RRR (Rise Roar Revolt)- Netflix
This movie is hilarious and poignant. Some scenes are outlandish
and in a comic super hero fashion. Jumping over high fences, out running a wolf
and single handedly tossing a motorcycle are some of the antics. This is a
westernized version of Bollywood. The fight dancing scenes are hugely entertaining
and energizing. This film won the 2023 Oscar for best original song, Naatu Naatu.
This is a lavish production with colonial settings and period costuming. The cinematography
is dynamic and sets the mood of the story. Although the scene of marauding wild
animals is a bit hokey.
The story involves a local village girl abducted by the wife
of the British governor. Bheem, played by N.T. Rama Roe jr., is on a mission to
get her back. A foe and ally of Ram is Alluri Sitarmara Raja played by Ram
Charan. There is a lot of duplicity in the plot, and it is best to keep notes.
It becomes really confusing when both protagonists grow beards and it becomes a
who’s who challenge. Flash backs could have been better integrated to support the
narrative. The fight choreography is action packed and a big part of the fun.
The acting was a bit over the top, but effective.
The period is 1920’s British colonial rule, the Raj. The
film makes a statement about the abuses and brutality of colonialism. Here too
it is exaggerated but not beyond the pale. Colonialism is the dark underbelly
of the British empire. Membership was not voluntary and abuses insighted
rebellion.
The movie is free on Netflix, so what do you have to lose?
It runs for three hours so stay close to the toilet.
