, surprisingly, writer-lyricist Manoj Muntashir and actor-voice artist Sharad Kelkar don't, who are as big as—if not bigger—reasons why Baahubali's Hindi versions have such an immortal, unimitable legacy.
Touches on difficult topics but then avoids them
While the tone of most of this Anupama Chopra-led documentary is expectedly laudable, it also sometimes touches on some prickly topics. RRR and Baahubali, despite their overwhelming reception, have also been slammed for their alleged caste-class-religious politics, and Rajamouli provides an explanation, but it doesn't seem enough. Eventually, this conversation ends before it even starts, and is conveniently swept under the rug.
Wish female actors were interviewed, too
It's interesting to learn more about SSR from his actors like Prabhas (who, despite being notorious about being reticent speaks endearingly from his heart), Ram Charan, Jr NTR, and Rana Daggubati, but completely missing are his heroines. Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Tamannaah Bhatia, Anushka Shetty, Kajal Aggarwal—none of the female actors find a place in this tell-all story, despite being major contributors to SSR's success.
Perfect weekend watch for you; 3/5 stars
Overall, MM is an entertaining breakdown of the life of a maverick who fuels magic in film after film. You may have skipped Eega or you may find RRR over-hyped, but despite that, it's tough to not be enchanted by SSR's grandiose spectacles. The documentary has spurred me to read more about him, but before that, I am certainly re-watching Baahubali!
