Why I Was Blown Away by RRR: The Unbelievable Scope of Indian Cinema

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As someone unfamiliar with Bollywood films, I recently subscribed to Netflix and chose to watch the most popular Indian movie on the platform, “RRR“. This Telugu-language film from 2022 is one of the most successful Indian movies ever made, both in Asia and beyond. It even won an Oscar for Best Song, making it a must-see for me. I thought this would be a good introduction to a genre I’ve never fully explored. The film’s production is outstanding, but I found the plot a bit confusing at times.

If you’re a movie enthusiast looking to explore Bollywood for the first time, I wholeheartedly recommend the film RRR. Despite its length, it never feels slow-paced, and trust me, it’s absolutely worth your investment of time. Just a heads up: RRR is categorized as a Tollywood movie, which is distinct from traditional Bollywood. However, for the purpose of this discussion, I’ll be grouping all Indian cinema together. So don’t worry if it seems a bit confusing, I’m just broadening my own horizons!

Indian Cinema Is A Mystery To Me

As a movie enthusiast who gets to make a career out of my passion, I’ve been fortunate enough to delve into various film genres, but until now, I haven’t ventured into the realm of Indian cinema. Given its status as the second largest film industry globally, I felt it was high time I dipped my toes in this vibrant world. While I have a basic understanding of Hindi and Telugu films, mostly knowing that they often feature elaborate dance sequences and are not just wedding-themed romantic comedies (though I’m not 100% certain about these assumptions), the only way to confirm these facts is by experiencing it firsthand.

Initially, I chose a film I’ve at least heard about – “RRR” directed by S. S. Rajamouli, featuring N. T. Rama Rao Jr. and Ram Charan. At first, I decided to go in without prior knowledge of the film seemed like the best approach. However, I soon realized this wasn’t ideal and looked up the Wikipedia page for a better understanding of the plot. Instantly, I was amazed by the grandeur of the movie.

RRR Is A Huge Production

I must admit, even as someone who’s familiar with the grandeur of Bollywood and Tollywood films, comparable to Hollywood in terms of budget, elaborate set pieces, and special effects, RRR left me utterly astounded right from the get-go by its visual brilliance. It manages to embody the energy of a contemporary summer blockbuster with stunning CGI, while also capturing the spirit of a timeless Hollywood epic with expansive set pieces and vast crowds. On the surface, it’s nothing short of an aesthetic feast for the eyes.

When I consider this film, the only point of reference I have is Western movies. Occasionally, the action felt reminiscent of a superb Guy Richie production, and the dance-off to the Academy Award-winning song “Naatu Naatu” evoked a fantastic MGM musical from Hollywood’s Golden Era in an delightful manner.

In a surprising turn of events, this film manages to blend seemingly incongruous elements in a harmonious manner, creating an extraordinary cinematic experience. The assault on the English governor’s residence offers some of the most thrilling action sequences seen in the last decade of films, while the dance-off featuring “Naatu Naatu” is so catchy and enjoyable that it’s hard not to be captivated. Remarkably, these elements never detract from the main storyline, a concern I initially had. Instead, they seamlessly fit into the narrative, making perfect sense in context.

The Story Was A Little Hard For Me To Follow

It was challenging for me to keep up with the story, as the film portrays a fictionalized account of two Indian independence heroes from the 1920s. If I were more knowledgeable about the true events, I would have gained a lot more from it. However, this is due to my lack of understanding of Indian history, not an issue with the movie itself.

While I’ve got a basic grasp of English grammar and history about Gandhi’s fight for independence, my understanding is relatively shallow. Watching RRR would have been more enjoyable if I had more in-depth knowledge about the real individuals depicted as characters in the movie. This isn’t a criticism of the film; rather, it highlights my limited historical knowledge.

After Watching RRR, I’m Ready To Dive Into More Indian Cinema And More Indian History

I have a soft spot for grand historical epics and lengthy films, and RRR certainly fits the bill and is exceptionally well crafted. Given my anticipation, I’m thrilled to delve deeper into Indian cinema. To be honest, while I wasn’t taken aback by how much I appreciated this film, I must admit that my satisfaction level surpassed my expectations. I knew RRR would be an outstanding movie, but I hadn’t expected to enjoy it as much as I did.

I’m equally thrilled to delve deeper into the true individuals portrayed by N. T. Rama Rao Jr. as Komaram Bheem and Ram Charan as Alluri Sitarama Raju in the movie. Furthermore, I can’t wait to revisit the film RRR after doing some research on the history of Indian Independence. Not only will I be watching more Bollywood films, but this exploration promises to enhance my experience with the movie.

This Journey Into Bollywood Is Just Starting For Me

Over the coming months, I aim to incorporate Bollywood films into my usual movie rotation. Although the 2025 U.S. film schedule is quite packed and consumes most of my time, I believe it’s essential to make room to delve deeper into Indian cinema. I’m not entirely sure where to head next, but since Netflix offers a vast array of options, finding my next movie should be relatively easy.

I could potentially find space in my schedule to catch a couple of TV series, but at the moment, I prefer movies. If you have any recommendations on what I should watch next, feel free to share them in the comments below.

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2025-07-03 02:09