Rajamouli Completes a Silver Jubilee in His Film Career

S.S. Rajamouli has completed 25 years in the film industry, marking a silver jubilee in his directorial career. Beginning his journey as a filmmaker with ‘Student No.1’ in 2001, Rajamouli has evolved from directing Telugu commercial entertainers to creating fantasy films, period epics, pan-India blockbusters and internationally acclaimed cinema. After working as an assistant under K. Raghavendra Rao, he directed television before making his feature-film debut. His directorial filmography includes ‘Student No.1’, ‘Simhadri’, ‘Sye’, ‘Chatrapathi’, ‘Vikramarkudu’, ‘Yamadonga’, ‘Magadheera’, ‘Maryada Ramanna’, ‘Eega’, ‘Baahubali: The Beginning’, ‘Baahubali 2: The Conclusion’ and ‘RRR’. The Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri in 2016. His father is noted screenwriter K.V. Vijayendra Prasad, while music composer M.M. Keeravani is his relative. Rajamouli married Rama in 2001, and she has also been associated with his films as a costume designer.

Rajamouli’s films are known for their distinctive storytelling, grand visuals, emotional depth and strong dramatic elements. ‘Simhadri’ established him as a filmmaker of action entertainers, while ‘Magadheera’ explored folklore and reincarnation. ‘Eega’ surprised audiences with its unconventional premise, and the ‘Baahubali’ franchise took Indian cinema to a wider global audience. ‘RRR’ further strengthened his international recognition, with the song ‘Naatu Naatu’ winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song. His approach of spending years developing a project and bringing out the best from actors and technicians has become a defining feature of his filmmaking. Rajamouli is currently directing ‘Varanasi’, starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran, which is scheduled for release in 2027. His 25-year journey has marked a significant chapter in the expansion of Telugu cinema onto the pan-India and international stage.