Filmmaker SS Rajamouli spoke about the viral success of his recent film, the period epic RRR, after it was released on Netflix. The film – starring Jr NTR and Ram Charan – broke box office records in India when it opened in theaters in March, but Western audiences – especially in the US – discovered it after it debuted on streaming.
In an interview with brothers Joe and Anthony Russo just before the release of their action film The gray man, Rajamouli was asked about the success of the RRR crossover. He said that while he appreciates Netflix for facilitating interest in the film, he has one big gripe with the streamer.
He said, “First of all, I am really angry with Netflix because they only took the Hindi version and not the rest of the four (languages). So I have a complaint against them. But yes, I was surprised by the reception from the West. A good story is a good story for everyone, but I didn’t think I could make a film for western sensibilities. I never believed in myself. So, when it came out on Netflix and people started watching it and word of mouth started to multiply, when critics started giving good reviews… I was really, really surprised and it wouldn’t have been possible without Netflix, so I have a lot of respect for them. “
RRR is available in the dubbed Hindi language version on Netflix, but the original Telugu and other language versions are available on ZEE5. RRR he was supported by famous Hollywood directors like James Gunn and Scott Derrickson. Even Joe Russo spoke highly of the film.
RRR, which told the fictional story of two freedom fighters – Komaram Bheem and Alluri Sitarama Raju – grossed over Rs 1,100 crore worldwide. It remains the second biggest Indian film of the year at the box office, behind KGF: Chapter 2. The Gray Man debuted on Netflix earlier this month to mixed reviews and less-than-phenomenal viewership figures.
