Prithviraj Sukumaran, the multi-talented actor and director, has offered insights into the filmmaking approach of S.S. Rajamouli, particularly his penchant for creating massive sets for his films. Sukumaran, who is part of the cast of Rajamouli's upcoming project, tentatively titled SSMB29, shared his perspective on why the acclaimed director opts for such grand-scale productions.
According to Prithviraj Sukumaran, Rajamouli chooses large backdrops because "he excels at telling a story through big, visual strokes". In a recent interview, Sukumaran expressed his admiration for Rajamouli's storytelling canvas, describing it as both ambitious and deeply engaging. He emphasized Rajamouli's mastery in presenting larger-than-life stories in the most entertaining manner, noting that the scale and execution of his projects are extraordinary.
Rajamouli's films are known for their epic grandeur, unbridled heroism, and larger-than-life characters. His works often draw inspiration from ancient Indian epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, integrating essential lessons and emotions from these stories with visual splendor. This approach allows him to create a strong emotional impact on viewers, transcending language barriers by focusing on universal human emotions.
The director's commitment to visual storytelling is evident in his meticulous attention to detail, state-of-the-art CGI, and the grandeur of his sets. For SSMB29, Rajamouli is reportedly recreating Varanasi in Hyderabad's Ramoji Film City, with an estimated cost of ₹50 crore for the set construction. This demonstrates his dedication to creating authentic and immersive worlds for his narratives.
Prithviraj Sukumaran also highlighted the extensive production involved in SSMB29, describing it as unlike anything he has seen before. He conveyed his excitement about building the world of the film, hinting at the ambitious nature of the project. The film, which stars Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran, is already generating significant buzz, with expectations that it will break box-office records.
Rajamouli's filmmaking style often incorporates elements of mythology, recurring themes of good versus evil, strong female characters, and family sacrifice. His battle scenes are a highlight, showcasing his choreography and use of CGI to create thrilling action sequences. Despite the silence from the filmmakers regarding specific plot details, the sheer scale of SSMB29 has fueled excitement among fans.
The team is preparing for a major shooting schedule in August, with Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra expected to return to the sets. While the Africa schedule has been postponed due to regional instability, the crew is considering filming key sequences in Ramoji Film City if necessary. Rajamouli is reportedly aiming for a March 2027 release, indicating a long-term vision and meticulous planning for each stage of production.
In conclusion, Prithviraj Sukumaran's insights shed light on SS Rajamouli's deliberate choice to create massive sets, emphasizing the director's skill in using visuals to enhance his storytelling. Rajamouli's grand vision, combined with his technical expertise and deep understanding of Indian culture and mythology, positions SSMB29 as one of the most anticipated pan-Indian films.