SS Rajamouli Directing Action — How to Ground Fight Scenes with Storytelling in RRR

How SS Rajamouli Directs Action in RRR — A breakdown of how Rajamouli uses emotion as a foundation for spectacular action and fight scenes.

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Special thanks to:

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Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to RRR
01:05 - What is Emotional Action?
02:38 - Chapter 1: Storytelling
06:03 - Chapter 2: Structure
07:53 - Chapter 3: Visual Clarity
11:38 - Wrap Up

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RRR ANALYSIS — HOW SS RAJAMOULI DIRECTS ACTION

If you have seen RRR, you know that director SS Rajamouli crafted some of the most spectacular action of recent memory. And yet, no matter how big and epic the action, each of these sequences is grounded in emotion. As Rajamouli himself explains, “The way I operate is on the basis of emotion…I cannot function otherwise.” So, in this video, let’s break down the action scenes in RRR to see what “emotional spectacle” looks like.

One thing SS Rajamouli does in RRR is to plant some of the film’s major story beats inside an action sequence. For example, our introductions to both lead characters are delivered through epic action. Their first meeting is a daring rescue attempt and their falling out is at the center of a chaotic siege. The result is an action scene with real dramatic weight, and the drama is accented by epic action.

Another tactic to create the highest emotional content is to structure the action scene as a self-contained story arc. We can see this in Raju’s introduction — his mission to apprehend a single rioter while battling the rest. By joining Raju on this mission, we share the catharsis of his victory, which leads to a more sympathetic and instant connection.

We can also look at how SS Rajamouli directs action to ensure that the emotional qualities reach the audience. One way this is done is to prioritize visual clarity. Instead of intense camera movement paired with frenetic editing, Rajamouli’s presentations are measured and clear. A technique we see in RRR is speed ramping, which slows down the action, keeps the pacing manageable, and allows for the action beats to register.

This same effect is also with a nice balance of wide shots. Pulling away from the action might be counterintuitive, but wide shots have a distinct benefit — to maintain scene geography. The easiest way to confuse an audience is when they question, “where is everyone in relation to each other”? The emotional foundation will be lost if they can’t follow the action.

RRR is a rather bold piece of action spectacle. But the way SS Rajamouli directs the action, we never lose the emotional connection that runs through the entire film. As Rajamouli proves, action for action’s sake is a missed opportunity for filmmakers to balance spectacle with emotion and create a satisfying and entertaining cinematic experience.

#FilmTheory #VideoEssay #Filmmaking

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♬ SONGS USED:

“Malli’s Existence is Evident” - M.M. Keeravani
“Lachu Is Caught” - M.M. Keeravani
“Scott’s Palace” - M.M. Keeravani
“Seetha” - M.M. Keeravani
“Together We Rock” - M.M. Keeravani
“Ram- The Volcano” - M.M. Keeravani
“Tears, Blood, and Breach” - M.M. Keeravani
“Fire and Water” - M.M. Keeravani
“Bheem- The Tsunami” - M.M. Keeravani
“Raaman, Bheemam” - M.M. Keeravani
“Arrest That B” - M.M. Keeravani
“Train Accident” - M.M. Keeravani
“Etthara Jenda” - Vishal Mishra, Prudhiv Chandra, M.M. Keeravani, Sahithi Chaganti & Harika Narayan

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[StudioBinder]

*We originally made the video with the Telugu version but had to swap it due to copyright. Enjoy!
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to RRR
01:05 - What is Emotional Action?
02:38 - Chapter 1: Storytelling
06:03 - Chapter 2: Structure
07:53 - Chapter 3: Visual Clarity
11:38 - Wrap Up

[AbhijithRwarrier.]

The bridge sequence is cool but at the same
time, it also summarizes the whole movie plot. Ram's mission is regarding the country (jumps with a Flag) and Bheem's mission is to save the child from his tribe (jumps to get the child) and in this journey they exchange their missions (exchange of flag and child) and eventually succeed helping each other.

[zez_gval]

RRR was my introduction to Tollywood. Then I saw the two Baahubali films, also directed by Rajamouli, and man, the action scenes this guy is able to make are just so incredible. In the first Bahubali there's a whole battle that feels like Zack Snyder's 300 mixed with Peter Jackson's Lord Of The Rings, it's the peak of badass action with detailed geography and everything is character driven.

[ShivamSingh-cuwx]

Just to let you guys know the last song sequence was not about them celebrating their movie, but it was a tribute to the freedom fighters from different parts of India, they end the movie with consolidating the efforts of these common men and women who are still remembered as national heroes.

[udaykumarraju]

Never even imagined in our wildest dreams that he'll impact the west. Huge respect for making Telugu and India 🇮🇳 proud

[bruceblakeslee]

This film is my intro to Tollywood. So much brilliant visual storytelling going on in this film... It leaves me quite breathless. SS Rajamouli is now one of my favorite directors. Respect!

[MrBShah]

For me the scenes where RAMA RAJU is introduced will forever be the best action scene I have ever watched. The music, the intensity, the action, the adrenaline rush, the dedication. The best.

[soutarm]

Woah! I just realised the wide shot of when they first meet and save the boy 10:38 . The “fire” guy (Raju) is jumping into water and the “water” guy (Bheem) is jumping into fire! Fire meets water, water meets fire.

[absolomarnold]

I've been watching studio binder of 3 years now, and I never thought I ll be watching a video about a movie which ll be made in my language. A proud moment for me. Ss Rajamouli is indeed a pride of telugu cinema ❤ much love to studio binder from Telangana, learned a LOT of stuff from you guys, you are my film school

[andrewbryant]

The unending irony of a RRR breakdown being narrated by a British man will never be topped

[Fazeth]

The bridge sequence is my absolute favorite. So much conveyed through action, no dialog till the main characters exchange names. My biggest take away is that none of these action scenes feel "pointless" compared to most hollywood action film. Not just some expense that'll be forgotten in the next 15 minutes when another scene plays out.

[StewartFletcher]

MAN after watching this all I wanted to do was go turn on RRR! And I've already seen it THREE times!!

[hallofgamechannel]

Visual clarity is his main attraction.. No fast cuts.. Everything in a big frame..

[pikazeuss]

Never thought that the place from where I will be learning about world cinema, someday will reach my home.
Proud to be an INDIAN 🇮🇳 ❤❤
Thanks, Rajamouli Sir for RRR 😇

[thatreviewerhazique]

My biggest regret would be not seeing this masterpiece in theatres.

[Chrisflye]

This movie is not just about the Indian freedom fighters, it’s about all the fighters around the world… salute

[hardik]

One thing you missed, I believe, is the grounding of emotions with music. As much as the contraction and dilation of time adds to visual spectacle, the bg score similarly sets the subconscious tone of the sequence. Kiravani is a genius when it comes to building up a scene with background score.

[filmyfacts]

Rajamouli sir single-handedly revolutionized Indian cinema and now he is taking it to the world. Definitely his sensibility is different from that of Western audiences but still he is able to grasp their attention without changing his way of story telling. Thanks studiobinder for the breakdown🙌. Yes, emotions can influence action on a different level.

[saviobastin]

SS rajamouli is genius when it comes to big action films with amazing visuals!!!

[melkani_ji]

3 mins in and we are already out of mind ...what a great director SS is✨✨