Tollywood’s latest blockbuster, RRR from filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli and DVV Entertainment is already hailing high at the global box office, earning over $65 million on its opening weekend. The Ram Charan and Jr NTR starring fictional historical flick is the talk of the town for its jaw-dropping action sequences and set pieces – yet the ‘Naatu Nattu’ song’s growing popularity has also played a factor in RRR’s success.
RRR (Rise Roar Revolt) is another dramatized period film on the lines of Rajamouli’s earlier blockbuster, Baahubali. But the recently released title sets itself apart with a story revolving around India’s freedom struggle and the fight against the colonizer British. Though note that the film is based on a fictional story. Speaking to Variety discussing the making of RRR, Rajamouli addressed the difficulties and technical feats involved in filming dangerous stunt sequences. Added, the director also spoke greatly of the “Naatu Naatu” dance number choreographed by Prem Rakshith.
Rajamouli addresses his “sadness” for Ukraine, Kyiv, where ‘Naatu Naatu’ song was filmed
“I needed to establish the camaraderie between them, so when you see them doing a step so alike each other, unknowingly, that gives you [the feeling] that these guys think alike, act alike,” says Rajamouli. “Underneath all the dance and fun, in the next part of the film, they’re going to do even more amazing things together. So these things establish to the audience that they’re like a circus trapeze act: They can work in tandem.”
For context, the dance number was entirely filmed in Kyiv with Ukraine crew members also working on RRR. Unfortunately, the location is now a battlefield due to Russia’s invasion. The director even shared his emotional turmoil while watching sequences filmed in the now war-torn country:
When I go to the theater and when the long shot starts of the location, the shot which is supposed to give me so much joy gives me so much sadness,” says Rajamouli. “All the crew who worked there with us are suffering and we don’t know if some of them are still there or not. That’s a very heart wrenching feeling.”
RRR is currently in theaters.
