Rajamouli always remains humble, grounded, and down to earth even after the accolades he gets for his films from across the world. When Baahubali elevated the standard of Indian cinema at the international cinema, Rajamouli just smiled and did not interact much with the media. It was the same case earlier when his films Magadheera and Eega turned out to be hit.
He remained the same when RRR got tremendous applause from other languages, especially in Bollywood compared to Tollywood. He stayed away from the fan wars ignited by Ram Charan and NTR fans. He is seen nowhere when Hollywood media raved about it after the film's Hindi version started streaming on Netflix and many Hollywood celebrities and critics predicted Oscars for the film. He did not respond even when the film was snubbed by the Film Federation of India which chose the Gujarati film Chello Show as its official entry.
But all that changed once the US distributor decided to push RRR to the Oscars. Rajamouli is seen everywhere attending the premiers, interacting with the international media, and answering their questions taking the limelight away from the actors NTR and Ram Charan. The producers are pumping millions of dollars to push RRR to the Oscars. RRR is now nominated in14 categories leaving all stumped. The 14 categories include Best Picture (DVV Danayya), Best Director (Rajamouli), Best Actor (Jr NTR and Ram Charan), Screenplay, Original Song, Score, Editing, Cinematography, Sound, Production Design, and VFX, among others. Ajay Devgn will compete in the Best Supporting Actor category, while Alia Bhatt will compete for nomination in the Best Actress category. The song "Naatu Naatu" seeks to be nominated for Best Original Song.
This increases the curiosity as to why the makers did not lobby with the Film Federation of India. There is a simple reason that even if the FFI rejects it, they can nominate the film for the Oscars not only for the best picture but for other categories also in this way. Even if RRR became the official entry, the makers would have to lobby for Oscar nominations again. Here RRR makers are getting an early chance to screen their film to the Oscar jury members well ahead and they can do it a few more times before the nominations start.
Just like how Rahman after winning the Oscar award collaborated with international production houses and companies, Rajamouli too can collaborate and his bargaining power will increase and he can do it on a level playing field. Winning an Oscar will fulfill the dreams of millions of Indians. With the entire cast and crew of RRR getting nominated for Oscars, most of the RRR team will be well-known in the international arena which will be added advantage for Ram Charan, NTR, Alia Bhatt, Ajay Devgn, Keeravani, and others.
People may criticize Rajamouli and accuse him of copying from Hollywood entertainers but one can not deny that he has mastered the art of storytelling in a captivating manner learning from the likes of renowned Tollywood directors like Vithalacharya and other Indian filmmakers and showed that even Indians can make films that have higher standards than Hollywood films. Rajamouli should be applauded for making the west to take notice of Indian films and also show interest in Indian epics like Mahabharat, Ramayan etc.
Every Indian in his heart is praying Rajamouli wins the Oscars and brings glory to the Indian film industry and flutters the Indian tricolor at the international level. Wish Rajamouli turn the Indian dream turn true at the Oscars and teach Hollywood filmmakers few more lessons in the filmmaking in future.
Janmadina Subhakankshalu Darsaka Dheera..
Bharata Chalana Chitra Merunagadheera... SAAHO
- Keeravani special for Rajamouli.. Still gives goose bumps -