View source for Cinematic style of S. S. Rajamouli

{{Short description|Filmmaking style of S. S. Rajamouli}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2022}}
{{Use Indian English|date=November 2022}}
[[File:Photos-Alia-Bhatt-Ram-Charan-Jr.-NTR-and-S.-S.-Rajamouli-snapped-during-their-upcoming-film-RRR-promotions-at-PVR-Plaza-in-New-Delhi-5.jpg|thumb|Rajamouli in 2022]]

[[S. S. Rajamouli]] is an Indian filmmaker who primarily works in [[Telugu cinema]] and is known for his [[Action film|action]], [[fantasy]], and [[Epic film|epic]] genre films. [[Rachel Dwyer]] called Rajamouli "India's most significant director today".<ref name=":122">{{Cite web |last=Dwyer |first=Rachel |author-link=Rachel Dwyer |date=2022-04-01 |title=Director's Roar - The globalisation of South Indian cinema began with Rajamouli |url=https://openthemagazine.com/cover-stories/directors-roar/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220905161209/https://openthemagazine.com/cover-stories/directors-roar/ |archive-date=5 September 2022 |access-date=2022-09-05 |website=[[Open (Indian magazine)|Open Magazine]] |language=en-GB |quote=SS Rajamouli is perhaps India’s most significant director today. He can make a film in a south Indian language that, when dubbed, becomes a pan-Indian film that can also be enjoyed overseas.}}</ref> His films are typically characterised by their epic grandeur, unbridled [[hero]]ism and larger-than-life characters. His films have themes and characters inspired from [[Indian epic poetry|ancient Indian epics]] such as ''[[Ramayana]]'' and ''[[Mahabharata]]'' and are noted for their integration of the essential lessons and emotions in those ancient epics with visual grandeur. He frequently mentions that the mythological themes in his films are storytelling elements intended to create strong emotional impact on the viewers and are not a reflection of his [[personality]] or [[worldview]]. His films also have a liberal dose of violence, often orchestrated in stylised action set-pieces.

Rajamouli's films mostly follow the [[three-act structure]] where every major [[plot point]] ends on a high note with the film having a clap-worthy moment every 10 to 15 minutes. Several of his films also feature [[Flashback (narrative)|flashback]] episodes. His recent films focus heavily on visual storytelling. They are primarily made in [[Telugu language|Telugu]] and then dubbed into various other Indian and foreign languages. His works are typically [[visual effects]]-heavy, and he is one of the pioneering filmmakers in India in integrating [[computer-generated imagery]] (CGI) with [[live action]]. He prefers [[practical effect]]s over CGI and likes to capture as much footage as possible [[In-camera effect|in-camera]]. With his [[Baahubali (franchise)|''Baahubali'']] films, he has pioneered the [[Pan-Indian film]] movement.

[[M. M. Keeravani]], his cousin, has worked as the music composer for all of his films. Rajamouli has co-written several of his films with his father, [[V. Vijayendra Prasad|Vijayendra Prasad]]. Rajamouli's wife, [[Rama Rajamouli|Rama]] worked as a costume designer or stylist for all of his films starting from ''Sye.'' Other frequent collaborators include editor [[Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao]], cinematographer [[K. K. Senthil Kumar]], production designers [[Sabu Cyril]] and S. Ravinder, action choreographers [[Peter Hein]], [[Ram Lakshman (stunt choreographers)|Ram-Lakshman]], and King Solomon. His films feature many recurring actors, notably [[Prabhas]], [[Ram Charan]], [[N. T. Rama Rao Jr.|Jr. NTR]], and [[Anushka Shetty]], who appeared in [[Leading actor|lead roles]] in several films.

== Themes ==
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| quote = When I start writing a story, for me, it is the emotion I should be moved by. I might be [[agnostic]], but when I see a good film, like for example, [[Annamayya (film)|''Annamayya'']], a Telugu film which is about a devotee of [[Venkateswara|Lord Venkateswara]], and when I see the climax, I cry. It is a conversation between God and man, his disciple. I might not believe in God, but I connect to the emotion of a devotee and a God. And, I connect to the emotion that drives masses: devotion and submission to a greater self. I understand the power of that emotion, the power of a mass emotion, and I too feel that emotion. I might not believe in God, but I believe in the emotion, and if it moves me, I write it.
| source =  Rajamouli on emotions and themes in his films.<ref name=BT/>
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A penchant for "larger-than-life" filmmaking,<ref name="Kokra">{{Cite web |last=Kokra |first=Sonali |date=12 April 2022 |title='RRR' director SS Rajamouli on being a 'rollercoaster entertainer' |url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/film/2022/04/12/rrr-director-ss-rajamouli-on-being-a-rollercoaster-entertainer/ |access-date=30 August 2022 |website=[[The National (Abu Dhabi)|The National]] |language=en |quote='I generally like larger-than-life, pushing-the-boundaries sort of canvases,' he says. |archive-date=30 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220830080822/https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/film/2022/04/12/rrr-director-ss-rajamouli-on-being-a-rollercoaster-entertainer/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":12">{{Cite news |date=13 April 2017 |title=Q&A: Director Rajamouli on the making of 'Bahubali' |language=en |quote=The vision was not just in 2012 - it kept building over a period of years, right from my childhood. I had this penchant for bigger films, larger-than-life characters. |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/rajamouli-baahubali-film-idUSKBN17F0JS |access-date=3 July 2022 |archive-date=3 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220703203219/https://www.reuters.com/article/rajamouli-baahubali-film-idUSKBN17F0JS |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Kumar">{{Cite news |last=Kumar |first=Anuj |date=18 October 2012 |title=Flight of imagination |language=en-IN |quote=I like larger-than-life ideas. I take an impossible situation and then make the audience believe in it. |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Flight-of-imagination/article12562497.ece |access-date=23 August 2022 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=8 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808233406/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Flight-of-imagination/article12562497.ece |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last=Srinivasan |first=Latha |date=30 March 2022 |title=Inside the mind of SS Rajamouli: Decoding how the RRR director lends scale to his storytelling |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/inside-the-mind-of-ss-rajamouli-decoding-how-the-rrr-director-lends-scale-to-his-storytelling-10501081.html |access-date=20 July 2022 |website=Firstpost |language=en |quote=[f]rom a young age, I had this vivid imagination. When my father started working, he would tell us scenes he had developed, and I would amp them up in my own way. |archive-date=18 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220818144603/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/inside-the-mind-of-ss-rajamouli-decoding-how-the-rrr-director-lends-scale-to-his-storytelling-10501081.html |url-status=live }}</ref> combined with a fascination for historical and mythological themes; abound with forts, battles, kings and their tales had Rajamouli helm films like ''[[Yamadonga]]'', ''[[Magadheera]]'' and the [[Baahubali (franchise)|''Baahubali'']] duology.<ref name="forbes">{{Cite web |last=Cain |first=Rob |date=27 August 2015 |title=An Interview With 'Baahubali' Director SS Rajamouli: The Beginning |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/robcain/2015/08/27/an-interview-with-baahubali-director-ss-rajamouli-the-beginning/ |access-date=27 July 2022 |website=Forbes |language=en |quote=I was fascinated by the forts, the battles, the kings, I not only used to read those stories but I kept telling those stories to my friends in my own way.[...] I experimented a bit with two of my earlier films Yamadonga and Magadheera which had a bit of folklore and mythology in them. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201043901/https://www.forbes.com/sites/robcain/2015/08/27/an-interview-with-baahubali-director-ss-rajamouli-the-beginning/|archive-date=December 1, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":10">{{Cite web |last=Singh |first=Suhani |date=17 December 2021 |title=S.S. Rajamouli: The return of the king |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/cinema/story/20211227-s-s-rajamouli-the-return-of-the-king-1888561-2021-12-17 |url-access=subscription |access-date=26 July 2022 |website=India Today |language=en |archive-date=1 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701185022/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/cinema/story/20211227-s-s-rajamouli-the-return-of-the-king-1888561-2021-12-17 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Rajamouli has cited [[Outline of ancient India|ancient Indian]] narrative [[Epic poetry|epics]] such as ''[[Ramayana]]'' and ''[[Mahabharata]]'' to be inspirational sources for his storytelling.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Adivi |first=Sashidhar |date=3 August 2017 |title=SS Rajamouli's epic inspiration |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/030817/ss-rajamoulis-epic-inspiration-1.html |access-date=23 September 2021 |website=Deccan Chronicle |language=en |quote=All my films are inspired by Mahabharata and Ramayana because I was raised with these epics. I have a deep emotional connect with them. |archive-date=30 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220330031504/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/030817/ss-rajamoulis-epic-inspiration-1.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=My films have narratives inspired by mythology: S S Rajamouli |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/interviews/2022/01/30/ss-rajamouli-interview-rrr.html |access-date=26 June 2022 |website=OnManorama |quote=My films will always have narratives that are inspired by mythology. I am deeply influenced by the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. They somehow come out in various forms. But it isn’t deliberate. [...] I don’t think there is any emotion that hasn’t been written in the Mahabharata or Ramayana. |archive-date=27 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527130927/https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/interviews/2022/01/30/ss-rajamouli-interview-rrr.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Cain |first=Rob |date=27 August 2015 |title=An Interview With 'Baahubali' Director SS Rajamouli: The Beginning |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/robcain/2015/08/27/an-interview-with-baahubali-director-ss-rajamouli-the-beginning/ |access-date=27 July 2022 |website=Forbes |language=en |quote=mostly my stories are drawn from the epics of India |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201043901/https://www.forbes.com/sites/robcain/2015/08/27/an-interview-with-baahubali-director-ss-rajamouli-the-beginning/|archive-date=December 1, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> He revisits the ''[[Amar Chitra Katha]]'' comics and keeps reading different versions of the ''Ramayana'' and ''Mahabharata'' from time to time.<ref name=":10" /> About the presence of mythological elements in his films, Rajamouli spoke thus:<blockquote>"I am deeply influenced by mythology. Including it in my projects has always been a very [[sub-conscious]] decision because I grew up listening to the stories of mythology from my grandparents. It is completely embedded in my blood. Whatever goes in, comes out. I have so much input of mythology, it comes out in my stories in different forms. I feel very proud of it."<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 March 2022 |title=SS Rajamouli opens up on why he includes mythological elements in his films |url=https://theprint.in/features/ss-rajamouli-opens-up-on-why-he-includes-mythological-elements-in-his-films/881350/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626092557/https://theprint.in/features/ss-rajamouli-opens-up-on-why-he-includes-mythological-elements-in-his-films/881350/ |archive-date=26 June 2022 |access-date=17 July 2022 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref></blockquote>

A scene in ''Simhadri'' had the protagonist impale a rapist on spikes overhead and bathe in his blood, who is then given a [[abhisheka]] by the priests for his deed. ''Baahubali'' series had elements resembling narratives from ''Mahabharata'' and ''Ramayana''. The Devasena-Bhallaladeva scenes mirror the [[Sita]]-[[Ravana]] interactions in the ''Ramayana''. The Baahubali-Bhallaladeva conflict parallels the [[Pandava]]-[[Kaurava]] conflict in the ''Mahabharata''. ''[[Magadheera]]'' and ''[[Eega]]'' had the concept of [[reincarnation]] in its central plot.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Tetali |first=Sagar |date=22 March 2022 |title=SS Rajamouli, Maker of Myths |url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/1leqf |access-date=16 July 2022 |website=Film Companion}}</ref>

Piyush Roy, a critic and film historian, attributed the success of Rajamouli to his ability to integrate the essential lessons and emotions in stories of [[Indian epics]] with visual grandeur. He noted that "aspects such as constant duel between [[good and evil]], women as strong characters, presence of mother figures like [[Kunti]] and [[Gandhari (Mahabharata)|Gandhari]] are recurrent themes of his narratives."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Naidu |first=Rajesh |title=S S Rajamouli: The Epic Storyteller |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/s-s-rajamouli-the-epic-storyteller/articleshow/48421698.cms |access-date=2022-10-12 |website=The Times of India |language=en |archive-date=29 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220829131058/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/s-s-rajamouli-the-epic-storyteller/articleshow/48421698.cms |url-status=live }}</ref>

Rajamouli frequently mentions that his films are not a reflection of his personality or worldview.<ref name="BT">{{Cite web |last1=S. |first1=Vidya |last2=Lidhoo |first2=Prerna |date=22 July 2022 |title=How Movies From the South Conquered Bollywood |url=http://www.businesstoday.in/interactive/longread/how-movies-from-the-south-conquered-bollywood-146-22-07-2022 |access-date=2022-08-27 |website=[[Business Today (India)|Business Today]] |archive-date=14 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220814163253/https://www.businesstoday.in/interactive/longread/how-movies-from-the-south-conquered-bollywood-146-22-07-2022 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kumar |first=Hemanth |date=2017-04-27 |title=SS Rajamouli on Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, being an atheist and his love for cinema |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/ss-rajamouli-on-baahubali-2-the-conclusion-being-an-atheist-and-his-love-for-cinema-3408524.html |access-date=2022-09-15 |website=Firstpost |language=en |quote=However, I must add that my personality and my films are poles apart. |archive-date=3 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003163317/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/ss-rajamouli-on-baahubali-2-the-conclusion-being-an-atheist-and-his-love-for-cinema-3408524.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":49">{{Cite news |title=I am scared of handling big stars: Rajamouli |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/i-am-scared-of-handling-big-stars-rajamouli/articleshow/17677673.cms |access-date=2022-09-15 |website=The Times of India |language=en |archive-date=14 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914122617/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/i-am-scared-of-handling-big-stars-rajamouli/articleshow/17677673.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> He stated that the mythological and religious themes in his films are storytelling elements intended to create strong emotional impact on the viewers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-04-27 |title=SS Rajamouli on Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, being an atheist and his love for cinema |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/ss-rajamouli-on-baahubali-2-the-conclusion-being-an-atheist-and-his-love-for-cinema-3408524.html |access-date=2022-09-15 |website=Firstpost |language=en |quote=For me, Bhakti, in terms of subservience to a higher power, is a very strong emotion. I use it as a storytelling element in my movies. As a director, it’s my job to bring out such strong emotions for a big impact on the viewers. |archive-date=3 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003163317/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/ss-rajamouli-on-baahubali-2-the-conclusion-being-an-atheist-and-his-love-for-cinema-3408524.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="BT" /> He is also inclined to make films that transcend beyond language. Regarding that he says, "I learned that if I make my story based on basic human emotions, you can translate beyond the language. I have a chance to connect with more people."<ref name="DeadlineInt">{{Cite web |last=Tartaglione |first=Nancy |date=8 April 2022 |title='RRR' Director S.S. Rajamouli Talks Film's Global Success, Comparisons To Marvel |url=https://deadline.com/2022/04/rrr-ss-rajamouli-interview-box-office-marvel-1234997120/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220806005438/https://deadline.com/2022/04/rrr-ss-rajamouli-interview-box-office-marvel-1234997120/ |archive-date=6 August 2022 |access-date=27 August 2022 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |quote=All languages are of value, but it has been proven even before Baahubali, if the film is based on human emotions you can translate beyond the language.}}</ref><ref name=":5" />

Devarsi Ghosh of ''[[India Today]]'' observed that "the themes of an [[Orphan|orphaned hero]], a secret backstory, a separated family and a protagonist in search of his/her origins are prominent in Rajamouli's films."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Devarsi Ghosh |date=25 April 2017 |title=How Baahubali's themes are tied to SS Rajamouli's entire filmography |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/baahubali-2-full-coverage/story/baahubali-2-the-conclusion-ss-rajamouli-eega-magadheera-973408-2017-04-25 |access-date=12 July 2021 |website=[[India Today]] |language=en |archive-date=12 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712050352/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/baahubali-2-full-coverage/story/baahubali-2-the-conclusion-ss-rajamouli-eega-magadheera-973408-2017-04-25 |url-status=live }}</ref> Themes centered around Jealous siblings, and adopted sons who strive to prove their loyalty featured prominently in ''Simhadri'', ''Chatrapathi'', and ''Baahubali.''<ref name=":0" />''<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=R |first=Manoj Kumar |date=24 March 2022 |title=Decoding SS Rajamouli's success ahead of RRR: A director who sells more tickets than superstars |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/opinion-entertainment/ss-rajamouli-rrr-a-director-who-sells-more-tickets-than-superstars-7831831/ |access-date=20 July 2022 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=20 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220720112032/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/opinion-entertainment/ss-rajamouli-rrr-a-director-who-sells-more-tickets-than-superstars-7831831/ |url-status=live }}</ref>'' His films also have elements of [[tragedy]] which is not typical for commercial Telugu cinema{{Em dash}}the death of Vikram Rathore during the central set-piece in ''Vikramarkudu'', Kaala Bhairava jumping off the cliff in ''Magadheera'', the self-immolation of the fly in the climax of ''Eega'', the betrayal and death of Amarendra Baahubali in ''Baahubali'' films.<ref name=":0" />

Rajamouli's films feature strong, principled [[hero]]es. Piyush Roy noted that the Veera rasa (heroism), amongst the [[Indian aesthetics|navarasas]], is the most prominent in the characters of Rajamoulis protagonists who make the film very engaging.<ref name=":55">{{Cite news |last=Naidu |first=Rajesh |title=S S Rajamouli: The Epic Storyteller |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/s-s-rajamouli-the-epic-storyteller/articleshow/48421698.cms |access-date=29 August 2022 |website=The Times of India |language=en |quote=Piyush Roy, a film historian with University of Edinburgh says, "All of Rajamouli's films have well-rounded action plots. Among the [[Indian aesthetics#The navarasas|Navarasas]], it is the Veera rasa that make his narrative very engaging. His plots have all elements of exploits of a hero and heroism. His heroes are not only mentally upright but also physically strong. He invests in characterisation. Even his supporting characters are well-established." |archive-date=29 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220829131058/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/s-s-rajamouli-the-epic-storyteller/articleshow/48421698.cms |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":47">{{Cite web |last=Ramnath |first=Nandini |date=3 June 2015 |title=SS Rajamouli conquered Telugu cinema a decade ago. Is Bollywood next? |url=http://scroll.in/article/731818/ss-rajamouli-conquered-telugu-cinema-a-decade-ago-is-bollywood-next |access-date=2022-09-15 |website=Scroll.in |language=en-US |archive-date=14 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914153715/https://scroll.in/article/731818/ss-rajamouli-conquered-telugu-cinema-a-decade-ago-is-bollywood-next |url-status=live }}</ref> The antagonists in his films are irredeemable with no [[Morality|moral compass]].<ref name=":9" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Keramalu |first=Karthik |date=31 December 2021 |title=How Rajamouli became India's blockbuster director |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/how-rajamouli-became-indias-blockbuster-director-1066713.html |access-date=20 July 2022 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en |archive-date=20 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220720125707/https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/how-rajamouli-became-indias-blockbuster-director-1066713.html |url-status=live }}</ref> His protagonists have graduated from pure brawn in ''Simhadri'', ''Chatrapathi'', and ''Vikramarkudu'' to thinking, intelligent heroes who overthink their antagonists in ''[[Maryada Ramanna]]'', ''Eega'', and ''Baahubali.'' Rajamouli also experimented in ''Maryada Ramanna'' with a protagonist who is not hypermasculine or courageous&ndash;traits that are typical of his leads.<ref name=":0" />

[[Revenge]] is a theme that regularly features in his films.<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":23">{{Cite web |last1=S. |first1=Vidya |last2=Lidhoo |first2=Prerna |date=22 July 2022 |title=How Movies From the South Conquered Bollywood |url=http://www.businesstoday.in/interactive/longread/how-movies-from-the-south-conquered-bollywood-146-22-07-2022 |access-date=27 August 2022 |website=[[Business Today (India)|Business Today]] |quote=Says Rajamouli, an agnostic whose tales are replete with mythological themes of reincarnation and revenge, brought to life using heavy doses of modern-day technologies. |archive-date=14 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220814163253/https://www.businesstoday.in/interactive/longread/how-movies-from-the-south-conquered-bollywood-146-22-07-2022 |url-status=live }}</ref> When asked why this is so, in an interview with filmmaker [[Sandeep Reddy Vanga|Sandeep Vanga]], Rajamouli said, "I believe revenge is the strongest emotion. I don't set out to make a revenge drama in particular. Revenge is an emotion that strongly and easily resonates with the audience. So, most of the time it's revenge."<ref>{{Citation |title=Sandeep Reddy Vanga Interview with SS Rajamouli {{!}} RRR Movie on 25 March {{!}} NTR, Ram Charan |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYYStalJsAw |language=en |access-date=3 July 2022 |archive-date=3 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220703150420/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYYStalJsAw |url-status=live }}; From 0:25 to 1:15</ref> His films generally use a wide range of animals and Rajamouli attributes this to his love of animals.<ref name=":223">{{Cite web |last=Patel |first=Sunil |date=27 May 2022 |title=Rip-Roaring Revolution: S.S. Rajamouli on his Bromantic Epic |url=https://letterboxd.com/journal/rip-roaring-revolution-ss-rajamouli-rrr/ |access-date=3 July 2022 |website=[[Letterboxd]] |language=en |archive-date=3 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220703203218/https://letterboxd.com/journal/rip-roaring-revolution-ss-rajamouli-rrr/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Rajamouli's films also have a liberal dose of violence, often orchestrated in stylised action set-pieces.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tetali |first=Sagar |date=22 March 2022 |title=SS Rajamouli, Maker of Myths |url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/1leqf |access-date=16 July 2022 |website=Film Companion |quote=But there is another dimension to mythology that is central to Rajamouli’s filmography, long unexplored in Indian cinema — that of violence.}}</ref> He cited the violence in Indian epics as an important factor that shaped up India, and as a filmmaker he doesn't think anyone in India would tone it down if not for the censorship. The violent scenes are often employed to induce awe in the viewer.<ref name=":0" /> His films also feature protagonists wielding ornate weapons.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Manohar |first=Niveda |date=9 July 2015 |title=Before Watching Baahubali: 7 Rajamouli Quirks |url=https://silverscreenindia.com/telugu/features/before-watching-baahubali-7-rajamouli-quirks/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230103134750/https://silverscreenindia.com/telugu/features/before-watching-baahubali-7-rajamouli-quirks/ |archive-date=3 January 2023 |access-date=27 February 2023 |website=Silverscreen India}}</ref>

== Method ==
Maintaining that his storytelling style has remained the same since he was in class two, Rajamouli prefers to set his films in an unrealistic and a fantasy world so that people can come out of their world into his. "I like people to be awe struck by my films," he said.<ref name=":49" /> His films mostly follow the [[three-act structure]] where every major [[plot point]] has a setup, confrontation, and resolution; resulting in a screenplay where every plot point ends on a high note with the film having a clap-worthy moment every 10 to 15 minutes.''<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Jain |first=Gautam |date=25 March 2022 |title=The original Pan India filmmaker |url=https://www.ormaxmedia.com/insights/stories/the-original-pan-india-filmmaker.html |access-date=20 July 2022 |website=Ormax Media |archive-date=23 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523195352/https://www.ormaxmedia.com/insights/stories/the-original-pan-india-filmmaker.html |url-status=live }}</ref>''

Several of Rajamouli's films feature [[Flashback (narrative)|flashback]] episodes where the protagonist's backstory is revealed, typically in the second half of the film. This narrative style is used in ''Simhadri'', ''Vikramarkudu'', ''Magadheera'', ''Baahubali: The Beginning'', and ''RRR.<ref name=":8" />'' The high point of Rajamouli's narrative style is considered to be the pre-interval scene—the scene immediately prior to the [[intermission]]. His pre-interval action scenes rev up the emotions of the audience creating a high point that increases the interest for the second half of the film.''<ref name=":5" />'' Examples include the [[Godavari Pushkaralu]] fight scene in ''Simhadri'', the pre-interval fight scene in ''Vikramarkudu'', and the 100 soldier fight scene in ''Magadheera''.''<ref name=":8" />''<ref name=":0" />

{{Quote box
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| quote = I’m very loyal to my action sequences. I just won’t put them in for the sake of it. I believe that human endurance and physical capabilities are unimaginable when they are emotionally charged. There are things that real people have achieved that we can’t imagine, but they happen once in a lifetime … The only thing is they happen quite a number of times in my films.
| source =  Rajamouli on action sequences in his films.<ref name="nationalnews">{{Cite web |last=Kokra |first=Sonali |date=2022-04-12 |title='RRR' director SS Rajamouli on being a 'rollercoaster entertainer' |url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/film/2022/04/12/rrr-director-ss-rajamouli-on-being-a-rollercoaster-entertainer/ |access-date=2022-08-30 |website=[[The National (Abu Dhabi)|The National]] |archive-date=30 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220830080822/https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/film/2022/04/12/rrr-director-ss-rajamouli-on-being-a-rollercoaster-entertainer/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
}}

Describing his films as “big-scale action movies driven by hard-core emotion”,<ref name=":18">{{Cite web |last=Shanmugam |first=Kavitha |date=9 April 2022 |title=I make big-scale movies driven by emotions: Rajamouli |url=https://thefederal.com/cii-dakshin-event/i-make-big-scale-movies-driven-by-emotions-rajamouli/ |access-date=24 August 2022 |website=The Federal |quote=“When humans are under the grip of emotion, they tend to behave in a superhuman way and are pushed to do anything and that is what I tap,” he said, describing his films as being “big scale action movies driven by hard-core emotion”. |archive-date=24 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824130532/https://thefederal.com/cii-dakshin-event/i-make-big-scale-movies-driven-by-emotions-rajamouli/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Rajamouli considers himself to be a magnifying glass that enhances the various emotions of the characters on screen, and sees the presence of violent action as an integral factor that engages the viewer with on screen proceedings.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bhopatkar |first=Tejashree |date=30 December 2021 |title=SS Rajamouli: My family members are ruthless critics; they show no mercy in ripping apart my films if they don't like anything |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/ss-rajamouli-my-family-members-are-ruthless-critics-they-show-no-mercy-in-ripping-apart-my-films-if-they-dont-like-anything/articleshow/88572528.cms |access-date=27 August 2022 |website=The Times of India |quote=Yes, violence is part of my storytelling but not in a negative way. Each and everything, whether it is violence, softness, or any kind of emotion, I like to call myself a magnifying glass. I like to enhance my emotions. And I feel the same kind of emotion will enhance much more if you have action, if it has something just running around, It will just explode. It gives a larger-than-life effect. So that is my way of storytelling. That is how I like to see films, that is how I like to make films. |archive-date=27 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220827062904/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/ss-rajamouli-my-family-members-are-ruthless-critics-they-show-no-mercy-in-ripping-apart-my-films-if-they-dont-like-anything/articleshow/88572528.cms |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jain |first=Gautam |date=25 March 2022 |title=The original Pan India filmmaker |url=https://www.ormaxmedia.com/insights/stories/the-original-pan-india-filmmaker.html |access-date=20 July 2022 |website=Ormax Media |quote=Instead of relying on action to only drive an adrenaline rush, SS Rajamouli uses action to drive various emotions. This leads to higher engagement with the proceedings on screen during action set-pieces. |archive-date=23 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523195352/https://www.ormaxmedia.com/insights/stories/the-original-pan-india-filmmaker.html |url-status=live }}</ref> "For me, the character being emotionally charged up at that moment to go into that action sequence is very, very important," said Rajamouli about action sequences in his films.<ref name=":223" />

Rajamouli's initial films have comedic sub-plots and songs that are not integral to the main plot of the film. He noted, “Initially, I used to add a lot of scenes for the sake of comedy, songs because I used to fear how people would react if they aren't there. Once I got a lot of confidence as a story-teller, I no longer see the necessity to do all that”.<ref name="atheist">{{Cite news |date=27 April 2017 |title=SS Rajamouli on Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, being an atheist and his love for cinema |work=Firstpost |url=http://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/ss-rajamouli-on-baahubali-2-the-conclusion-being-an-atheist-and-his-love-for-cinema-3408524.html |access-date=1 May 2017 |archive-date=30 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170430233149/http://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/ss-rajamouli-on-baahubali-2-the-conclusion-being-an-atheist-and-his-love-for-cinema-3408524.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Rajamouli regrets not working for a longer time as an assistant director. “When I made my first film ''Student No: 1'', I didn't know how to use a [[Crane (machine)|crane]] because I never used a crane while I was doing my TV serial." He mentions basic [[Shot (filmmaking)|shotmaking]] as his biggest shortcoming as a director. “I still don't know which shot exactly gives me what I need. I get so many doubts whether I should keep the camera standard, whether I should move the track-in slowly, how close should I really get {{Em dash}} close to the eyes, close to the face, whether I should go a little bit to the top. There are thousands of options that run through my mind and I don't know which is the right thing to do. That is my shortcoming. I can't decide which is the right camera angle," he noted in an interaction in June 2022.<ref name=":43">{{Citation |title=S S Rajamouli and Anupam Kher at Goafest 2022 |date=15 June 2022 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDFk584zf6o |language=en |access-date=2022-09-14 |archive-date=14 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914122625/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDFk584zf6o |url-status=live }}; Event occurs from 24:56 to 26:47</ref><ref name=":44">{{Cite news |title=I am far from being a perfectionist, says 'RRR' film-maker SS Rajamouli |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/i-am-far-from-being-a-perfectionist-says-rrr-filmmaker-ss-rajamouli/articleshow/91395398.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2022-09-14 |archive-date=14 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914122617/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/i-am-far-from-being-a-perfectionist-says-rrr-filmmaker-ss-rajamouli/articleshow/91395398.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }}</ref>

In the beginning of his career, Rajamouli used to act and show the actors how to perform or enact the character and was very adamant on the minutiae of their performances. "Slowly I realised that all my actors are looking the same. All my actors were imitating what I was doing. Then I thought, why do I go to a particular actor? (It is) because he has a specific ability. Then I started hammering the emotion into the actor and let them perform accordingly," he noted.<ref name=":45">{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDFk584zf6o |title=S S Rajamouli and Anupam Kher at Goafest 2022 |date=15 June 2022 |time=28:00 to 30:42 |time-caption=From |access-date=2022-09-14 |archive-date=14 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914122625/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDFk584zf6o |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":44" />

Beginning with the ''Baahubali'' films, Rajamouli started conducting workshops with the major cast members and writing everything about a character {{Em dash}} the complete [[backstory]] of the character including traits and events that aren't present in the final film {{Em dash}} prior to the commencement of [[principal photography]].<ref name=":45" /><ref name=":44" />

Rajamouli's films typically, are [[visual effects]]-heavy and he is one of the pioneering filmmakers in India in integrating [[computer-generated imagery]] (CGI) with [[live action]]. He mentions his preference for [[practical effect]]s over CGI and likes to capture as much footage as possible [[In-camera effect|in-camera]].<ref name=":223" /> Rajamouli's craft in CGI has improved with time. The CGI in the underwater shark-fighting sequence in ''Chatrapathi'' was considered ambitious, but choppy. The CGI sequences in ''Magadheera'', ''Eega'', ''Baahubali'', and ''RRR'' are more polished with each film improving upon the previous one.<ref name=":0" />

=== Visual storytelling ===
{{Quote box
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| quote = For me, whether it is subtitling or the (original) language, it's just a medium of communication. Those are not important for me. I would rather want my audience to get the story through the visuals, the way actors are performing or how the background score is. That is what I would prefer as a filmmaker.
| source =  Rajamouli on visual storytelling.<ref name="week">{{Cite web |date=19 March 2022 |title=Want audience to get my story through visuals, not dialogue or subtitles: Rajamouli |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/entertainment/2022/03/19/want-audience-to-get-story-through-visuals-not-dialogue-rajamouli.html |access-date=2022-08-29 |website=[[The Week (Indian magazine)|The Week]] |archive-date=25 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221125174842/https://www.theweek.in/news/entertainment/2022/03/19/want-audience-to-get-story-through-visuals-not-dialogue-rajamouli.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
}}

Rajamouli's later films focus heavily on visual storytelling.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ghosh |first=Sankhayan |title=A Song of Fire and Water: SS Rajamouli's Cinema of Miracles |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/features/ss-rajamouli-movies-rrr-baahubali-a-song-of-fire-and-water-cinema-of-miracles |access-date=2023-04-14 |website=Film Companion |language=en |via=[[Ghostarchive]] |quote=Rajamouli has perfected his skills as a visual storyteller over the years, gravitating towards fantasy. |archive-date=14 April 2023 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20230414200403/https://www.filmcompanion.in/features/ss-rajamouli-movies-rrr-baahubali-a-song-of-fire-and-water-cinema-of-miracles |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref><ref name="BT" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=19 March 2022 |title=Want audience to get my story through visuals, not dialogue or subtitles: S S Rajamouli |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/want-audience-to-get-my-story-through-visuals-not-dialogue-or-subtitles-s-s-rajamouli-1092756.html |access-date=30 August 2022 |website=[[Deccan Herald]] |archive-date=30 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220830043838/https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/want-audience-to-get-my-story-through-visuals-not-dialogue-or-subtitles-s-s-rajamouli-1092756.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He noted in an interview, "While creating a story, I think 'If I switch off this dialogue portion, will the audience still connect to my movie?' Many times, the answer is a yes.”<ref name=":9" />

<blockquote>“I try to tell my story through visuals. I try to put in as little dialogue as possible, but the dialogues we do put in ... my writers take excruciating care, writing version after version so that nuance does not get lost in translation.”<ref name=nationalnews/></blockquote>

=== Multi-lingual films ===

Rajamouli's films starting from ''Eega'' have been made in [[Telugu language|Telugu]] language and then dubbed into various Indian and foreign languages.<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 July 2012 |title=Get ready for the buzz as Eega releases today |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/get-ready-for-the-buzz-as-eega-releases-today-626297 |access-date=2023-04-14 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=20 May 2018 |title=Bilingual films: The big, bilingual scam |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2018/may/20/bilingual-films-the-big-bilingual-scam-1817232.html |access-date=2023-04-14 |website=The New Indian Express |archive-date=14 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201014023155/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2018/may/20/bilingual-films-the-big-bilingual-scam-1817232.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Released in over ten languages and counting |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/photo-features/top-10-amazing-facts-about-baahubali-franchise-that-will-blow-your-mind/released-in-over-ten-languages-and-counting/photostory/53559940.cms |access-date=2023-04-14 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Nair |first=Shreejit |date=2023-01-19 |title=What's Up With RRR's Various Dubs? |url=https://collider.com/rrr-netflix-dubs/ |access-date=2023-04-14 |website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]] |language=en}}</ref> He described the process of making a multi-lingual film in this way.

<blockquote>"My thinking is in Telugu, the script is in Telugu first. But even before I go to shoot, I send the script to other language writers so they also get into the clue of what the film is about. Those dialogues may not be the final ones I am going to use in the film, but they read the script and if there is anything that complements my story, I change the Telugu version. It's an elaborate process because they write, but have to check with the lip-sync. You can't have a 20 word sentence in place of a six word sentence. We get the lip-sync right, but we don't compromise on the quality."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tartaglione |first=Nancy |date=2022-04-08 |title='RRR' Director S.S. Rajamouli Talks Film's Global Success, Comparisons To Marvel |url=https://deadline.com/2022/04/rrr-ss-rajamouli-interview-box-office-marvel-1234997120/ |access-date=2022-08-27 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |archive-date=27 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221127020429/https://deadline.com/2022/04/rrr-ss-rajamouli-interview-box-office-marvel-1234997120/ |url-status=live }}</ref></blockquote>

== Influences ==
{{Multiple image
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| footer            = [[Mayabazar]] (''left'') and [[Ben-Hur (1959 film)|Ben-Hur]] (''right''), two of Rajamouli's most favourite and influential films.
}}
[[Action film|Action]] and [[Adventure film|adventure]] films are Rajamouli's favourite genre.<ref name=":052">{{Cite web |date=22 September 2005 |title=Interview with SS Rajamouli by Jeevi – Chatrapathi |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/celeb/interview/ssrajamouli.html |website=[[Idlebrain.com]] |access-date=5 January 2023 |archive-date=22 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181122112710/http://idlebrain.com/celeb/interview/ssrajamouli.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Rajamouli frequently mentions ''[[Mayabazar]]'' (1957), [[Ben-Hur (1959 film)|''Ben-Hur'']] (1959) and ''[[Braveheart]]'' (1995)<ref>{{Cite news |date=18 November 2021 |title=How the Telugu classic, Mayabazar, set a trend |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/how-the-telugu-classic-mayabazar-set-a-trend/article37559807.ece |access-date=4 July 2022 |issn=0971-751X |quote=S.S. Rajamouli calls Mayabazar “the greatest classic and absolute influence of all times, not only on me and my generation of filmmakers, but the entire Telugu film industry.” |archive-date=5 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705191249/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/how-the-telugu-classic-mayabazar-set-a-trend/article37559807.ece |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Naidu |first=Rajesh |title=S S Rajamouli: The Epic Storyteller |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/s-s-rajamouli-the-epic-storyteller/articleshow/48421698.cms |access-date=29 August 2022 |website=The Times of India |quote=It is no wonder that Rajamouli cites K V Reddy's 1957 bi-lingual (Telugu and Tamil) film Mayabazaar as one of the films that has influenced him a lot. |archive-date=29 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220829131058/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/s-s-rajamouli-the-epic-storyteller/articleshow/48421698.cms |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":51">{{Cite web |last=Kumar |first=Hemanth |date=2017-04-27 |title=SS Rajamouli on Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, being an atheist and his love for cinema |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/ss-rajamouli-on-baahubali-2-the-conclusion-being-an-atheist-and-his-love-for-cinema-3408524.html |access-date=2022-09-15 |website=Firstpost |quote=I was 7–8 years old when I first saw it as a kid, I loved it immensely. Later, when I came to the film industry, I kept thinking about how KV Reddy and his team made the film back in those days. I was mesmerised by the visual effects in that film. Later, while making Yamadonga, my VFX supervisor and I spent two days just to figure out how KV Reddy had pulled off such amazing special effects back then. The more I explored the world of Mayabazaar, my respect for KV Reddy kept growing. |archive-date=3 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003163317/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/ss-rajamouli-on-baahubali-2-the-conclusion-being-an-atheist-and-his-love-for-cinema-3408524.html |url-status=live }}</ref> as his most favourite and influential films.<ref name=":322">{{Cite web |date=4 July 2022 |title=Rajamouli on his next dream project and Bollywood vs south film industry |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/rajamouli-on-his-next-dream-project-and-bollywood-vs-south-film-industry-11656874085710.html |access-date=4 July 2022 |website=[[Mint (newspaper)|Mint]] |language=en |archive-date=4 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220704182514/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/rajamouli-on-his-next-dream-project-and-bollywood-vs-south-film-industry-11656874085710.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":16">{{Cite web |last=Rajamani |first=Radhika |date=7 November 2006 |title='I am trying to experiment' |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2006/nov/07rajamouli.htm |access-date=27 July 2022 |website=[[Rediff]] |archive-date=29 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929111820/https://www.rediff.com/movies/2006/nov/07rajamouli.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{Cite web |last1=Olson |first1=Josh |last2=Dante |first2=Joe |date=16 August 2022 |title=RRR Writer/Director S.S. Rajamouli on 'The Movies That Made Me' Podcast |url=https://trailersfromhell.com/podcast/s-s-rajamouli/ |access-date=4 September 2022 |website=[[Trailers from Hell]] |language=en-US |archive-date=4 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220904171400/https://trailersfromhell.com/podcast/s-s-rajamouli/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":223" /><ref name=":52" /><ref name=":12" /> His other favourite films include ''[[Missamma]]'' (1955), ''[[The Last of the Mohicans (1992 film)|The Last of the Mohicans]]'' (1992)'', [[The Good, the Bad and the Ugly]]'' (1966)'', [[Terminator 2: Judgment Day|Terminator 2]]'' (1991)'', [[Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade]]'' (1989), ''[[City Lights]]'' (1931), ''[[Apocalypto]]'' (2006), ''[[Kung Fu Panda (film)|Kung Fu Panda]]'' (2008), ''[[The Lion King]]'' (1994), ''[[Aladdin (1992 Disney film)|Aladdin]]'' (1992), ''[[Sherlock Holmes (2009 film)|Sherlock Holmes]]'' (2009), ''[[Forrest Gump (film)|Forrest Gump]]'' (1994), and ''[[Django Unchained]]'' (2012).<ref name=":052"/><ref name=":36" /><ref name=":322" /> He expressed his liking for the films of [[James Cameron]], [[Steven Spielberg]], [[Quentin Tarantino]] and [[John Woo]].<ref name=":16" /><ref name=":36" /> The chariot race scene in ''Ben-Hur'' was a strong influence on him since his childhood.<ref name=":36" /> His 2009 directorial ''[[Magadheera]]'' featured scenes with horses and chariots that Rajamouli acknowledged as an inspiration from ''Ben-Hur'' .<ref name=":223" /><ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssi0bdAWy58 |title=Ben-Hur is my inspiration, says S. S. Rajamouli in Magadheera audio release function |time=1:30 |access-date=3 July 2022 |archive-date=3 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220703203219/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssi0bdAWy58 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Rajamouli has cited [[Mel Gibson]] as his favourite filmmaker and the biggest influence on his filmmaking style.<ref name=":322" /> He mentioned that he considers Gibson to be his [[guru]], and also compared himself with [[Ekalavya]] to Gibson's [[Drona]]. Regularly paying [[Homage (arts)|homage]] to Gibson in his films,<ref name=":36" /> he noted in an interview:<blockquote>"Many of Mel Gibson's films have a very, very big influence on me. The way he blends the action with the drama, how he slows down, how he switches the dramatic moment before the action explodes, I really, really love it. I get really inspired by his action a lot. That's one thing that really comes to my mind when I talk about action films. It's what inspired me to do action films."<ref name=":223" /><ref name=":52">{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dl_l2vcccYw&t=447s |title=10 Questions With SS Rajamouli {{!}} Baradwaj Rangan {{!}} RRR |date=24 March 2022 |publisher=Galatta |time=7:27 to 8:15 |time-caption=From |access-date=4 July 2022 |archive-date=5 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220905061604/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dl_l2vcccYw&t=447s |url-status=live }}</ref></blockquote>He is also deeply fascinated by the films of [[Vijaya Vauhini Studios|Vijaya Productions]] like ''[[Pathala Bhairavi]]'' (1951) and ''[[Jagadeka Veeruni Katha]]'' (1961). He noted, "Those films stirred the creative juices in my childhood itself. The artistes, their body language, dialogue delivery are all etched into my memory permanently."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Atluri |first=Sri |date=31 July 2008 |title=Star Interviews : Exclusive Interview: Rajamouli |url=http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/stars/interview_rajamouli_2007.php |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080928113529/http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/stars/interview_rajamouli_2007.php |archive-date=28 September 2008 |access-date=24 August 2022 |website=[[Telugucinema.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rajamani |first=Radhika |date=21 August 2007 |title=The Rajmouli-NTR Jr winning combination |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/aug/21ssraja.htm |access-date=24 August 2022 |website=Rediff.com |quote=I am fascinated by the films made by Vijaya films, which was the primary source of inspiration, and started the creative juices in me. |archive-date=25 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221125174839/https://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/aug/21ssraja.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

Rajamouli attributes his sense of drama to his father Vijayendra Prasad under whom he worked as an assistant early in his career.<ref name=":223" /> He is deeply influenced by the novels of [[Malladi Venkata Krishna Murthy]] and [[Yandamuri Veerendranath]].<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDyefmbed4c |title=SS Rajamouli Superb Words About Sukumar {{!}} #RRR {{!}} NTV Entertainment |access-date=11 July 2022 |archive-date=14 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714124508/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDyefmbed4c |url-status=live }}</ref> He also expressed his fondness for the works of [[Wilbur Smith]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Singh |first=Suhani |date=17 December 2021 |title=S.S. Rajamouli: The return of the king |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/cinema/story/20211227-s-s-rajamouli-the-return-of-the-king-1888561-2021-12-17 |access-date=26 July 2022 |website=India Today |quote=“I have read all of his books. I love his sense of largeness. The adventure and emotions are mass-y by themselves,” says Rajamouli. |archive-date=1 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701185022/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/cinema/story/20211227-s-s-rajamouli-the-return-of-the-king-1888561-2021-12-17 |url-status=live }}</ref> He generally dislikes [[Horror film|horror]] films, especially ones that involve [[jump scare]]s. He is more receptive to films that scare the viewer with their theme or story. He mentioned his favourite films in the horror genre as ''[[The Omen]]'' (1976) and ''[[Paranormal Activity]]'' (2007).<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 June 2022 |title=Rajamouli reveals his favourite horror movies |url=https://www.123telugu.com/mnews/rajamouli-reveals-his-favourite-horror-movies.html |access-date=2 September 2022 |website=123Telugu.com |archive-date=2 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902074901/https://www.123telugu.com/mnews/rajamouli-reveals-his-favourite-horror-movies.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=19 June 2022 |title=Rajamouli reveals his two favourite horror films at Aha's Anya's Tutorial trailer launch event |url=https://filmyfocus.com/rajamouli-reveals-his-two-favourite-horror-films-at-ahas-anyas-tutorial-trailer-launch-event/ |access-date=2 September 2022 |website=Filmy Focus |archive-date=2 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902074911/https://filmyfocus.com/rajamouli-reveals-his-two-favourite-horror-films-at-ahas-anyas-tutorial-trailer-launch-event/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Among Indian directors, Rajamouli cites [[K. V. Reddy]] as his biggest influence;<ref name=":51" /><ref name=":16" /><ref name=":54" /> [[Ram Gopal Varma]] and [[Raj Kapoor]] being others.<ref name=":54">{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zVh_1cROP4&t=241s |title=S.S.Rajamouli's Rapid Fire {{!}} RRR |date=27 December 2021 |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |time=4:01 to 4:30 |time-caption=From |access-date=29 September 2022 |archive-date=29 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929182311/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zVh_1cROP4&t=241s |url-status=live }}</ref> Among his contemporaries in [[Telugu cinema]], he expressed his admiration for the works of [[Sukumar]] and [[Trivikram Srinivas]].<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDrM0DQ4aFI |title=Mee Star : S.S.Rajamouli Part 2 (in Telugu) |time=30:06 to 31:17 |time-caption=From |access-date=9 July 2022 |archive-date=9 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220709124848/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDrM0DQ4aFI&gl=US&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> He also praised the work and cinematic style of [[Rajkumar Hirani]] and [[Anurag Kashyap]].<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTOMLXD3_sc |title="I Can't Even Make One Scene Like How Rajkumar Hirani Does": S S Rajamouli |time=1:50 to 2:52 |time-caption=From |access-date=9 July 2022 |archive-date=9 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220709124848/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTOMLXD3_sc&gl=US&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref>

For ''[[Baahubali (franchise)|Baahubali]]'', Rajamouli was inspired by the tales of ''[[Amar Chitra Katha]]'' and ''[[Chandamama]]'' along with the Sanskrit epics ''[[Mahabharata]]'' and ''[[Ramayana]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=TS |first=Sudhir |date=21 July 2015 |title=Baahubali and Bajrangi Bhaijaan writer reveals his secrets |url=https://www.dailyo.in/arts/bajrangi-bhaijaan-baahubali-vijayendra-prasad-100-crore/story/1/5107.html |access-date=3 June 2022 |website=DailyO |archive-date=8 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108102035/https://www.dailyo.in/arts/bajrangi-bhaijaan-baahubali-vijayendra-prasad-100-crore/story/1/5107.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dutta |first=Prabhash K |date=28 April 2017 |title=Baahubali 2: How Rajamouli picked up patches from history for his fictional epic |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/fyi/story/baahubali-2-kattappa-mahismati-ballaldev-974053-2017-04-28 |access-date=2023-02-27 |website=India Today |language=en |archive-date=27 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230227113101/https://www.indiatoday.in/fyi/story/baahubali-2-kattappa-mahismati-ballaldev-974053-2017-04-28 |url-status=live }}</ref> For [[RRR (film)|''RRR'']], he mentioned [[The Motorcycle Diaries (film)|''The Motorcycle Diaries'']] (2004) and ''[[Inglourious Basterds]]'' (2009) as his inspirations.<ref>{{Cite web |title='RRR' is fictitious story based on two greatest freedom fighters: SS Rajamouli |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/telugu/2019/mar/15/rrr-is-fictitious-story-based-on-two-greatest-freedom-fighters-1951300.html |access-date=9 July 2022 |website=The New Indian Express |archive-date=1 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220401072735/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/telugu/2019/mar/15/rrr-is-fictitious-story-based-on-two-greatest-freedom-fighters-1951300.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=11 December 2021 |title=RRR will be stronger than Baahubali in terms of its emotions – SS Rajamouli |url=https://www.onlykollywood.com/rrr-will-be-stronger-than-baahubali-in-terms-of-its-emotions-ss-rajamouli/ |access-date=3 June 2022 |website=Only Kollywood |archive-date=25 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925023206/https://www.onlykollywood.com/rrr-will-be-stronger-than-baahubali-in-terms-of-its-emotions-ss-rajamouli/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Collaborators ==

=== Crew ===

Rajamouli frequently collaborates with a set of crew members and technicians. [[Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao]], under whom he started his film career as an assistant, has edited all of his films except for ''RRR'', which was edited by [[A. Sreekar Prasad]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sundar |first=Anusha |date=6 April 2022 |title=Sreekar Prasad Interview: Editor on Cutting 'RRR', His First Collaboration with SS Rajamouli, His Process & More |url=https://silverscreenindia.com/movies/features/interviews/sreekar-prasad-interview-editor-on-cutting-rrr-his-first-collaboration-with-ss-rajamouli-his-process-more/ |access-date=2 September 2022 |website=Silverscreen India |language=en-US |quote=The film marks their first collaboration, Rajamouli having previously only worked with editor Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao. |archive-date=2 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902074856/https://silverscreenindia.com/movies/features/interviews/sreekar-prasad-interview-editor-on-cutting-rrr-his-first-collaboration-with-ss-rajamouli-his-process-more/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[K. K. Senthil Kumar]] served as the cinematographer on eight of his films.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dundoo |first=Sangeetha Devi |date=31 March 2022 |title=Cinematographer Senthil Kumar on the technical strides for 'RRR' and his quest to keep offering better visual experiences |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/for-rrr-cinematographer-senthil-kumar-wanted-the-sharpest-visual-quality/article65273800.ece |access-date=1 September 2022 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=1 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220901205138/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/for-rrr-cinematographer-senthil-kumar-wanted-the-sharpest-visual-quality/article65273800.ece |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":50">{{Cite web |last=J Rao |first=Subha |date=12 April 2022 |title=Inside RRR universe with cinematographer KK Senthil Kumar, his two-decade long association with SS Rajamouli |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/inside-rrr-universe-with-cinematographer-kk-senthil-kumar-his-two-decade-long-association-with-ss-rajamouli-10545911.html |access-date=1 September 2022 |website=Firstpost |language=en |archive-date=1 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220901205139/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/inside-rrr-universe-with-cinematographer-kk-senthil-kumar-his-two-decade-long-association-with-ss-rajamouli-10545911.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Among art directors or [[production designers]], he worked with [[Anand Sai]] for ''Simhadri'', ''Sye'', and ''Yamadonga''; S. Ravinder worked with him in five of his films till ''Eega''; the acclaimed [[Sabu Cyril]] worked with him on the ''[[Baahubali (franchise)|Baahubali duology]]'' and ''RRR''.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Jeevi |title=Movie Review - Simhadri |url=https://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-simhadri.html |access-date=2023-04-14 |website=Idlebrain.com}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Jeevi |title=Movie Review - Sye |url=https://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-sye.html |access-date=2023-04-14 |website=Idlebrain.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Srividya |first=Palaparthi |title=God's own countryman |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/magazine/2018/mar/10/gods-own-countryman-1784137.html |access-date=2023-04-14 |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=7 April 2015 |title=I couldn't devote 4 years to Baahubali: Ravinder |url=https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Cinema/2015-04-07/I-couldnt-devote-4-years-to-Baahubali-Ravinder/142481 |access-date=1 September 2022 |website=[[The Hans India]] |language=en |archive-date=1 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220901205132/https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Cinema/2015-04-07/I-couldnt-devote-4-years-to-Baahubali-Ravinder/142481 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":33">{{Cite web |date=9 March 2022 |title=When Chatrapathi Art Director Handed Wooden Rod to Villain Against Prabhas And Then... |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/when-chatrapathi-art-director-handed-wooden-rod-to-villain-against-prabhas-and-then-4856123.html |access-date=2 September 2022 |website=News18 |language=en |archive-date=2 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902205531/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/when-chatrapathi-art-director-handed-wooden-rod-to-villain-against-prabhas-and-then-4856123.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rajendran |first=Gopinath |date=24 May 2022 |title=Sabu Cyril: We knew that RRR wouldn't be as big as the Baahubali films |url=https://www.indulgexpress.com/entertainment/cinema/2022/may/24/sabu-cyril-we-knew-that-rrr-wouldnt-be-as-big-as-the-baahubali-films-40990.html |access-date=1 September 2022 |website=Indulge Express |publisher=[[The New Indian Express]] |language=en |archive-date=1 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220901205139/https://www.indulgexpress.com/entertainment/cinema/2022/may/24/sabu-cyril-we-knew-that-rrr-wouldnt-be-as-big-as-the-baahubali-films-40990.html |url-status=live }}</ref> M. Ratnam worked as a dialogue writer for all six of Rajamouli's films starting from ''Simhadri'' till ''Magadheera''.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":22" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-06-19 |title=Writer M Ratnam has a script ready for Balayya |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/writer-m-ratnam-has-script-ready-balayya-83321 |access-date=2023-04-15 |website=The News Minute |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":7" /> Among [[Stage combat|action choreographers]], he collaborated with [[Peter Hein]] in five films {{Em dash}} ''Student No.1'', ''Chatrapathi'', ''Magadheera'', ''Maryada Ramanna'', and ''Baahubali: The Beginning'';<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Jeevi |title=Maryada Ramanna Review |url=https://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-maryadaramanna.html |access-date=2023-04-14 |website=[[Idlebrain.com|Idlebrain]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=18 December 2016 |title=Peter Hein, le réalisateur qui monte à Bollywood |url=https://lecourrier.vn/peter-hein-le-realisateur-qui-monte-a-bollywood/368415.html |access-date=2023-04-14 |website=[[Le Courrier du Vietnam]] |language=fr}}</ref> [[Ram Lakshman (stunt choreographers)|Ram-Lakshman]] worked with him in three films {{Em dash}} ''Sye'', ''Vikramarkudu'', and ''Magadheera'';<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":14">{{Cite web |last=Jeevi |title=Movie Review - Vikramarkudu |url=https://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-vikramarkudu.html |access-date=2023-04-14 |website=[[Idlebrain.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=8 July 2021 |title=రాజమౌళి సినిమాలో పని చేస్తే గుర్తింపు రాదు: రామ్‌-లక్ష్మణ్‌ |url=https://www.sakshi.com/telugu-news/movies/fight-masters-ram-lakshman-comments-director-ss-rajamouli-1377307 |access-date=2 September 2022 |website=[[Sakshi (media group)|Sakshi]] |language=te |archive-date=2 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902074856/https://www.sakshi.com/telugu-news/movies/fight-masters-ram-lakshman-comments-director-ss-rajamouli-1377307 |url-status=live }}</ref> King Solomon worked as the action choreographer for ''Baahubali'' and ''RRR'';<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 March 2022 |title=రాజమౌళిని డిజప్పాయింట్ చేసిన హాలీవుడ్ స్టంట్ మాస్టర్ |url=https://telugu.abplive.com/entertainment/cinema/rajamouli-disappointed-with-famous-hollywood-stunt-choreographer-rrr-movie-26917 |access-date=1 September 2022 |website=[[ABP Group|ABP Desam]] |language=te |archive-date=1 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220901205134/https://telugu.abplive.com/entertainment/cinema/rajamouli-disappointed-with-famous-hollywood-stunt-choreographer-rrr-movie-26917 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=3 May 2018 |title=National Film Award for Best Action Director |url=https://twitter.com/PIB_India/status/992008652172095488?lang=en |access-date=2023-04-15 |website= |publisher=[[Press Information Bureau]] |language=en |via=[[Twitter]]}}</ref> Lee Whittaker worked as an action director / stunt coordinator for both the ''Baahubali'' films.<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 June 2016 |title=This is How the Climax of Baahubali 2 Will be Filmed |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/this-is-how-the-climax-of-baahubali-2-will-be-filmed-1418438 |access-date=2 September 2022 |website=[[NDTV]] |archive-date=2 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902074855/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/this-is-how-the-climax-of-baahubali-2-will-be-filmed-1418438 |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:S._S._Rajamouli_and_Pete_Draper_on_the_sets_of_'Eega'.jpg|thumb|Rajamouli and Pete Draper of Makuta VFX on the sets of ''Eega'']]
R. C. Kamalakannan served as the [[visual effects supervisor]] for five of his films {{Em dash}} ''Yamadonga'', ''Magadheera'', ''Maryada Ramanna'', ''Eega'', and ''Baahubali 2: The Conclusion''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dundoo |first=Sangeetha Devi |date=2019-11-20 |title=VFX supervisor R C Kamalakannan on what went into creating the make-believe worlds of 'Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy' and 'Saaho' |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/vfx-supervisor-r-c-kamalakannan-on-what-went-into-creating-the-make-believe-worlds-of-sye-raa-narasimha-reddy-and-saaho/article30026275.ece |access-date=2023-04-14 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Dundoo |first=Sangeetha Devi |date=4 May 2017 |title=R C Kamalakannan, visual effects supervisor for 'Baahubali 2', discusses working with 35 VFX studios and highlights the best segments |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/r-c-kamalakannan-visual-effects-supervisor-for-baahubali-2-discusses-working-with-35-vfx-studios-and-highlights-the-best-segments/article18383360.ece |access-date=1 September 2022 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=1 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220901205134/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/r-c-kamalakannan-visual-effects-supervisor-for-baahubali-2-discusses-working-with-35-vfx-studios-and-highlights-the-best-segments/article18383360.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> [[V. Srinivas Mohan]] worked as the visual effects supervisor for ''Baahubali: The Beginning'', and ''RRR''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dundoo |first=Sangeetha Devi |date=29 March 2022 |title=V Srinivas Mohan, visual effects supervisor of 'RRR' opens up on key sequences of the film |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/radio-controlled-cars-to-miniatures-the-making-of-rrrs-visual-spectacle/article65270051.ece |access-date=1 September 2022 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=1 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220901205145/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/radio-controlled-cars-to-miniatures-the-making-of-rrrs-visual-spectacle/article65270051.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> Iranian citizen Adel Adili, who previously worked on ''Yamadonga'',<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 August 2009 |title=Making of Magadheera visual effects |url=https://www.idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/magadheera-vfx.html |access-date=2023-04-14 |website=Idlebrain.com}}</ref> Englishman Pete Draper, and R. C. Kamalakannan founded [[Makuta VFX]] based out of [[Hyderabad]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jain |first=Aashika |date=2018-05-30 |title=How Makuta VFX Venture is Proving to be a Boon For the Indian Film Industry |url=https://www.entrepreneur.com/en-in/technology/how-makuta-vfx-venture-is-proving-to-be-a-boon-for-the/314117 |access-date=2023-04-14 |website=[[Entrepreneur (magazine)|Entrepreneur]] |language=en}}</ref> Makuta has extensively collaborated with Rajamouli in all his films from ''Magadheera'' till ''RRR''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 March 2023 |title=OTTplay Changemakers Awards: Makuta VFX wins 'Best Visual Effects' award for RRR |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/ottplay-changemakers-awards-2023-makuta-vfx-wins-best-visual-effects-award-for-rrr/524714ee13298 |access-date=2023-04-14 |website=OTTPlay |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Bhatia |first1=Uday |last2=Ghosh |first2=Sankhayan |date=21 April 2017 |title=Meet the company behind Baahubali's special effects |url=https://www.livemint.com/Leisure/E6nRlg9Kc2XIrupCSVZZrL/Baahubali-mass-effects.html |access-date=1 September 2022 |website=[[Mint (newspaper)|Mint]] |language=en |archive-date=1 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220901174616/https://www.livemint.com/Leisure/E6nRlg9Kc2XIrupCSVZZrL/Baahubali-mass-effects.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Sweeney |first=R. Emmet |date=18 April 2022 |title=Makuta VFX's Pete Draper on Working with RRR Director S.S. Rajamouli |url=https://filmmakermagazine.com/114153-interview-makuta-vfx-pete-draper-rrr-s-s-rajamouli/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220901153816/https://filmmakermagazine.com/114153-interview-makuta-vfx-pete-draper-rrr-s-s-rajamouli/ |archive-date=1 September 2022 |access-date=1 September 2022 |website=[[Filmmaker (magazine)|Filmmaker]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

[[K. Raghavendra Rao]] produced his debut film ''Student No: 1'' and presented the ''Baahubali'' films.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Number Seventh Blockbuster of the year 2001 – Student No.1 |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/y2k1/student.html |access-date=2 September 2022 |website=Idlebrain.com |quote=K Raghavendra selected Raja Mouli, his assistant director of 'Santhi Nivasam' Tele serial, as the director. Incidentally Raja Mouli is the son of Samarasimha Reddy's storywriter Vijayendra Prasad and the cousin of music director Keeravani. |archive-date=2 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902064458/http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/y2k1/student.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=15 May 2017 |title=Whose Baahubali is it now? |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/150517/whose-baahubali-is-it-now.html |access-date=2 September 2022 |website=[[Deccan Chronicle]] |language=en |quote=K. Raghavendra Rao is said to be one of the stakeholders. He was the film’s presenter and was instrumental in obtaining the permission (venue) for the first part’s music launch in Tirupati, apart from clearing a few decks during the production. |archive-date=2 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902074901/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/150517/whose-baahubali-is-it-now.html |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Chiranjeevi Pedamallu|Cherry (Chiranjeevi Pedamallu)]] was the executive producer for ''Chatrapathi'', ''Vikramarkudu'' and later produced ''Yamadonga''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 August 2007 |title=Cherry (P Chiranjeevi) – Interview – Telugu film producer |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/celeb/interview/cherry.html |access-date=1 September 2022 |website=Idlebrain.com |archive-date=1 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220901205132/http://www.idlebrain.com/celeb/interview/cherry.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=29 July 2006 |title=Cherry to produce Yeleti – Gopichand film |url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/cherry-to-produce-yeleti-gopichand-film--news-24121 |access-date=1 September 2022 |website=IndiaGlitz.com |archive-date=1 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220901205139/https://www.indiaglitz.com/cherry-to-produce-yeleti-gopichand-film--news-24121 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Vikramarkudu – Telugu cinema Review – Ravi Teja & Anushka |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-vikramarkudu.html |access-date=1 September 2022 |website=Idlebrain.com |archive-date=18 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120918175435/http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-vikramarkudu.html |url-status=live }}</ref> [[B. V. S. N. Prasad]] produced ''Chatrapathi'' and was the executive producer for ''Magadheera''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=BVSN Prasad Interview on Chhatrapati |url=https://www.ragalahari.com/celebrity-interview/1294/bvsn-prasad-interview-on-chhatrapati |access-date=1 September 2022 |website=Ragalahari |language=en |archive-date=1 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220901205133/https://www.ragalahari.com/celebrity-interview/1294/bvsn-prasad-interview-on-chhatrapati |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=31 July 2022 |title=13 years of 'Magadheera': 9 surprising facts about the Ram Charan, Kajal Aggarwal starrer you probably didn't know |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/13-years-of-magadheera-9-surprising-facts-about-the-ram-charan-kajal-aggarwal-starrer-you-probably-didnt-know/photostory/93242064.cms |access-date=1 September 2022 |website=The Times of India |language=en |archive-date=1 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220901205133/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/13-years-of-magadheera-9-surprising-facts-about-the-ram-charan-kajal-aggarwal-starrer-you-probably-didnt-know/photostory/93242064.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Shobu Yarlagadda and Prasad Devineni]] produced ''Maryada Ramanna'' and the ''Baahubali'' duology.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Singh |first=Suhani |date=1 May 2017 |title=Baahubali 2: The epic story behind making of the epic blockbuster |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/cover-story/story/20170501-baahubali-the-conclusion-ss-rajamouli-prabhas-kattappa-986223-2017-04-21 |access-date=2023-04-14 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Cain |first=Rob |date=26 May 2017 |title='Baahubali' Producer Shobu Yarlagadda Explains How It Was Done |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/robcain/2017/05/26/baahubali-producer-shobu-yarlagadda-explains-how-it-was-done/ |access-date=1 September 2022 |website=Forbes |language=en |archive-date=1 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220901205138/https://www.forbes.com/sites/robcain/2017/05/26/baahubali-producer-shobu-yarlagadda-explains-how-it-was-done/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Sai Korrapati]] and [[Prasad V. Potluri]] produced his ''Eega''; [[D. V. V. Danayya]] produced his magnum opus, ''RRR''.

Rajamouli regularly collaborates with many members of his extended family.<ref name=":30">{{Cite news |title=How 'Baahubali 2: The Conclusion' was a family affair for SS Rajamouli |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/photo-features/baahubali-2-the-conclusion-times-when-the-s-s-rajamouli-epic-made-headlines/how-baahubali-2-the-conclusion-was-a-family-affair-for-ss-rajamouli/photostory/58432554.cms |access-date=2 September 2022 |website=The Times of India |archive-date=2 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902123821/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/photo-features/baahubali-2-the-conclusion-times-when-the-s-s-rajamouli-epic-made-headlines/how-baahubali-2-the-conclusion-was-a-family-affair-for-ss-rajamouli/photostory/58432554.cms |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":29" /> His cousin [[M. M. Keeravani]] has worked as the music composer for all of his films.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Manjula |date=26 October 2020 |title=Jr NTR, Charan, Keeravani Explain What A Pain It Is To Work For Rajamouli |url=https://www.thehansindia.com/cinema/tollywood/jr-ntr-charan-keeravani-explain-what-a-pain-it-is-to-work-for-rajamouli-653096 |access-date=2 September 2022 |website=[[The Hans India]] |language=en |quote=Music director Keeravani who scores music for all Rajamouli's movies says .... |archive-date=2 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902074909/https://www.thehansindia.com/cinema/tollywood/jr-ntr-charan-keeravani-explain-what-a-pain-it-is-to-work-for-rajamouli-653096 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hooli |first=Shekhar H. |date=24 April 2020 |title=Baahubali musician Keeravani opens up on his dislikes about RRR director SS Rajamouli |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/baahubali-musician-keeravani-opens-his-dislikes-about-rrr-director-ss-rajamouli-818332 |access-date=2 September 2022 |website=International Business Times India |language=en |quote=It is known that ace music director MM Keeravani shares a great bonding with his brother SS Rajamouli. The proof for it is that he has composed the music for all the movies of the director. |archive-date=24 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524234834/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/baahubali-musician-keeravani-opens-his-dislikes-about-rrr-director-ss-rajamouli-818332 |url-status=live }}</ref> His father [[V. Vijayendra Prasad|Vijayendra Prasad]] provided the story for nine of his films.<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 April 2022 |title=Meet SS Rajamouli's father, writer KV Vijayendra Prasad, who has penned RRR, Baahubali, Bajrangi Bhaijaan |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-meet-ss-rajamouli-s-father-writer-kv-vijayendra-prasad-who-has-penned-rrr-baahubali-bajrangi-bhaijaan-2944324 |access-date=2 September 2022 |website=DNA India |language=en |archive-date=31 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031172539/https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-meet-ss-rajamouli-s-father-writer-kv-vijayendra-prasad-who-has-penned-rrr-baahubali-bajrangi-bhaijaan-2944324 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":25">{{Cite news |last=Naidu |first=Rajesh |title=S S Rajamouli: The Epic Storyteller |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/s-s-rajamouli-the-epic-storyteller/articleshow/48421698.cms |access-date=29 August 2022 |website=The Times of India |language=en |archive-date=29 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220829131058/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/s-s-rajamouli-the-epic-storyteller/articleshow/48421698.cms |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":0" /> His wife, [[Rama Rajamouli]], worked as a costume designer or stylist for all of his films starting from ''Sye.''<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 August 2020 |title=SS Rajamouli's wife Rama turns dialogue writer for 'RRR' |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/ss-rajamouli-s-wife-rama-turns-dialogue-writer-rrr-131093 |access-date=2 September 2022 |website=The News Minute |language=en |archive-date=2 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902123835/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/ss-rajamouli-s-wife-rama-turns-dialogue-writer-rrr-131093 |url-status=live }}</ref> His sister-in-law M. M. Srivalli, wife of Keeravani, served as a Line Producer on four of his films.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-03-14 |title=Call of cinema: Blood is thicker than water |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/call-of-cinema-blood-is-thicker-than-water/articleshow/98619755.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2023-04-15 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Makkhi (Eega) Hindi Dubbed Movie |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHd-jQn6Oes&t=149s |access-date=2023-04-15 |publisher=Goldmines |language=en}}; Event occurs from 2:28 to 2:31</ref><ref name=":30" /> His cousin S. S. Kanchi collaborated with him on four<ref name=":15">{{Cite web |date=17 June 2014 |title=Rajamouli's brother Kanchi joins Social Media |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Rajamoulis-brother-Kanchi-joins-Social-Media/articleshow/36721545.cms |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406142056/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Rajamoulis-brother-Kanchi-joins-Social-Media/articleshow/36721545.cms |archive-date=6 April 2016 |access-date=6 April 2016 |website=The Times of India}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{Cite web |title=ఆదిపురుష్ చిత్రాన్ని కించపరుస్తూ ఆర్ ఆర్ ఆర్ రైటర్ ట్వీట్... ఆ సత్తా తెలుగోడికే ఉందంటూ ప్రభాస్ మూవీపై సెటైర్! |url=https://telugu.asianetnews.com/gallery/entertainment/rrr-writer-ss-kanchi-indirectly-targets-prabhas-aidipursh-insults-in-style-rj7xea |access-date=2023-04-14 |website=[[Asianet News Network]] |language=te}}</ref> films in the writing department including as a story writer for ''Maryada Ramanna''.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":34">{{Cite web |title=SS Rajamouli about Maryada Ramanna interview |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/celeb/interview/ssrajamouli-maryadaramanna.html |access-date=2 September 2022 |website=Idlebrain.com |quote=Though my father gave stories to all my earlier movies, Kanchi’s contribution in story department for those movies was notable. Kanchi has been working in story department of my films since Chatrapati. I used to be like monarch in our story discussions and I dominate everybody. Kanchi is the only guy who doesn’t succumb to my domination. He gave very good story for Maryada Ramanna. |archive-date=14 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114105429/http://www.idlebrain.com/celeb/interview/ssrajamouli-maryadaramanna.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

His uncle [[Siva Shakthi Datta]], brother of Vijayendra Prasad and father of Keeravani, worked as a lyricist in five of his films.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Siva Shakti Datta Songs |url=https://wynk.in/music/artist/siva-shakti-datta/wa_4LmJ0V_zgg |access-date=2023-04-15 |website=Wynk Music |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Agni Skalana (Full Song & Lyrics) - Chatrapathi - JioSaavn |url=https://www.jiosaavn.com/song/agni-skalana/GCodfTBkUnQ |access-date=2023-04-15 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":110">{{Cite web |date=25 November 2015 |title=Baahubali, Srimanthudu top IIFA Awards nominations |url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/baahubali-srimanthudu-tops-iifa-awards-nominations-telugu-news-147627 |access-date=7 July 2022 |website=IndiaGlitz.com |archive-date=25 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221125174839/https://www.indiaglitz.com/baahubali-srimanthudu-tops-iifa-awards-nominations-telugu-news-147627 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Google reveals top movies, songs in India in 2017; you won't believe who made it to the list |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/photos/technology-gallery/961982/google-reveals-top-movies-songs-in-india-in-2017-you-wont-believe-who-made-it-to-the-list/ |access-date=7 July 2022 |website=Financialexpress |language=en |archive-date=7 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220707055641/https://www.financialexpress.com/photos/technology-gallery/961982/google-reveals-top-movies-songs-in-india-in-2017-you-wont-believe-who-made-it-to-the-list/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hymavathi |first=Ravali |date=31 December 2021 |title=Ramam Raghavam: The Rise Of Ram Song From RRR Movie Will Be Out Today |url=https://www.thehansindia.com/cinema/tollywood/ramam-raghavam-the-rise-of-ram-song-from-rrr-movie-will-be-out-today-722538 |access-date=7 July 2022 |website=The Hans India |language=en |archive-date=19 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220419165857/https://www.thehansindia.com/cinema/tollywood/ramam-raghavam-the-rise-of-ram-song-from-rrr-movie-will-be-out-today-722538 |url-status=live }}</ref> Another uncle of his, Koduri Ramakrishna, was the co-lyricist for ''[[Saahore Baahubali]]'' along with Datta.<ref name=":29">{{Cite web |date=8 May 2017 |title=It runs in the family of Koduri – Baahubali story |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/news/today/it-runs-in-the-family-of-koduri-baahubalistory.html |access-date=1 September 2022 |website=Idlebrain.com |archive-date=1 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220901174616/http://www.idlebrain.com/news/today/it-runs-in-the-family-of-koduri-baahubalistory.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":30" /> Rajamouli's cousin [[Kalyani Malik]] works as a sound supervisor for his films.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 July 2015 |title=Interview with Kalyan Koduri about awards – Telugu cinema music composer |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/celeb/interview/kalyanikoduri1.html |access-date=1 September 2022 |website=Idlebrain.com |quote=I have been given credit for ‘Sound Supervision’ in Baahubali. I have worked for Simhadri, Chatrapati, Sye and Magadheera as sound supervisor. But I am being recognized in Baahubali because of the magnitude of the film. |archive-date=1 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220901174616/http://www.idlebrain.com/celeb/interview/kalyanikoduri1.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Kalyan Koduri bats for Rahman to succeed Keeravani |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/music/kalyan-koduri-bats-for-rahman-to-succeed-keeravani/articleshow/48911788.cms |access-date=1 September 2022 |website=The Times of India |language=en |quote=Kalyan Koduri, who works as sound supervisor for all of Rajamouli films ..... |archive-date=1 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220901174616/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/music/kalyan-koduri-bats-for-rahman-to-succeed-keeravani/articleshow/48911788.cms |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":17">{{Cite web |last=Atluri |first=Sri |date=22 September 2004 |title=S. S. Rajamouli Exclusive interview with TC.Com |url=http://www.telugucinema.com/c/stars/ssrajamoulinterview.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041206213017/http://www.telugucinema.com/c/stars/ssrajamoulinterview.shtml |archive-date=6 December 2004 |website=[[Telugucinema.com]]}}</ref> [[Raja Koduri]], another cousin of his, contributed to ''Baahubali'' series in technical departments through [[Radeon|AMD Radeon]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cain |first=Rob |date=25 May 2017 |title='Baahubali' Tech Wizard Raja Koduri Discusses Making Movie And VR Magic |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/robcain/2017/05/25/baahubali-tech-wizard-raja-koduri-discusses-making-movie-and-vr-magic/ |access-date=1 September 2022 |website=Forbes |language=en |archive-date=1 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220901174616/https://www.forbes.com/sites/robcain/2017/05/25/baahubali-tech-wizard-raja-koduri-discusses-making-movie-and-vr-magic/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":28">{{Cite web |date=13 April 2017 |title=Baahubali VR: How AMD's ambitious effort for Rajamouli's epic could be a game changer |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/baahubali-vr-how-amds-ambitious-effort-for-rajamoulis-epic-could-be-a-game-changer-3380714.html |access-date=18 June 2022 |website=Firstpost |language=en |archive-date=18 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220618130807/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/baahubali-vr-how-amds-ambitious-effort-for-rajamoulis-epic-could-be-a-game-changer-3380714.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=16 May 2017 |title=Trinity Behind 'Baahubali' Magic |url=https://www.animationxpress.com/latest-news/keeravani-rajamouli-and-koduri-trinity-baahubali/ |access-date=1 September 2022 |website=AnimationXpress |language=en-US |archive-date=1 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220901180927/https://www.animationxpress.com/latest-news/keeravani-rajamouli-and-koduri-trinity-baahubali/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Rajabali, another cousin of his, worked as a VFX Assistant for ''Baahubali''.<ref name=":30" /> His nephew [[Kaala Bhairava]], elder son of Keeravani, worked as a [[playback singer]] in ''Baahubali'' series and ''RRR''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kaala Bhairava - Top Songs |url=https://www.jiosaavn.com/artist/kaala-bhairava-songs/IkKOZu9763k_ |access-date=2023-04-15 |website=JioSaavn |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=23 January 2018 |title='Baahubali 2' singer Kaala Bhairava croons for upcoming TV serial 'Kathalo Rajakumari' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/telugu/baahubali-2-singer-kaala-bhairava-croons-for-upcoming-tv-serial-kathalo-rajakumari/articleshow/62620574.cms |access-date=2 September 2022 |website=The Times of India |language=en |archive-date=2 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902123824/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/telugu/baahubali-2-singer-kaala-bhairava-croons-for-upcoming-tv-serial-kathalo-rajakumari/articleshow/62620574.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Sri Simha]], younger son of Keeravani, worked as a child actor in ''Yamadonga'' and ''Maryada Ramanna'', along with minor roles in ''Eega'' and ''Baahubali: The Beginning''.<ref name=":20">{{Cite web |date=2021-04-13 |title=Sri Simha : 'యమదొంగ' లో చిన్నప్పటి ఎన్టీఆర్ క్యారెక్టర్ చేసింది ఈ హీరోనే! తర్వాత 'బాహుబలి' లో కూడా.. |url=https://10tv.in/latest/sri-simha-acted-as-childhood-role-of-ntr-in-yamadonga-movie-212292.html |access-date=2023-04-14 |website=[[10TV]] |language=te}}</ref><ref name=":21">{{Cite news |title=Dongalunnaru Jaagratha: Sri Simha Koduri join hands with debutant Satish Tripura for his next; See PHOTOS of formal pooja ceremony |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/dongalunnaru-jaagratha-sri-simha-koduri-join-hands-with-debutant-satish-tripura-for-his-next-see-photos-of-formal-pooja-ceremony/articleshow/84228753.cms |access-date=2023-04-14 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref name="G">{{Cite web |date=25 October 2019 |title=Good luck wishes for Sri Simha |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/251019/good-luck-wishes-for-sri-simha.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902123834/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/251019/good-luck-wishes-for-sri-simha.html |archive-date=2 September 2022 |access-date=2 September 2022 |website=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref> In addition, Rajamouli's step-son S. S. Karthikeya also works in the production or direction department of his films.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Adivi |first=Sashidhar |date=8 May 2020 |title=Karthikeya steps out of Akasavani, as RRR requires more attention |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/080520/karthikeya-steps-out-of-akasavani-as-rrr-requires-more-attention.html |access-date=2 September 2022 |website=Deccan Chronicle |language=en |archive-date=2 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902123820/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/080520/karthikeya-steps-out-of-akasavani-as-rrr-requires-more-attention.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=26 April 2017 |title=Before Baahubali 2, SS Rajamouli's son SS Karthikeya has this to say about the film |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/before-baahubali-2-ss-rajamouli-son-ss-karthikeya-has-this-to-say-about-the-film-4629244/ |access-date=2 September 2022 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=2 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902123834/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/before-baahubali-2-ss-rajamouli-son-ss-karthikeya-has-this-to-say-about-the-film-4629244/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":30" /> His adopted daughter Mayookha along with Keeravani's daughter acted in the song ''Saahore Baahubali'' of ''Baahubali 2''.<ref name=":27">{{Cite web |date=28 April 2020 |title=Baahubali 2: Did you know SS Rajamouli's daughter acted in the film too? |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/baahubali-2-did-you-know-ss-rajamoulis-daughter-acted-in-the-film-too/ |access-date=1 September 2022 |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |language=en |archive-date=3 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230103173740/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/baahubali-2-did-you-know-ss-rajamoulis-daughter-acted-in-the-film-too/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":30" /> Kalyani Malik's son Mayur lent his voice in some parts at the end of ''Baahubali 2''.<ref name=":30" /><ref name=":29" /> As many as fifteen members of his extended family had worked on ''Baahubali 2''.<ref name=":30" />

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" style="text-align:center;"
|+ class="nowrap" | Collaborations of Rajamouli – Crew
|-
!rowspan=2 {{diagonal split header 2|<br><br>Collaborator|Work}}
|-
!''[[Student No: 1|Student No:1]]''
(2001)
!''[[Simhadri (2003 film)|Simhadri]]''
(2003)
!''[[Sye (2004 film)|Sye]]''
(2004)
!''[[Chatrapathi (2005 film)|Chatrapathi]]''
(2005)
!''[[Vikramarkudu]]''
(2006)
!''[[Yamadonga]]''
(2007)
!''[[Magadheera]]''
(2009)
!''[[Maryada Ramanna]]''
(2010)
!''[[Eega]]''
(2012)
!''[[Baahubali (franchise)|Baahubali]]''
(2015, 2017)
!''[[RRR (film)|RRR]]''
(2022)
!Total
|-
|[[M. M. Keeravani]]
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|11
|-
|[[V. Vijayendra Prasad]]
|
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|
|
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|8
|-
|[[K. K. Senthil Kumar]]
|
|
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|7
|-
|[[Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao]]
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|
|10
|-
|[[Rama Rajamouli]]
|
|
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|9
|-
|M. Ratnam
|
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|
|
|
|
|6
|-
|[[Peter Hein]]
|{{ya}}
|
|
|{{ya}}
|
|
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|
|{{ya}}
|
|5
|-
|[[Ram Lakshman (stunt choreographers)|Ram-Lakshman]]
|
|
|{{ya}}
|
|{{ya}}
|
|{{ya}}
|
|
|
|
|3
|-
|[[Vijayan (stunt coordinator)|Vijayan]]
|
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|2
|-
|King Solomon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|3
|-
|Anand Sai
|
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|
|
|{{ya}}
|
|
|
|
|
|3
|-
|S. Ravinder
|
|
|
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|
|
|5
|-
|[[Sabu Cyril|Sabu Syril]]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|2
|-
|R. C. Kamalakannan
|
|
|
|
|
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|
|5
|-
|[[V. Srinivas Mohan]]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|2
|-
|S. S. Kanchi
|
|
|
|
|
|
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|
|{{ya}}
|4
|-
|M. M. Srivalli
|
|
|
|
|
|{{ya}}
|
|
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|4
|-
|[[Shobu Yarlagadda and Prasad Devineni]]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|{{ya}}
|
|{{ya}}
|
|2
|-
|[[K. Raghavendra Rao]]
|{{ya}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|{{ya}}
|
|2
|-
|Cherry
|
|
|
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|
|
|
|
|
|3
|-
|[[B. V. S. N. Prasad]]
|
|
|
|{{ya}}
|
|
|{{ya}}
|
|
|
|
|2
|}

=== Cast ===
Rajamouli has worked with some actors frequently in his career. [[N. T. Rama Rao Jr.|Jr. NTR]] starred in four of his films including Rajamouli's debut film ''Student No.1''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 December 2021 |title=Jr NTR opens up about being 'depressed' during low phase in career, says SS Rajamouli pulled him out of it |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/telugu-cinema/jr-ntr-opens-up-about-being-depressed-during-low-phase-in-career-says-ss-rajamouli-pulled-him-out-of-it-101640767944871.html |access-date=2 September 2022 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en |archive-date=2 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902131055/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/telugu-cinema/jr-ntr-opens-up-about-being-depressed-during-low-phase-in-career-says-ss-rajamouli-pulled-him-out-of-it-101640767944871.html |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Prabhas]] has starred in three of his films {{Em dash}} ''Chatrapathi'' and ''Baahubali'' series.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 December 2020 |title=Will definitely do a film with Prabhas: SS Rajamouli |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/will-definitely-do-a-film-with-prabhas-ss-rajamouli/articleshow/79529958.cms |access-date=2 September 2022 |website=The Times of India |language=en |archive-date=2 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902131054/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/will-definitely-do-a-film-with-prabhas-ss-rajamouli/articleshow/79529958.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Ram Charan]] collaborated with him on ''Magadheera'' and ''RRR''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 November 2021 |title=Ram Charan plays three different roles in RRR: 'Can't get bigger than this' |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/ram-charan-plays-three-different-roles-in-rrr-ss-rajamouli-7649268/ |access-date=2 September 2022 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=2 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902131054/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/ram-charan-plays-three-different-roles-in-rrr-ss-rajamouli-7649268/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Ravi Teja]] starred in ''Vikramarkudu''<ref>{{Cite news |date=23 June 2020 |title=14 Years for Vikramarkudu: How the Ravi Teja starrer turns out to be a hit with both audience and critics |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/14-years-for-vikramarkudu-how-the-ravi-teja-starrer-turns-out-to-be-a-hit-with-both-audience-and-critics-/photostory/76514354.cms |access-date=2023-04-14 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> and provided the voice for bicycle in ''Maryada Ramanna''.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Vishnu's Doosukeltha has Ravi Teja voiceover |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/vishnus-doosukeltha-has-ravi-teja-voiceover/articleshow/23419018.cms |access-date=2 September 2022 |website=The Times of India |language=en |archive-date=2 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902131055/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/vishnus-doosukeltha-has-ravi-teja-voiceover/articleshow/23419018.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Sunil (actor)|Sunil]] starred in ''Maryada Ramanna'' and played a supporting role in ''Magadheeera''.<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":4" /> [[Sudeepa|Sudeep]] played the antagonist in ''Eega'' and had a cameo in ''Baahubali: The Beginning''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 July 2022 |title=Kiccha Sudeep says he was 'not called' for Baahubali 2 after first film: 'It started moving very fast, I couldn't catch up' |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/kiccha-sudeep-says-he-was-not-called-for-baahubali-2-after-first-film-8048394/ |access-date=2 September 2022 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=2 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902131055/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/kiccha-sudeep-says-he-was-not-called-for-baahubali-2-after-first-film-8048394/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Anushka Shetty]] played the female lead in ''Vikramarkudu'' and the ''Baahubali'' series.<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 May 2017 |title=Did you know Baahubali's 'Devasena' Anushka Shetty was rejected after her first audition? See her first photoshoot |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/baahubali-devasena-anushka-shetty-first-photoshoot-rejected-first-audition-prabhas-ss-rajamouli-see-photos-4658391/ |access-date=2 September 2022 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |quote=But her major breakthrough came in 2006 film, Vikramarkudu, which was helmed by her Baahubali director SS Rajamouli. Hence, began a long association between the actor and the director, and their latest Baahubali: The Conclusion is only a testimony of their successful bond. She is the first female star to work with Rajamouli thrice. |archive-date=2 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902190201/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/baahubali-devasena-anushka-shetty-first-photoshoot-rejected-first-audition-prabhas-ss-rajamouli-see-photos-4658391/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Shriya Saran]] played the female lead in ''Chatrapathi'' and was also cast in ''RRR'' in a supporting role.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hooli |first=Shekhar H. |date=13 September 2020 |title=Shriya Saran on SS Rajamouli's RRR movie: I had a great time working with Ajay Devgn |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/shriya-saran-ss-rajamoulis-rrr-movie-i-had-great-time-working-ajay-devgn-828006 |access-date=2 September 2022 |website=International Business Times India |language=en |quote=Although it's a cameo appearance, it felt great to work with SS Rajamouli again after Chatrapathi (2005). |archive-date=2 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902190203/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/shriya-saran-ss-rajamoulis-rrr-movie-i-had-great-time-working-ajay-devgn-828006 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Ramya Krishnan|Ramya Krishna]] appeared in an [[Item number|item song]] in ''Simhadri'' and later played one of the central character, Sivagami Devi, in ''Baahubali'' films.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Telugu cinema review – Simhadri – NTR, Ankita, Bhumika Chawla – SS Rajamouli |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-simhadri.html |access-date=2 September 2022 |website=Idlebrain.com |archive-date=2 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902190203/http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-simhadri.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kavirayani |first=Suresh |date=18 July 2015 |title=Rajamouli's story gave me goosebumps: Ramya Krishna |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/150717/entertainment-tollywood/article/rajamouli%E2%80%99s-story-gave-me-goosebumps-ramya-krishna |access-date=2 September 2022 |website=Deccan Chronicle |language=en |archive-date=20 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320231104/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/150717/entertainment-tollywood/article/rajamouli%e2%80%99s-story-gave-me-goosebumps-ramya-krishna |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Saloni Aswani|Saloni]] had a cameo in ''Magadheera'' and later played the female lead in ''Maryada Ramanna''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 July 2010 |title=Saloni interview – Telugu Cinema interview – Telugu film actress |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/celeb/interview/saloni.html |access-date=2 September 2022 |website=Idlebrain.com |archive-date=2 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902190210/http://www.idlebrain.com/celeb/interview/saloni.html |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Mumaith Khan]] appeared in [[item songs]] in ''Chatrapathi'' and ''Magadheera''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 April 2007 |title=I will continue my career as an artiste too: Mumaith Khan |url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/i-will-continue-my-career-as-an-artiste-too-mumaith-khan-kannada-news-30622 |access-date=2 September 2022 |website=IndiaGlitz.com |archive-date=2 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902190201/https://www.indiaglitz.com/i-will-continue-my-career-as-an-artiste-too-mumaith-khan-kannada-news-30622 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Jeevi |title=Movie Review - Magadheera |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-magadheera.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150722221652/http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-magadheera.html |archive-date=22 July 2015 |access-date=2 September 2022 |website=Idlebrain.com}}</ref>

[[Kota Srinivasa Rao]] worked with him in three films.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jeevi |title=Telugu Cinema Review - Student No. 1 |url=https://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-student.html |access-date=2023-04-14 |website=[[Idlebrain.com]]}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{Cite web |last=Jeevi |title=Movie Review - Chatrapati |url=https://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-chatrapati.html |access-date=2023-04-14 |website=Idlebrain.com}}</ref><ref name=":2" /> [[Nassar (actor)|Nassar]] acted in ''Simhadri'', ''Sye'', and the ''Baahubali'' series.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 June 2022 |title=Actor Nassar to Quit Acting; All You Need to Know |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/actor-nassar-to-quit-acting-all-you-need-to-know-5449189.html |access-date=2 September 2022 |website=News18 |language=en |archive-date=2 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902205529/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/actor-nassar-to-quit-acting-all-you-need-to-know-5449189.html |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Pradeep Rawat (actor)|Pradeep Rawat]] was introduced to [[Telugu film industry]] by Rajamouli as the [[antagonist]] Bikshu Yadav in ''Sye'' which won him fame.<ref name=":11" /> He later worked in ''Chatrapathi'' as the villain Ras Bihari.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 November 2020 |title=What is the story of Prabhas's Chatrapathi? |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/what-is-the-story-of-prabhas-s-chatrapathi-1744604-2020-11-27 |access-date=2023-04-14 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=23 April 2017 |title=I owe a lot to the Tollywood, says Pradeep Rawat |url=https://www.ap7am.com/english-news-41041/i-owe-a-lot-to-the-tollywood-says-pradeep-rawat |access-date=2 September 2022 |website=Ap7am |language=en |quote=Among these, Rajamouli had brought Pradeep Rawat to the Telugu film industry. He attracted the audiences with his performance in Sye and Chatrapati. Pradeep Rawat treats Rajamouli as his Godfather. |archive-date=2 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902205528/https://www.ap7am.com/english-news-41041/i-owe-a-lot-to-the-tollywood-says-pradeep-rawat |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Narendra Jha]] was cast as the antagonist Baji Rao in ''Chatrapathi'' and later also acted in ''Yamadonga''.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=Chatrapati – Post mortem – Telugu cinema – SS Rajamouli |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/postmortem/chatrapati.html |access-date=2 June 2022 |website=[[Idlebrain.com]] |archive-date=13 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150513052131/http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/postmortem/chatrapati.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":24">{{Cite web |last=Jeevi |title=Yamadonga Movie Review |url=https://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-yamadonga.html |access-date=2023-04-14 |website=[[Idlebrain.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=14 March 2018 |title=Gone too soon! Remembering actor Narendra Jha's journey in the film industry |url=https://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/bollywood-news/photo/narendra-jha-the-versatile-actor-who-impressed-in-films-and-the-small-screen-16381/10 |access-date=2 September 2022 |website=[[Mid-day]] |language=en |archive-date=2 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902205531/https://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/bollywood-news/photo/narendra-jha-the-versatile-actor-who-impressed-in-films-and-the-small-screen-16381/10 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Supreeth]] worked in three films of Rajamouli as a goon or henchman of the main antagonist.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":33" /> Rajamouli gave [[Prabhakar (Telugu actor)|Prabhakar]] his first full-fledged role in ''Maryada Ramanna'' which became his [[breakthrough role]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vyas |date=2019-05-16 |title=Kalakeya bags a biggie |url=https://www.thehansindia.com/cinema/kalakeya-bags-a-biggie-529806 |access-date=2023-04-14 |website=[[The Hans India]] |language=en |quote=Actor Prabhakar has been working in the industry for over a decade but got a break with S.S. Rajamouli's comedy-thriller 'Maryada Ramanna'. Immediately, he was roped in to play the role of 'Kalakeya' in the epic project 'Baahubali: The Beginning' and the recognition and response was huge!}}</ref> Prabhakar named his son after Rajamouli as gratitude towards him.<ref>{{Cite web |last=K Sekhar |date=16 May 2020 |title=రాజమౌళి రుణం తీర్చుకున్న కాళకేయ |url=https://telugu.samayam.com/telugu-movies/cinema-news/baahubali-fame-kalakeya-prabhakar-son-name-is-rajamouli/articleshow/75781566.cms |access-date=2023-04-14 |website=[[Samayam]] |language=te}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kavirayani |first=Suresh |date=27 May 2015 |title=Rajamouli gave me a new life: Prabhakar |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/150526/entertainment-tollywood/article/rajamouli-gave-me-new-life-prabhakar |access-date=2 September 2022 |website=Deccan Chronicle |language=en |archive-date=2 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902205530/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/150526/entertainment-tollywood/article/rajamouli-gave-me-new-life-prabhakar |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":13">{{Cite web |date=20 July 2022 |title=Baahubali Prabhakar: అఖండ తర్వాత వరసగా 14 సినిమాల్లో పోలీస్‌ పాత్రలే.. |url=https://www.sakshi.com/telugu-news/movies/kalakeya-prabhakar-telugu-actor-journey-family-movies-special-interview-1472229 |access-date=3 September 2022 |website=Sakshi |language=te |archive-date=26 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220726055632/https://www.sakshi.com/telugu-news/movies/kalakeya-prabhakar-telugu-actor-journey-family-movies-special-interview-1472229 |url-status=live }}</ref> He later played the Kalakeya leader Inkoshi in ''Baahubali: The Beginning.'' After the film's success, he came to be popularly referred to as 'Kalakeya Prabhakar'.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Adivi |first=Sridhar |date=31 July 2017 |title=I am indebted to Rajamouli, says Kalakeya Prabhakar |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/i-am-indebted-to-rajamouli-says-kalakeya-prabhakar/articleshow/59842100.cms |access-date=2 September 2022 |website=The Times of India |language=en |archive-date=25 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221125174840/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/i-am-indebted-to-rajamouli-says-kalakeya-prabhakar/articleshow/59842100.cms |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":13" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Dhantadhan Baahubali Fame Kalakeya Prabhakar Interview |url=https://marathi.abplive.com/topic/dhantadhan-baahubali-fame-kalakeya-prabhakar-interview |access-date=2023-04-14 |website=[[ABP Majha]] |language=mr}}</ref>

Rajamouli also regularly collaborates with [[Rajeev Kanakala]] and [[Chatrapathi Sekhar]] who appeared in six and nine of his films respectively.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-07 |title=Rajamouli: రాజమౌళి ప్రతి సినిమాలో చత్రపతి శేఖర్ ఎందుకు ఉంటాడో తెలుసా ?.. కారణమదే.. |url=https://tv9telugu.com/entertainment/tollywood/did-you-know-why-chatrapathi-shekhar-will-act-in-rajamoulis-every-movie-au55-928754.html |access-date=2023-04-14 |website=[[TV9 Telugu]] |language=te |quote=రాజమౌళి మొదటి చిత్రం స్టూడెంట్ నెంబర్ 1 సినిమా మొదలుకొని.. సింహాద్రి, సై, చత్రపతి, విక్రమార్కుడు, మగధీర, మర్యాద రామన్న, ఈగ, ఆర్ఆర్ఆర్ వంటి చిత్రాల్లో కనిపించాడు శేఖర్. ఇప్పటివరకు జక్కన్న మొత్తం 12 చిత్రాలు తెరకెక్కించగా.. 9 సినిమాల్లో ఉన్నాడు శేఖర్.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=8 August 2022 |title=రాజమౌళి చెప్పడం వల్లే: రాజీవ్ కనకాల |url=https://www.etvbharat.com/telugu/telangana/entertainment/movie/rajeev-kanakala-about-ntr-rajamouli/na20220808150231479479919 |access-date=2 September 2022 |website=ETV Bharat News |archive-date=2 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902190202/https://www.etvbharat.com/telugu/telangana/entertainment/movie/rajeev-kanakala-about-ntr-rajamouli/na20220808150231479479919 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":31">{{Cite web |date=14 May 2019 |title=Secret Behind Jakkanna Name For Rajamouli |url=https://english.sakshi.com/entertainment/2019/05/14/secret-behind-jakkanna-name-for-rajamouli |access-date=30 June 2022 |website=Sakshi Post |language=en |archive-date=30 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630140017/https://english.sakshi.com/entertainment/2019/05/14/secret-behind-jakkanna-name-for-rajamouli |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":6" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Vadla |first=Praveen Kumar |date=13 March 2020 |title=ప్రభాస్ నాకు ప్రాణం పోసాడు.. ఛత్రపతి నటుడు సంచలన నిజాలు.. |url=https://telugu.news18.com/news/movies/prabhas-saved-my-life-in-chatrapathi-shooting-says-actor-sekhar-who-acted-in-rajamouli-movies-pk-474586.html |access-date=2 September 2022 |website=News18 Telugu |language=te |archive-date=2 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902190203/https://telugu.news18.com/news/movies/prabhas-saved-my-life-in-chatrapathi-shooting-says-actor-sekhar-who-acted-in-rajamouli-movies-pk-474586.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Rajamouli also worked with the comic actors [[Brahmanandam]], [[M. S. Narayana]], [[Venu Madhav (actor)|Venu Madhav]], [[Ali (actor)|Ali]], [[L. B. Sriram]], [[Raghu Babu]], [[Srinivasa Reddy]], [[Sivannarayana Naripeddi]], and [[Hema (actress)|Hema]] in multiple films.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":22" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":24" /><ref name=":7" /> [[Tanikella Bharani]] acted in ''Student No.1'', ''Sye'', and ''Baahubali''.<ref>{{Cite news |date=11 July 2015 |title=Rajamouli is the man of the moment: Karan Johar |work=[[Business Standard]] |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/rajamouli-is-the-man-of-the-moment-karan-johar-115071100223_1.html |access-date=2 September 2022 |archive-date=2 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902205531/https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/rajamouli-is-the-man-of-the-moment-karan-johar-115071100223_1.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":11">{{Cite web |title=Telugu cinema Review – Sye – Nitin, Genelia – SS Rajamouli |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-sye.html |access-date=2 September 2022 |website=Idlebrain.com |archive-date=2 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902205528/http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-sye.html |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Sameer (Telugu actor)|Sameer]], [[Ajay (actor)|Ajay]], [[Jaya Prakash Reddy]], [[Rao Ramesh]], [[Subbaraya Sarma]], [[Surya (Telugu actor)|Surya]], and [[Preeti Nigam]] acted in supporting roles in many of his films.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":22" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":24" /><ref name=":7" /> His cousin S. S. Kanchi acted in his films apart from working in the writing department.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":15" /> His nephew [[Sri Simha]], younger son of Keeravani, worked as a child actor in ''Yamadonga'' and ''Maryada Ramanna'',<ref name=":20" /><ref name=":21" /> along with minor roles in ''Eega'' and ''Baahubali: The Beginning''.<ref name="G" /><ref name=":21" />

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" style="text-align:center;"
|+ class="nowrap" | Collaborations of Rajamouli – Cast
|-
!rowspan=2 {{diagonal split header 2|<br><br>Collaborator|Work}}
|-
!''[[Student No: 1]]''
(2001)
![[Simhadri (2003 film)|''Simhadri'']]
(2003)
![[Sye (2004 film)|''Sye'']]
(2004)
![[Chatrapathi (2005 film)|''Chatrapathi'']]
(2005)
!''[[Vikramarkudu]]''
(2006)
!''[[Yamadonga]]''
(2007)
!''[[Magadheera]]''
(2009)
!''[[Maryada Ramanna]]''
(2010)
!''[[Eega]]''
(2012)
![[Baahubali (franchise)|''Baahubali'']]
(2015, 2017)
![[RRR (film)|''RRR'']]
(2022)
!Total
|-
|[[N. T. Rama Rao Jr.|Jr. NTR]]
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|
|
|
|{{ya}}
|
|
|
|
|{{ya}}
|4
|-
|[[Prabhas]]
|
|
|
|{{ya}}
|
|
|
|
|
|{{ya}}
|
|2
|-
|[[Ram Charan]]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|{{ya}}
|
|
|
|{{ya}}
|2
|-
|[[Sunil (actor)|Sunil]]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|
|
|
|2
|-
|[[Ravi Teja]]
|
|
|
|
|{{ya}}
|
|
|Voice role
|
|
|
|2
|-
|[[Sudeepa|Sudeep]]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|
|2
|-
|[[Anushka Shetty]]
|
|
|
|
|{{ya}}
|
|
|
|
|{{ya}}
|
|2
|-
|[[Shriya Saran]]
|
|
|
|{{ya}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|{{ya}}
|2
|-
|[[Ramya Krishnan|Ramya Krishna]]
|
|{{ya}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|{{ya}}
|
|2
|-
|[[Saloni Aswani|Saloni]]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|
|
|
|2
|-
|[[Mumaith Khan]]
|
|
|
|{{ya}}
|
|
|{{ya}}
|
|
|
|
|2
|-
|[[Nassar (actor)|Nassar]]
|
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|{{ya}}
|
|3
|-
|[[Kota Srinivasa Rao]]
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|
|{{ya}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|3
|-
|[[Pradeep Rawat (actor)|Pradeep Rawat]]
|
|
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|2
|-
|[[Ajay (actor)|Ajay]]
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|5
|-
|[[Jaya Prakash Reddy]]
|
|
|
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|
|
|
|
|
|3
|-
|[[Supreeth]]
|
|
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|
|
|
|{{ya}}
|
|
|
|3
|-
|[[Prabhakar (Telugu actor)|Prabhakar]]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|{{ya}}
|
|{{ya}}
|
|2
|-
|[[Narendra Jha]]
|
|
|
|{{ya}}
|
|{{ya}}
|
|
|
|
|
|2
|-
|[[Rajeev Kanakala]]
|{{ya}}
|
|{{ya}}
|
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|
|
|{{ya}}
|
|{{ya}}
|6
|-
|[[Chatrapathi Sekhar]]
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|
|{{ya}}
|9
|-
|[[Sameer Hasan|Sameer]]
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|
|
|
|{{ya}}
|
|
|
|
|4
|-
|[[Tanikella Bharani]]
|{{ya}}
|
|{{ya}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|{{ya}}
|
|3
|-
|[[Rao Ramesh]] 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|
|
|
|2
|-
|[[Subbaraya Sharma]]
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|
|{{ya}}
|
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|
|{{ya}}
|
|7
|-
|[[Surya (Telugu actor)|Surya]]
|
|
|
|{{ya}}
|
|
|{{ya}}
|
|
|
|
|2
|-
|[[Prabhas Sreenu]]
|
|
|
|
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|
|
|
|
|
|2
|-
|[[Preeti Nigam]]
|{{ya}}
|
|{{ya}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|2
|-
|[[Brahmanandam]]
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|
|
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|
|
|
|
|5
|-
|[[M. S. Narayana]]
|{{ya}}
|
|
|
|
|{{ya}}
|
|
|
|
|
|2
|-
|[[Venu Madhav (actor)|Venu Madhav]]
|
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|3
|-
|[[Ali (actor)|Ali]]
|{{ya}}
|
|
|
|
|{{ya}}
|
|
|
|
|
|2
|-
|[[Srinivasa Reddy]]
|
|{{ya}}
|
|{{ya}}
|
|{{ya}}
|
|
|{{ya}}
|
|
|4
|-
|[[Sivannarayana Naripeddi]]
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|
|
|{{ya}}
|
|
|6
|-
|[[L. B. Sriram]]
|{{ya}}
|
|
|{{ya}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|2
|-
|[[Raghubabu]] 
|
|
|
|
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|
|
|
|
|
|2
|-
|S. S. Kanchi
|
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|{{ya}}
|
|
|
|{{ya}}
|
|
|
|4
|-
|[[Hema (actress)|Hema]]
|
|{{ya}}
|
|
|
|
|{{ya}}
|
|
|
|
|2
|}

== Views on the film industry ==

=== Theatres and streaming services ===
Rajamouli is of the view that watching films in a [[movie theatre]] is the best way to experience them as theatres provide the unique communal experience in seeing how other people feel the emotions of the characters on screen. He said there's a kind of synergy that one experiences in a theater which doesn't come in a home or on a personal device, the experience can't be replicated. Being optimistic that theaters would thrive and prosper in the age of [[Streaming media]], he said "[a] movie theater is like a temple. The other day, I went to the [[Music Box Theatre (Chicago)|Music Box Theatre]] in Chicago, and I almost had tears. It was such a great feeling." In an interview with American media, he suggested various measures to make people prefer theatres over [[List of streaming media services|streaming services]], like reintroduction of [[intermission]] {{endash}} as it provides an opportunity for the audience to refresh themselves. He also opined that [[movie star]]s play a big role in bringing audiences to theaters.<ref>{{cite web|title=RRR director S.S. Rajamouli: To save movie theaters, we have to deliver|work=Polygon|url=https://www.polygon.com/23478046/rrr-ss-rajamouli-movies-top-gun-avengers-future|date=13 December 2022|access-date=5 January 2023|archive-date=23 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223184017/https://www.polygon.com/23478046/rrr-ss-rajamouli-movies-top-gun-avengers-future|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Pan-Indian film ===
{{See also|Pan-Indian film}}
Rajamouli is credited with pioneering the pan-Indian films movement with his duology of epic action films ''[[Baahubali: The Beginning]]'' (2015) and ''[[Baahubali 2: The Conclusion]]'' (2017), that changed the face of Indian cinema.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bamzai |first=Kaveree |date=1 April 2022 |title=Cinema's Biggest Mythmaker |url=https://openthemagazine.com/cover-stories/ss-rajamouli-cinemas-biggest-mythmaker/ |access-date=26 June 2022 |website=[[Open (Indian magazine)|Open Magazine]] |language=en |quote=He is perhaps singlehandedly responsible for the rise of the pan-Indian film. |archive-date=26 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626102823/https://openthemagazine.com/cover-stories/ss-rajamouli-cinemas-biggest-mythmaker/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":8" /><ref name="Srinivasan-2022">{{Cite web |last=Srinivasan |first=Latha |date=30 March 2022 |title=Inside the mind of SS Rajamouli: Decoding how the RRR director lends scale to his storytelling |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/inside-the-mind-of-ss-rajamouli-decoding-how-the-rrr-director-lends-scale-to-his-storytelling-10501081.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220818144603/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/inside-the-mind-of-ss-rajamouli-decoding-how-the-rrr-director-lends-scale-to-his-storytelling-10501081.html |archive-date=18 August 2022 |access-date=20 July 2022 |website=[[Firstpost]] |language=en |quote=Producer G Dhananjayan says, “Rajamouli has redefined the reach of regional cinema consistently through his films, starting with Eega [2012] to the Baahubali series, and now with RRR. The entire concept of pan-Indian films came from him when he succeeded with Eega across many Indian languages. This opened up this concept. Thanks to his vision, today, a lot of films are able to be made on a bigger budget targeted at a pan-Indian audience. Rajamouli stands tall among all Indian filmmakers for his vision, innovation, and expansion of the regional language market at a global level.”}}</ref> He emphasised that making a pan-Indian film doesn't necessarily mean getting actors from different [[Cinema of India#Cinema by language|Indian film industries]], but instead its about having a story and emotion that connects to everyone irrespective of the language. He stated that while creating a story, he often thinks whether the audience would be able to connect to his movie if the dialogue is turned off and many a times he feels in the affirmative.<ref name=":9" />

== See also ==

* [[List of awards and nominations received by S. S. Rajamouli]]
* [[List of film director and actor collaborations]]
* [[List of highest-grossing Indian films]]
* [[List of highest-grossing Telugu films]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

{{S. S. Rajamouli}}

[[Category:S. S. Rajamouli]]
[[Category:Cinematic styles of film directors]]