S. S. Rajamouli is an Indian film director, screenwriter, and action choreographer who
works primarily in Telugu cinema, known for directing blockbuster films like Magadheera
and Eega based on Visual Effects, both of which won the National Film Award for Best
Special Effects. He has directed blockbusters like Sye, Vikramarkudu, Maryada Ramanna, and
Chatrapathi which were remade in various Indian languages, with successful reviews
In 2012, he directed Eega, which was showcased among the market section of the 66th Cannes
Film Festival on 20 May 2013, the Panorama section of the 16th Shanghai International
Film Festival, and Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival. Rajamouli has also garnered
awards for the Most Original Film, and Best Film to watch with a crowd, for directing
Eega in the 8th Annual Edition Toronto After Dark Film Festival. He has also garnered the
Star World India, "Entertainer of The Year 2012" for Makkhi.
Personal life Rajamouli was born to Screen writer and director,
K. V. Vijayendra Prasad. He lives in Hyderabad in close association with cousins M. M. Keeravani,
Kalyani Malik, S. S. Naaga, and S. S. Kanchi. He is married to Rama Rajamouli.
Early career and television Rajamouli started directing Telugu soap operas
on Eenadu Television, under the guidance of K. Raghavendra Rao. His first shot at Telugu
films was Student No.1 which was a big hit in 2001. It took two long years for Rajamouli
to come up with his second blockbuster, Simhadri. His next movie was Sye. It was a first-of-its-kind
movie in Tollywood, in that it was based on a rugby game. This movie was also the first
instance where Rajamouli collaborated with K. K. Senthil Kumar.
With his next flick Chatrapathi, Rajamouli again evoked emotions with the audience. The
music of M. M. Keeravani and cinematography by Senthil Kumar added to the film's success.
In his next stint Vikramarkudu, Rajamouli worked with Raviteja. The movie was a big
success and was remade into Hindi as Rowdy Rathore by Prabhu Deva with Akshay kumar in
the lead, into Tamil as Siruthai, and in Kannada as Veera Madakari.
He then directed Yamadonga, a socio-fantasy film praised by critics. Next was the biggest
film in Telugu Cinema at the time, Magadheera starring Ram charan Teja, Magadheera became
one of the biggest commercial successes in Telugu Cinema. He won the Nandi Award for
Best Director and Filmfare Award for Best Director – Telugu for the film. This film
also won the National Film Award for Best Choreography.
His comedy thriller film Maryada Ramanna had actor Sunil as the male lead. This was the
biggest hit of that year. It was remade in Hindi as "Son of Sardar".
His next film Eega was released in Telugu and Tamil on 6 July 2012. It is a fictional
film, with major part for Visual effects, received positive reviews from audience and
critics as well. Awards
National Film Awards National Film Award for Best Feature Film
in Telugu – Eega Nandi Awards
Nandi Award for Best Director – Magadheera Filmfare Awards South
Filmfare Award for Best Director – Telugu – Magadheera
Filmfare Award for Best Director – Telugu – Eega
CineMAA Awards CineMAA Award for Best Director – Magadheera
Other Honours Star World India – The Front Row With Anupama
Chopra – "Entertainer of The Year 2012" for Makkhi
Filmography Collaborations
K. V. Vijayendra Prasad M. M. Keeravani
K. K. Senthil Kumar Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao
Kalyani Malik Anuj Gurwara
References