An epic film, a live orchestra, a truly unforgettable cinematic event.
On Sunday 11th May, the Royal Albert Hall hosted a live screening of S. S. Rajanouli’s ‘RRR’, accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. Originally released in 2022, the performance commemorated the ripple effect that the film has inspired both within Telegu cinema and internationally.
‘RRR’, translated in English to ‘Rise, Roar, Revolt’ is a three-hour epic, set in a fictionalised 1920s India, where the British Empire have occupied the country and are oppressing the native Indians. The film follows our two leads, Rama and Bheem, as they demonstrate enormous strength and resilience in their fights against colonial evil.
The film adopts an almost indulgent aesthetic, with many shots emphasising the beauty of the fictionalised landscape. With smooth, vibrant and stylised cuts, delicious melodrama and a live orchestra fully immersing us in the story, we are transported to new emotional heights.
During the three hour running time, no plot point is without significance and the film is paced remarkably well. We don’t just get the perspectives of both of our leads, but the story blossoms across the running time and what bursts forth is a truly resonant message of courage, rebellion and community. ‘RRR’ appeals to the very foundations of impactful classical storytelling; heroes and villains, friendship and love, freedom and bondage, brutality and tenderness, humour and heart, with an incredible sense of emotional resolution that demonstrates the importance of friendship. Steeped in mythical significance, we see empowered Indians rebel, roar and riot with the weapons they had all along – their shared culture, their community and their unrelenting
spirit.
One cannot review this film without mentioning the stellar performances of the leads, Ram Charan and N.T Rama Rao Jr. They portrayed Rama and Bheem, fictional imaginings of impactful Indian revolutionaries, also nodding to powerful Gods of Indian mythology with their superhuman strength. Within the first fifteen minutes, we see Rama fighting off hundreds of men, whilst Bheem kills a tiger. Fire and water imagery are expertly employed, a strong sense of symbolism that anchors us throughout the film. Both actors show astounding physical and emotional capability, accomplishing the difficult feat of balancing large scale stunt work, entertaining dance numbers and a sense of nuanced interiority in their performances that brought the audience to tears.
Special mention of course goes to the ‘Naatu Naatu’ number, a song which has won numerous awards, composed by M.M. Keeravaani. It is a rousing sequence in which Rama and Bheem show their superior dance ability in a British high society party. It is clear why the song won an Oscar for Best Original Song! The film was also nominated for Golden Globe and won two Critics Choice Awards and six National Film Awards, making it a cultural touchstone in international cinema.
During the pre-show talk, hosted by Ashanti Omkar, S. S. Rajanouli asserted that ‘art will
supersede anything else’, and this film is certainly a testament to that. The panel discussed the film’s worldwide impact, and that although it takes place in a fictional reality, it showcases aspects of Telegu culture and has a pivotal role in bringing together people across the Telegu and Indian diaspora.
‘RRR’ also evidently stands for the Rousing, Rip-Roar made by the audience during the film, who gave completely deserved minute-long applause throughout. ‘RRR’ is a feast for all audiences, and together with the musical stylings of the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, it was a truly unforgettable cinematic event.