Directed by Raghav Khanna and co-directed by Tanvi Ajinkya, the Netflix documentary delves into the creative brilliance of the globally recognised Indian filmmaker.
Published Aug 04, 2024 | 11:55 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 05, 2024 | 5:59 AM
Director SS Rajamouli. (X)
The new Netflix documentary Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli explores the filmmaker’s life and passion for cinema. Despite incorporating mythology in his films, Rajamouli identifies as an atheist.
He recalled in the documentary that he didn’t pray to God even when his wife, Rama, experienced a tragic road accident, during the filming of the 2009 fantasy action film Magadheera.
Rama Rajamouli, has been the costume designer for all his blockbuster films, including the Baahubali franchise (2015, 2017) and RRR (2022).
“During Magadheera, I was driving when we had a bad accident in a remote area. Rama couldn’t feel anything in her lower back, almost paralysed. The nearest hospital was 60 kilometres away. I was terrified, calling doctors and doing what needed to be done. I suddenly wondered if I was praying to God for help, but I wasn’t. Instead, I focused on the immediate actions required. At some point, I embraced karma yoga as my way of life. My work, cinema, is my God,” Rajamouli shared in the documentary.
Rajamouli: caught in the act of crafting global blockbusters. 🎞️ pic.twitter.com/R6y7LysIKQ
— Netflix India South (@Netflix_INSouth) August 3, 2024
When asked if Rajamouli’s atheism causes friction in their spiritual family, his father Vijayendra Prasad said in the documentary, “To be a practising atheist, one must have high moral fibre. I have the highest respect for someone who practices atheism.”
Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli, produced by Applause Entertainment and Film Companion Studios and directed by Raghav Khanna, premiered on Netflix on 2 August.
“This documentary is a way to express my gratitude to my fans and loved ones, who have been crucial to my journey. Their support motivates me to keep creating and entertaining,” Rajamouli said.
Perfectionist. Visionary. Storyteller.
Watch Modern Masters: S. S. Rajamouli now, only on Netflix@ssrajamouli @NetflixIndia @ApplauseSocial @FCompanionSouth #FilmCompanionStudios@anupamachopra @nairsameer @deepaksegal @raghavkhanna24 #TanviAjinkya #SanyuktaKaza#NikunjSingh… pic.twitter.com/NOO4JsYzvt— Film Companion Studios (@FilmCompanion) August 2, 2024
Presented by Anupama Chopra, the documentary features an interview with Rajamouli and insights from luminaries like James Cameron, Joe Russo, and Karan Johar, as well as close friends and colleagues such as Prabhas, Jr NTR, Rana Daggubati, Ram Charan, and MM Keeravani.
The documentary explores Rajamouli’s remarkable journey from Hyderabad to Hollywood.
(Edited by S Subhakeerthana)
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