“RRR” (Rise, Roar, Revolt), directed by the visionary S.S. Rajamouli, is not just a movie—it’s an experience that redefines the boundaries of Indian cinema. Released in 2022, this Telugu-language epic period action drama has taken the world by storm, blending heart-pounding action, emotional depth, and cultural resonance into a three-hour-plus cinematic extravaganza. From its jaw-dropping visuals to its infectious musical numbers, “rrr movie review” has garnered universal acclaim, smashed box office records, and even caught the attention of Hollywood heavyweights. In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive into the plot, performances, direction, cinematography, music, visual effects, and more, while exploring why “RRR” is a must-watch for fans of action, drama, and epic storytelling.
rrr movie review details table
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Aspect |
Details |
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Title |
RRR (Roudram Ranam Rudhiram) |
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Director |
S.S. Rajamouli |
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Writers |
S.S. Rajamouli, V. Vijayendra Prasad (story), Sai Madhav Burra (dialogue) |
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Cast |
N.T. Rama Rao Jr., Ram Charan, Ajay Devgn, Alia Bhatt, Olivia Morris, Shriya Saran, Ray Stevenson, Alison Doody |
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Genre |
Epic Period Action Drama |
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Runtime |
187 minutes (3 hours 7 minutes) |
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Release Date |
March 25, 2022 |
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Language |
Telugu (with dubbed versions in Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and others) |
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Budget |
₹550 crore (approximately $72 million) |
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Box Office |
₹1,300–1,387 crore worldwide (approximately $160–170 million) |
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Certifications |
CBFC: UA (India), Not Rated (International) |
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Streaming Platforms |
Netflix (Hindi), Zee5 (other languages) |
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Awards |
Academy Award for Best Original Song (“Naatu Naatu”), multiple international accolades |
Spoiler-Free Plot Overview
Set in the 1920s during British colonial rule in India, “rrr movie review” is a fictionalized tale of two real-life Indian revolutionaries, Komaram Bheem (N.T. Rama Rao Jr.) and Alluri Sitarama Raju (Ram Charan), who never met in history but are brought together in this imaginative narrative. The story begins with a heart-wrenching incident: a young girl from the Gond tribe is abducted by the ruthless British governor and his wife, prompting Bheem, a fierce tribal warrior, to embark on a mission to rescue her. Meanwhile, Raju, a determined Indian police officer serving the British, is tasked with capturing Bheem, unaware of his noble intentions.
What unfolds is a thrilling saga of friendship, betrayal, and rebellion, as the two men—initially at odds—discover a shared purpose in their fight against colonial oppression. The plot weaves themes of brotherhood, sacrifice, and patriotism, punctuated by breathtaking action sequences and emotional highs. Without revealing key twists, the narrative is a rollercoaster of suspense, humor, and heart, making “RRR” a captivating watch from start to finish.
Cast Performances: A Powerhouse Ensemble
N.T. Rama Rao Jr. as Komaram Bheem
Jr. NTR delivers a career-defining performance as Bheem, infusing the character with raw emotion and physicality. His portrayal of a tribal warrior is both fierce and tender, capturing Bheem’s unwavering loyalty to his people and his vulnerability in moments of despair. Whether wrestling a tiger or dancing with infectious energy in “Naatu Naatu,” Jr. NTR’s charisma is undeniable, making Bheem a fan favorite. Critics have hailed his performance as one of the best in his career, with his emotional depth shining in scenes of desperation and camaraderie.
Ram Charan as Alluri Sitarama Raju
Ram Charan matches Jr. NTR’s intensity with a steely, nuanced portrayal of Raju, a man torn between duty and his love for his country. His character undergoes significant transformations, and Charan’s ability to convey these shifts through subtle expressions and commanding presence is remarkable. His action sequences, particularly the opening riot scene, showcase his physical prowess, while his chemistry with Jr. NTR elevates the film’s central bromance.
Supporting Cast
The supporting cast adds depth to the narrative, though some roles are less developed. Alia Bhatt, as Sita, delivers a heartfelt performance despite limited screen time, though her character feels underutilized due to the screenplay’s focus on the leads. Ajay Devgn’s cameo as Venkata Rama Raju is impactful, adding emotional weight to the story. Olivia Morris, as Jennifer, brings charm to her role, winning audiences with her sincerity. However, the British antagonists, played by Ray Stevenson and Alison Doody, are criticized for being one-dimensional, often coming across as caricatures rather than fully realized villains.
Direction: S.S. Rajamouli’s Masterful Vision
S.S. Rajamouli, known for the Baahubali series, cements his status as a master storyteller with “RRR.” His ability to blend grandiose action with emotional stakes is unparalleled, creating a film that feels both personal and epic. Rajamouli’s direction is bold and unapologetic, embracing over-the-top spectacle while grounding it in themes of friendship and resistance. His use of larger-than-life set pieces, like the pre-interval rampage and the climactic forest battle, showcases his knack for pushing cinematic boundaries. Critics worldwide, including Steven Spielberg and James Cameron, have praised his vision, with Spielberg calling “RRR” “eye candy” and Cameron noting its exceptional screenplay and direction.
Screenplay: A Tight Yet Flawed Narrative
The screenplay, penned by Rajamouli and V. Vijayendra Prasad, is a triumph of pacing and structure, keeping viewers engaged despite the film’s 187-minute runtime. The story balances action, drama, and musical interludes, with twists that keep audiences on edge. The “bromance” between Bheem and Raju is the emotional core, explored through heartfelt moments and rousing sequences like “Dosti.” However, some critics note flaws, such as corny dialogue and underdeveloped subplots, particularly Sita’s arc and the simplistic portrayal of the British villains. The second half slows slightly, with Ajay Devgn’s flashback sequence feeling average, but the climax redeems these shortcomings with its emotional and visual impact.
Cinematography: A Visual Feast
K.K. Senthil Kumar’s cinematography is a standout, painting every frame with vibrant colors and dynamic compositions. From sweeping shots of Delhi’s riotous crowds to intimate close-ups of the leads, the visuals are breathtaking. The action sequences, such as the bridge rescue and the “Naatu Naatu” dance, are choreographed with precision, blending realism and fantasy. Critics have praised the camerawork for its ability to elevate the film’s spectacle, though some note occasional over-reliance on slow-motion. The use of real crowds, rather than CGI, in scenes like the opening riot adds authenticity to the grandeur.
Music: M.M. Keeravani’s Soul-Stirring Score
M.M. Keeravani’s soundtrack is a cornerstone of “rrr movie review” appeal, blending traditional Indian melodies with modern flair. The Oscar-winning song “Naatu Naatu” is a global phenomenon, its infectious rhythm and choreography earning viral fame. Tracks like “Dosti” and “Raamam Raaghavam” enhance the emotional and action beats, respectively, with Keeravani’s background score amplifying the film’s intensity. While some critics find the OST polarizing, it’s widely praised for complementing the narrative and elevating key scenes.
Visual Effects: Ambitious but Mixed
The visual effects, supervised by V. Srinivas Mohan, are ambitious, involving studios like Framestore and MPC. Techniques like pre-visualization and LiDAR scanning create stunning sequences, such as Bheem’s tiger fight and the climactic battle. However, some CGI, particularly the animals, appears dated or unpolished, drawing minor criticism. Despite these flaws, the VFX contribute to the film’s larger-than-life feel, making it a visual spectacle that rivals Hollywood blockbusters.
Strengths
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Exhilarating Action: The film’s set pieces, from the bridge rescue to the prison escape, are jaw-dropping, blending Indian martial arts with Western action sensibilities.
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Lead Performances: Jr. NTR and Ram Charan’s chemistry and charisma drive the film, making the bromance believable and captivating.
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Emotional Core: Themes of friendship, sacrifice, and anti-colonialism resonate deeply, enhanced by strong character arcs.
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Musical Numbers: “Naatu Naatu” and other songs are infectious, with choreography that’s both dynamic and culturally rich.
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Global Appeal: The film’s universal themes and spectacle make it accessible to international audiences, earning praise from Hollywood directors.
Weaknesses
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One-Dimensional Villains: The British characters lack depth, often portrayed as caricatures, which weakens the narrative’s stakes.
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Pacing Issues: The second half slows slightly, with some scenes, like Ajay Devgn’s flashback, feeling forced or underdeveloped.
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CGI Flaws: Certain visual effects, especially the animal sequences, appear unpolished, detracting from the overall experience.
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Underutilized Supporting Cast: Characters like Sita (Alia Bhatt) are sidelined, limiting their impact on the story.
Audience and Critics’ Reactions
“RRR” has been a global phenomenon, earning a Metacritic score of 83/100 and ranking 86th on Rotten Tomatoes’ “100 Best Movies 3 Hours or Longer”. Audiences have lauded its over-the-top action, emotional depth, and the viral “Naatu Naatu” sequence, with social media videos showing theatergoers cheering and dancing. Critics have praised its direction, performances, and spectacle, with USA Today naming it the #1 film of 2022 so far. However, some Indian critics have criticized its Hindu-centric nationalism and appropriation of tribal culture, while Western viewers occasionally find the dialogue corny or the runtime taxing. The film’s anti-colonial narrative has resonated strongly with global audiences, making it a vital watch for those exploring colonial histories.
Box Office Buzz
“RRR” shattered records, grossing ₹223 crore on its opening day, the highest for any Indian film at the time. It earned ₹1,300–1,387 crore worldwide, becoming the fourth highest-grossing Indian film and the highest-grossing Telugu film of 2022. Its success in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, where it grossed over ₹406 crore, underscores its regional dominance. The film’s theatrical run, bolstered by a Dolby Cinema release, and its streaming success on Netflix and Zee5, have cemented its status as a cultural and commercial juggernaut.
Comparisons
Compared to Rajamouli’s Baahubali series, “rrr movie review” is more emotionally driven, focusing on character chemistry rather than sprawling mythology. Its action sequences draw parallels to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon for their elegance and The Matrix for their audacity, but with a distinctly Indian flair. Unlike Hollywood blockbusters like Avengers: Civil War, which rely heavily on CGI, “RRR” balances practical stunts with digital effects, creating a raw, visceral energy. The film’s dance sequences, particularly “Naatu Naatu,” evoke West Side Story but surpass it in vitality.
Final Verdict
“RRR” is a cinematic triumph that delivers on every front—action, emotion, and spectacle. While it has flaws, such as uneven pacing and simplistic villains, its strengths—Rajamouli’s direction, the lead performances, and its cultural resonance—make it a landmark in Indian cinema. It’s a film that demands to be seen on the biggest screen possible, offering an exhilarating experience that transcends cultural boundaries. Whether you’re a fan of action epics, historical dramas, or musical extravaganzas, “rrr movie review” is a must-watch.
