SS Rajamouli’s magnum opus ‘RRR’ made quite the noise all over the world after it was released in theatres on March 25 this year. It also found success on Netflix after it started airing on the streaming giant on May 20. While basking in the success of the movie, the filmmaker, however, has one complaint from Netflix - that they only released the Hindi-dubbed version of the film on their platform.
Apart from Netflix, the Telugu-language film was also released on ZEE5 and Disney+ Hotstar. While the other OTT platforms streamed Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada versions of the film, Netflix streamed the Hindi one.
In a recent conversation with filmmaker duo The Russo Brothers for Netflix, which has also aired their ‘The Gray Man’, Rajamouli aired his grievances with the platform. When asked if he was surprised by the newfound attention ‘RRR’ discovered on Netflix after having a very successful theatrical run, Rajamouli agreed.
However, he added, "First of all, I am actually angry with Netflix because they took only the Hindi version, not the rest of the four. So that is, I have a complaint against them. Second thing is, yes, I was surprised with the reception from the west.”
The filmmaker continued, "A good story is a good story for everyone. But I didn't think I could make films with Western sensibilities. I never believed myself. So when it came out on Netflix and people started watching it and the word of mouth started spreading and the critics started giving out good reviews for that. Yes, I was really really surprised. And yes, it wouldn't have been possible without Netflix. For that, I have great regard for them.”
‘RRR’ had trended globally for 10 consecutive weeks on Netflix and was viewed for more than 47 million hours worldwide. It starred Ram Charan and Jr NTR as revolutionaries. The film earned a lot of accolades in the west after its release on Netflix.
‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ director James Gunn and ‘Doctor Strange’ director Scott Derrickson also praised the film. Several actors and writers from the MCU, as well as comic book writers from both Marvel and DC Comics, have showered love on the film. ‘Gremlins’ director Joe Dante called the film a 'brutal portrait of the horrors of British colonisation.’
