From a boy living in a two-room apartment to a globally recognized director, SS Rajamouli’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. He has not only dominated the Indian film industry but also put Indian cinema on the world map.
As he continues to create magic on screen, one thing is certain—SS Rajamouli is a director who will be remembered for generations to come.
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| S.S. Rajamouli Image credit to INDIA TIMES |
Koduri Srisaila Sri Rajamouli, popularly known as SS Rajamouli, is one of the most celebrated directors in Indian cinema. He has redefined filmmaking with his grand storytelling, larger-than-life visuals, and gripping narratives. His films, such as Baahubali and RRR, have set new benchmarks, not just in India but also on the global stage.
But how did a boy from a small village in Karnataka rise to become one of the most sought-after filmmakers in the world? Let's dive into his journey, struggles, and success.
Early Life and Struggles
SS Rajamouli was born in 1973 in the village of Amreshwara Camp, Karnataka. His father, K. V. Vijayendra Prasad, was a well-known screenwriter who later wrote blockbuster films like Baahubali and RRR. However, Rajamouli’s family wasn’t always well-off.
His grandfather was a wealthy landlord with about 360 acres of land, but his father and uncle had a deep passion for filmmaking. They invested everything in making films, but many of their projects either failed or remained incomplete. This financial failure forced the entire family to shift to a small two-room apartment, where 13 members lived together.
As a child, Rajamouli was deeply affected by this drastic change in fortune. While his family struggled with debt, he found solace in storytelling. His grandmother would narrate stories from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Bhagavad Gita, which left a lasting impression on him. His father also introduced him to Amar Chitra Katha, which further fueled his imagination.
Despite being an average student, Rajamouli had a creative mind. However, until his early 20s, he was unsure about his career. He even considered becoming a music composer like his cousin, MM Keeravani, but fate had other plans.
Entry into the Film Industry
To escape his father’s scoldings and family pressure, Rajamouli started accompanying his father to film sets. He began assisting him in narrating scripts to producers and directors. However, he was frustrated that directors often altered his father’s scripts beyond recognition.
This frustration led him to consider directing films himself. To gain experience, he worked as an assistant to editor Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao for six months and later joined the Chennai-based AVM studio. Over the next six years, he honed his skills by assisting his father in screenplay development.
His first major opportunity came when he directed the Telugu TV serial Shanti Nivasam, which required him to work 17-18 hours a day. This intense schedule prepared him for the demanding nature of filmmaking.
Breakthrough with Student No.1
In 2001, Rajamouli made his directorial debut with Student No.1, starring Jr. NTR. Since it was Jr. NTR's first major film, the pressure was immense. Rajamouli faced several challenges, including his inexperience with technical aspects like crane shots.
However, the film turned out to be a massive success, collecting ₹12 crore against a budget of ₹1.85 crore. This success not only launched his career but also proved his ability as a filmmaker.
The Rise to Stardom
After the success of Student No.1, Rajamouli directed several hit films:
Ø2003 - Simhadri: Another collaboration with Jr. NTR, this film was a massive blockbuster and cemented Rajamouli’s reputation.
Ø2004 - Sye: A unique film featuring rugby as a central theme, which won multiple awards.
Ø2006 - Vikramarkudu: Later remade in Hindi as Rowdy Rathore (2012), starring Akshay Kumar.
Ø2009 - Magadheera: A historical romance drama that became one of the highest-grossing Telugu films at the time.
Magadheera ran for over 1,000 days in theaters, proving Rajamouli’s ability to create timeless films.
Game-Changing Films: Eega and Baahubali
Rajamouli is known for his ability to think outside the box. One of the best examples of this was Eega (2012), known as Makkhi in Hindi. The film’s protagonist is a housefly seeking revenge—an idea that no one thought would work. However, under Rajamouli’s direction, it became a blockbuster, further solidifying his reputation. But his biggest success came with Baahubali: The Beginning (2015).
Baahubali: The Epic That Changed Indian Cinema
Rajamouli had long dreamed of making a grand mythological film, inspired by Mahabharata and Ramayana. With Baahubali, he brought this vision to life. The film was made on an unprecedented scale, featuring stunning VFX, larger-than-life battles, and an engaging storyline.
· Budget: ₹180 crore
· Box Office Collection: Over ₹650 crore worldwide
· First-Day Collection: A record-breaking ₹50 crore
The film introduced the Pan-India trend, proving that South Indian films could dominate the national box office.
The sequel, Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (2017), shattered all records:
· Budget: ₹250 crore
· Box Office Collection: ₹1,800 crore worldwide
· First-Day Collection: ₹121 crore (a record at the time)
The film became the highest-grossing Indian film ever and started a cultural phenomenon. The question "Why did Kattappa kill Baahubali?" became one of the most discussed topics in pop culture.
Global Recognition with RRR
After Baahubali, Rajamouli aimed for something even bigger—RRR (2022). The film, starring Jr. NTR and Ram Charan, was a fictional retelling of two Indian revolutionaries’ stories.
· Budget: ₹550 crore (India’s most expensive film at the time)
· Box Office Collection: ₹1,200 crore worldwide
· Global Recognition: Won an Academy Award (Oscar) for Best Original Song (Naatu Naatu).
Rajamouli’s Legacy and Future Projects
SS Rajamouli is not just a filmmaker; he is a visionary who changed Indian cinema. His movies are more than just blockbusters; they are cultural phenomena.
Why Are All His Films Hits?
1. Unique Storytelling: Rajamouli’s films always have a fresh and engaging narrative.
2. Strong Emotional Core: His stories connect with audiences on an emotional level.
3. Technical Excellence: He continuously pushes the boundaries of VFX and cinematography.
4. Meticulous Planning: Every scene is carefully crafted, ensuring visual perfection.
5. Engaging Screenplay: His films keep audiences hooked from start to finish.
Upcoming Projects
Rajamouli has announced Made in India, a film based on the history of Indian cinema. Fans eagerly await his next masterpiece, as he continues to set new benchmarks.
