HOW SS RAJAMOULI BROUGHT INDIAN STORIES TO THE WORLD CENTRE STAGE

On October 10, ace director SS Rajamouli turned 50 and fans around the world celebrated the legendary storyteller’s work.

- LATHA SRINIVASAN

From Student No 1 in 2001 to RRR in 2022, Rajamouli proved over and over again that he can deliver commercial success – 12 hits - and at the same time, put his unique stamp on every project. His box office feat has not been repeated by any other Indian director and that speaks volumes of his talent and how he can make even a small film big, literally and figuratively. Here’s a look at the director who made ‘pan-Indian cinema’ a global term. 

Content is always king 

Rajamouli, a master storyteller, forms an unstoppable duo with his father, screenwriter Vijayendra S Prasad. Their collaboration led to the superhit “Magadheera” (2009), solidifying Rajamouli’s position in the Telugu film industry. “Eega” (2012) further catapulted the Telugu director to household fame in South India. The film’s Hindi version, “Makkhi,” also garnered attention in North India, highlighting Rajamouli’s directorial prowess. With “Baahubali” and “RRR,” he expanded his storytelling to a global audience, emphasizing the universality of compelling narratives.