During the multiple Covid lockdowns and subsequent rise of OTT platforms, one thing echoed amongst the trend watchers and business analysts – “traditional Cinema and movie going is dead”.

This just proved to be a myth within 2 years.

Well, myths are meant to be broken and it was shattered in style in quick succession. First it was Kashmir Files then RRR and now KGF 2.

The fact that RRR was running packed in over 1000 screens in the US alone is a testimony to how well the movie has been made and the bigger story is how well the audience has received it. RRR is an action-packed period drama thriller with every frame crafted to perfection and a feast to the eyes.

People’s paths cross at times and result in journeys that last a lifetime. We stand for our beliefs and create a sense of purpose in life. This is the core value system that shapes character. Circumstances and experiences shape us. We carry memories that stay with us and we cherish a lifetime. What we leave behind are nothing but memories. This is at the core of RRR which Rajamouli has brought out so well that at most times one feels part of the epic.

Ram Charan dedicated to the cause of freedom and his steadfastness to the promise he made to his father is something that brings back brutal honesty as a character in Indian cinema. Junior NTR in search of the little girl abducted by the cruel British empire and the cause of protecting his tribe at any cost is again a core human Value of Purpose & Belief which has been solidly brought out.

The historical aspect of the movie is mentionable. The movie portrayed the life of two unsung warriors of India, Alluri Sitarama Raju, nicknamed "Manyam Veerudu"(meaning - Hero of the Jungle) and Komaram Bheem, well credited for coining the slogan Jal, Jangal, Zameen. Thanks to Mr. V. Vijayendra Prasad for his priceless input in the story.

Film is fresh and has no dearth of creativity. The 3D is absolutely real and sound design is marvelous, editing too matches up. In all, the technical part of the film is married well with the story and delivers a brilliant cinematic experience.

The second half is a real swell, with Ram Charan playing the role as Lord Shri Rama and his lady love as Sita ma and Junior NTR as Hanuman. Ram Charan’s portrayal as Shri Rama is jaw dropping and hair raising. Tending in the surreal zone the film maker has ensured the viewer is transported to his creative wonderland and that’s what has worked well in Rajamouli’s story telling in RRR – the film is an emotional reality for a full 3 hours and more.

What Tamil Cinema Industry needs to learn is this – stop Hindu Bashing, stop creating Hinduphobia, stop peddling falsehood against PM Modi, stop pseudo secularism and most importantly stop celebrating mediocrity.

Rise, Roar, Revolt brings back the Grand Cinema back in India and officially resets storytelling to the next level. Truly a grand magnum opus.

A Grandson, Husband and Father of Two, S Jaganathan, is one of the Director's of The Verandah Club. He is an avid traveller, interested in trendspotting and a firm believer in the philosophy - Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah.