View source for S. S. Rajamouli

{{Short description|Indian filmmaker and screenwriter (born 1973)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2022}}

{{family name hatnote|Koduri|lang=Telugu}}
{{Infobox person
| name               = S. S. Rajamouli
| image              = SS Rajamouli, 2021.jpg
| caption            = Rajamouli in 2021
| birth_name         = Koduri Srisaila Sri Rajamouli
| birth_date         = {{Birth date and age|1973|10|10|df=yes}}
| birth_place        = [[Hire Kotnekal]], [[Mysore State]] (present-day [[Karnataka]]), India<!-- What the place may correspond to on a modern map is a matter for an article's main text. -->
| other_names        = {{hlist|Jakkanna|Nandi}}
| occupation         = {{hlist|Film director|screenwriter}}
| works              = {{hlist|[[S. S. Rajamouli filmography|Filmography]]|[[Cinematic style of S. S. Rajamouli|cinematic style]]}}
| relatives          = 
| family             = [[List of South Indian film families#Koduri family|Koduri family]]
| father             = [[V. Vijayendra Prasad]]
| spouse             = {{marriage|[[Rama Rajamouli]]|2001}}
| children           = 2<!--# of children (e.g., 3); only list names of independently notable or particularly relevant children. -->
| awards             = [[List of awards and nominations received by S. S. Rajamouli|Full list]]
| honours            = [[Padma Shri]] (2016)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Goyal |first=Divya |date=26 January 2016 |title=Baahubali Director Rajamouli Says he 'Doesn't Deserve' Padma Shri |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/baahubali-director-rajamouli-says-he-doesnt-deserve-padma-shri-1270117 |access-date=2022-09-15 |website=NDTV.com |archive-date=15 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220915160559/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/baahubali-director-rajamouli-says-he-doesnt-deserve-padma-shri-1270117 |url-status=live}}</ref>
}}
'''Koduri Srisaila Sri Rajamouli''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|r|ɑː|dʒ|ə|m|aʊ|l|ɪ}} {{respell|RAH|juh|mow|li}}; born 10 October 1973) is an Indian filmmaker who works in [[Telugu cinema]]. Known for his [[Epic film|epic]], [[Action film|action]] and [[fantasy]] genre films, he is the highest grossing Indian director of all time,<ref>
*{{Cite web |last=Mathur |first=Abhimanyu |date=23 February 2025 |title=Meet India's most successful director with ₹4200 crore gross, 0 flops; not Bhansali, Hirani, Karan Johar, Rohit Shetty |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/telugu-cinema/indias-most-successful-film-director-ss-rajamouli-box-office-4200-cr-bhansali-rajkumar-hirani-karan-johar-rohit-shetty-101740296524306.html |access-date=24 February 2025 |website=[[Hindustan Times]]}}
*{{Cite web |date=2023-03-11 |title=Ahead of Oscars 2023, revisiting SS Rajamouli's RRR -the records it broke, legacy it created, glory it brought |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/box-office/s-s-rajamoulis-rrr-the-mega-movie-event-it-became-records-it-broke-legacy-it-created-glory-it-brought-1212180 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311201552/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/box-office/s-s-rajamoulis-rrr-the-mega-movie-event-it-became-records-it-broke-legacy-it-created-glory-it-brought-1212180 |archive-date=11 March 2023 |access-date=2023-03-11 |website=[[Pinkvilla]] |language=en |quote=He's the highest grossing Indian director and also the director to secure the highest theatrical share.}}</ref> as well as the highest-paid director in [[Cinema of India|Indian cinema]].<ref>
* {{Cite web |last=Rathore |first=Manya |date=24 August 2023 |title=Best-paid directors from India 2023, by fee |url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/972743/india-best-paid-directors-by-fee/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241206103052/https://www.statista.com/statistics/972743/india-best-paid-directors-by-fee/ |archive-date=2024-12-06 |access-date=2025-02-23 |website=[[Statista]] |language=en |quote=In 2023, S.S. Rajamouili, known for films like Baahubali: The Beginning and Baahubali 2, was the leading director in India whose charge for a single project grossed about two billion Indian rupees.}}
* {{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Suparna |date=30 April 2022 |title=Indian director Rajamouli scores a global hit with new film RRR |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/4/30/indian-director-ss-rajamouli-rrr-film-teluga-cinema |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714162150/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/4/30/indian-director-ss-rajamouli-rrr-film-teluga-cinema |archive-date=14 July 2022 |access-date=16 July 2022 |website=[[Al Jazeera English|Al Jazeera]] |quote=It catapulted Rajamouli into becoming India’s most expensive director, commanding about $13m to direct a film.}}
* {{Cite web |date=2 June 2020 |title=Rohit Shetty to SS Rajamouli, this is how much 5 of the highest-paid directors in Bollywood charge per movie |url=https://www.gqindia.com/entertainment/content/rohit-shetty-ss-rajamouli-highest-paid-directors-in-bollywood |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919165535/https://www.gqindia.com/entertainment/content/rohit-shetty-ss-rajamouli-highest-paid-directors-in-bollywood |archive-date=19 September 2022 |access-date=13 June 2022 |website=[[GQ (Indian edition)|GQ India]] |language=en-IN |quote=DNA also reported that the director SS Rajamouli, took home a mammoth profit share of Rs 100 crore. This is probably the most any director has earned from a movie, yet.}}</ref> Rajamouli is a recipient of various [[List of awards and nominations received by S. S. Rajamouli|national and international honours]] including a [[New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Director|New York Film Critics Circle award]], a [[Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Foreign Language Film|Critics' Choice Movie Award]], two [[Saturn Awards]], four [[National Film Awards]], and five [[Filmfare Award for Best Director – Telugu|Filmfare Awards]]. In 2016, the [[Government of India]] honoured him with the [[Padma Shri]], for his contributions in the field of art. In 2023, he was included on the ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]''{{'}}s list of the 100 most influential people in the world.<ref>{{cite news |date=13 April 2023 |title=TIME100: The Most Influential People of 2023 |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |url=https://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people-2023/ |access-date=13 April 2023 |archive-date=13 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230413151502/https://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people-2023/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

Rajamouli has been described by film trade analyst [[Komal Nahta]] as "the biggest Indian film director ever" and by [[SOAS University of London|SOAS]] professor [[Rachel Dwyer]] as "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><ref name="Sharma-2022" /> He has directed twelve feature films, all of which have been box office successes.<ref name="Sharma-2022"/><ref>{{Cite web |last=Tetali |first=Sagar |date=22 March 2022 |title=SS Rajamouli, Maker of Myths |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/features/telugu-features/rajamouli-movies-rrr-baahubali-prabhas-rana-daggubati-ntr-ram-charan-samantha-maker-of-myths/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230711054627/https://www.filmcompanion.in/features/telugu-features/rajamouli-movies-rrr-baahubali-prabhas-rana-daggubati-ntr-ram-charan-samantha-maker-of-myths/ |archive-date=11 July 2023 |access-date=11 July 2023 |website=[[Film Companion]] |quote=And he has never failed — he has not had a film which was unprofitable at the box office, and ...... At what he has set out to do — whether or not it's to the taste of the art film aficionado or the film critic —  he has never yet failed.}}</ref> Three of his films{{Em dash}}''[[Baahubali: The Beginning]]'' (2015), ''[[Baahubali 2: The Conclusion]]'' (2017), and [[RRR (film)|''RRR'']] (2022){{Em dash}}rank among the [[List of highest-grossing films in India#Domestic gross figures|top 15 highest grossing-films in India]]. Each of these films was the [[List of most expensive Indian films#Record-holders|most expensive Indian production]] at the time of its release. ''Baahubali 2'' became the first Indian film to gross over ₹1,000 [[crore]] and held the record as the highest-grossing Indian film. It also sold over 100 million tickets, the highest for any film in India since ''[[Sholay]]'' (1975).<ref name=":532">{{Cite web |last=Acharya |first=Sandeep |date=10 July 2017 |title=Baahubali 2 is the first Indian film with over 10 crore footfalls |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/baahubali-2-is-the-first-indian-film-with-over-10-crore-footfalls/story-EdFN8PUyaTeaWW5I8PuwiJ.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824072825/https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/baahubali-2-is-the-first-indian-film-with-over-10-crore-footfalls/story-EdFN8PUyaTeaWW5I8PuwiJ.html |archive-date=24 August 2022 |access-date=3 July 2022 |website=[[Hindustan Times]] |language=en}}</ref>

The 2009 fantasy action film, ''[[Magadheera]]'' was the [[List of highest-grossing Telugu films|highest-grossing Telugu film]] ever at the time of its release. ''[[Eega]]'' (2012) won nine awards at the [[Toronto After Dark Film Festival#2013|Toronto After Dark Film Festival]], including the Most Original Film. ''[[Baahubali (franchise)#Feature films|Baahubali]]'' films have received six [[Saturn Awards|Saturn Award]] nominations with ''Baahubali 2'' winning the [[Saturn Award for Best International Film|Best International Film]]. ''RRR'' received various [[List of accolades received by RRR|international accolades]] including an [[Academy Awards|Academy Award]] and a [[Golden Globe Awards|Golden Globe Award]] for the song "[[Naatu Naatu]]", and a [[Critics' Choice Movie Awards|Critics' Choice Movie Award]] for [[Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Foreign Language Film|Best Foreign Language Film]].

[[S. S. Rajamouli filmography|Rajamouli's films]] are typically characterized by their epic grandeur, stylized action sequences, unbridled [[hero]]ism and larger-than-life characters with historical and mythological references. His films have been noted for their integration of [[Computer-generated imagery|CGI]] with [[practical effect]]s. With his ''Baahubali'' films, he has pioneered the [[pan-Indian film]] movement.<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/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626102823/https://openthemagazine.com/cover-stories/ss-rajamouli-cinemas-biggest-mythmaker/ |archive-date=26 June 2022 |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.}}
*{{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 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523195352/https://www.ormaxmedia.com/insights/stories/the-original-pan-india-filmmaker.html |archive-date=23 May 2022 |access-date=26 June 2022 |website=Ormax Media |language=en |quote=Before the release of Bahubali: The Beginning (2015), the term ‘Pan India film’ did not exist in film media or audience lingo.}}
*{{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 is also credited for expanding the market of [[Telugu cinema]] and [[Cinema of South India|South Indian cinema]] into [[North India]] and international markets.<ref>
*{{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 |url-status=live |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 |archive-date=14 August 2022 |access-date=27 August 2022 |website=[[Business Today (India)|Business Today]] |quote=As audiences lapped up 'Why did Katappa kill Baahubali?', a market was not just created in the North for theatrical releases of Hindi-dubbed south Indian films, but it also paved the way for them to hammer Hindi films in their home turf. Clearly, Rajamouli has sown the seeds of south Indian cinema’s dominance of Indian movie theatres across the country, with others following in his footsteps.}}
*{{Cite web |last=Dwyer |first=Rachel |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 |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. SS Rajamouli is now widely regarded as one of India's greatest directors. Rajamouli's impact on Indian cinema is yet to be assessed, but he is perhaps primarily responsible for galvanising the interest in south Indian cinema that is now being watched all over India.}}
*{{Cite web |last=Kannan |first=Indira |date=2022-09-09 |title=Changing perception of Indian Cinema: How Bollywood is no more favourite for overseas cinegoers |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/changing-perception-of-indian-cinema-how-bollywood-is-no-more-favourite-for-overseas-cinegoers-11217341.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220912131105/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/changing-perception-of-indian-cinema-how-bollywood-is-no-more-favourite-for-overseas-cinegoers-11217341.html |archive-date=12 September 2022 |access-date=2022-09-12 |website=Firstpost |language=en |quote=Rajamouli and his last film RRR may have single-handedly prompted not just Indian audiences but also cinephiles worldwide to look beyond Bollywood while seeking entertaining Indian blockbusters.}}</ref>

== Early life and background ==
Koduri Srisaila Sri Rajamouli was born on 10 October 1973 in a [[Telugu people|Telugu]] family<ref>{{Cite web |title=SS Rajamouli – Twitter |url=https://twitter.com/ssrajamouli/status/217993762507456512 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421102233/https://twitter.com/ssrajamouli/status/217993762507456512 |archive-date=21 April 2022 |access-date=2022-09-05 |website=Twitter |language=en |quote=my mother tongue is Telugu and I was born in Karnataka}}</ref> to [[V. Vijayendra Prasad]] and Raja Nandini.<ref name="indt322">{{Cite web |date=20 July 2015 |title=Baahubali, Bajrangi Bhaijaan: Meet the Rs 500 crore writer |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/baahubali-bajrangi-bhaijaan-vijayendra-prasad-salman-khan-story-writer-telegu-film-283545-2015-07-20 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205142746/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/baahubali-bajrangi-bhaijaan-vijayendra-prasad-salman-khan-story-writer-telegu-film-283545-2015-07-20 |archive-date=5 February 2021 |access-date=22 October 2018 |website=[[India Today]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=20 October 2012 |title=SS Rajamouli's mother Rajanandini died today |url=https://www.filmibeat.com/telugu/news/2012/ss-rajamouli-mother-rajanandini-died-100512.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205051614/https://www.filmibeat.com/telugu/news/2012/ss-rajamouli-mother-rajanandini-died-100512.html |archive-date=5 February 2021 |access-date=22 October 2018 |website=Filmibeat.com |language=en}}</ref> His parents were staying in [[Hire Kotnekal]] in [[Raichur district]] of [[Mysore State]] (present-day [[Karnataka]]) at the time of his birth.<ref name=":82">{{Cite web |date=3 May 2017 |title=Karnataka roots: Baahubali 2 director Rajamouli was born in Raichur |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/baahubali-2-creator-rajamouli-has-roots-in-karnataka/articleshow/58484575.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702063931/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/baahubali-2-creator-rajamouli-has-roots-in-karnataka/articleshow/58484575.cms |archive-date=2 July 2022 |access-date=2 July 2022 |website=The Times of India}}</ref> Both his parents hail from [[Andhra Pradesh]] {{Em dash}} his father from [[Kovvur]] near [[Rajahmundry]] and his mother from [[Visakhapatnam]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ganguly |first=Nivedita |date=13 May 2017 |title=Vizag holds a special place in my heart: Rajamouli |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/vizag-holds-a-special-place-in-my-heart-rajamouli/article18445586.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807125407/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/vizag-holds-a-special-place-in-my-heart-rajamouli/article18445586.ece |archive-date=7 August 2020 |access-date=14 August 2018 |work=The Hindu |via=}}</ref><ref name="Atluri-20042">{{Cite web |last=Atluri |first=Sri |date=10 December 2004 |title=TC Exclusive: Interview with writer Vijayendra Prasad |url=http://www.telugucinema.com/c/stars/interview_vijayendraprasad_2004.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041211004414/http://www.telugucinema.com/c/stars/interview_vijayendraprasad_2004.shtml |archive-date=11 December 2004 |website=[[Telugucinema.com]]}}</ref><ref name="Idlebrain.com-20052">{{Cite web |date=22 September 2005 |title=Interview with SS Rajamouli by Jeevi – Chatrapathi |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/celeb/interview/ssrajamouli.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181122112710/http://idlebrain.com/celeb/interview/ssrajamouli.html |archive-date=22 November 2018 |access-date=15 December 2018 |website=[[Idlebrain.com]]}}</ref>

Rajamouli's mother belonged to [[Kapu (caste)|Kapu]] caste and his father is a [[Kamma (caste)|Kamma]].<ref name=":123">{{Citation |title=K. V. Vijayendra Prasad Interview - Full Episode |date=31 May 2021 |work=[[Alitho Saradaga]] |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyFN0n5aXtI&t=2172s |access-date=2023-05-24 |publisher=[[ETV (Telugu)|ETV]] |language=te}}; Event occurs from 36:12 to 38:51</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mamatha Reddy |date=2 June 2021 |title=Did Vijayendra Prasad intentionally reveal about inter-caste marriage? |url=http://www.indiaherald.com/Movies/Read/994362693/Did-Vijayendra-Prasad-intentionally-revealed-about-intercaste-marriage |access-date=2023-05-24 |website=India Herald |language=en}}</ref> His parents met in Vizag and later had an inter-caste [[love marriage]]. Vijayendra Prasad is opposed to the [[Caste system in India|caste system]] and dropped the initial 'K' from his name, as he felt it was an indicator of his caste.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-03-18 |title=Why did Katappa Kill Baahubali? |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/express-sunday-eye/vijayendra-prasad-why-did-katappa-kill-baahubali-5100373/ |access-date=2022-07-08 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |quote=Very early in his career, he dropped ‘K’ from his name, KV Vijayendra Prasad, because “it was an indicator of my caste”. “The caste system is at the root of most problems our country faces. I want it eradicated but it’s not enough to preach without practising it.”}}</ref><ref name=":123" />

Rajamouli's parents are ardent devotees of [[Shiva|Lord Shiva]]. He was born after his mother had a dream when she visited the pilgrimage site of [[Srisailam]]. Hence, he was named Srisaila Sri Rajamouli.<ref name="atheist2">{{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 |url-status=live |access-date=1 May 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 |archive-date=30 April 2017}}</ref> He has one elder sister who now lives in [[Australia]].<ref name="Atluri-2004-2" /><ref>{{Citation |title=K. V. Vijayendra Prasad Interview – Full Episode |date=31 May 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyFN0n5aXtI&t=1615s |work=[[Alitho Saradaga]] |access-date=2023-05-24 |publisher=[[ETV (Telugu)|ETV]] |language=te |archive-date=24 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230524191048/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyFN0n5aXtI&t=1615s |url-status=live}}; Event occurs from 26:55 to 27:05</ref> Rajamouli grew up in a [[Extended family|joint family]] {{Em dash}} his father and his five brothers lived in the same house with their families.<ref name="S S Rajamouli and Anupam Kher at Goafest 2022-2022">{{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 9:46 to 11:42</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ramnath |first=Nandini |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=2022-09-14 |website=Scroll.in |date=3 June 2015 |language=en-US |quote=The director grew up in a joint family spilling over with uncles and cousins. |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><ref>{{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=2022-09-14 |website=The Times of India |language=en |quote=Ours was a big joint family and we were 13 cousins. |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> Prasad's family had lands in Kovvur, which were lost when the railways lines were laid through them.<ref name="Atluri-2004">{{Cite web |last=Atluri |first=Sri |date=10 December 2004 |title=TC Exclusive: Interview with writer Vijayendra Prasad |url=http://www.telugucinema.com/c/stars/interview_vijayendraprasad_2004.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041211004414/http://www.telugucinema.com/c/stars/interview_vijayendraprasad_2004.shtml |archive-date=11 December 2004 |website=[[Telugucinema.com]]}}</ref> Then, Prasad and his family moved to Karnataka from Kovvur in 1968. Prasad, along with his elder brother K. V. Sivashankar, bought seven [[acre]]s of paddy fields in [[Hire Kotnekal|Hirekotikal]] village near [[Manvi]] in Raichur district. Their family moved back to Kovvur in 1977.<ref name="The Times of India-2017">{{Cite web |date=3 May 2017 |title=Karnataka roots: Baahubali 2 director Rajamouli was born in Raichur |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/baahubali-2-creator-rajamouli-has-roots-in-karnataka/articleshow/58484575.cms |website=The Times of India |access-date=2 July 2022 |archive-date=2 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702063931/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/baahubali-2-creator-rajamouli-has-roots-in-karnataka/articleshow/58484575.cms |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=అంతర్జాతీయ వేదికపై తెలుగు పలుకులు..జైహింద్ అంటూ ప్రసంగం ముగించిన జక్కన్న |url=https://telugu.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/ss-rajamouli-end-his-speech-with-mera-bharat-slogan-in-critics-choice-award-ceremony-121673844935904.html |access-date=16 January 2023 |publisher=Hindustan Times Telugu |archive-date=16 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230116053048/https://telugu.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/ss-rajamouli-end-his-speech-with-mera-bharat-slogan-in-critics-choice-award-ceremony-121673844935904.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

Rajamouli was educated in Kovvur till fourth standard and then shifted to [[Eluru]] where he studied till [[Eleventh Grade#India|Intermediate first year]]. He then took a break of two years and finished his [[Twelfth Grade#India|Intermediate second year]] in Kovvur. After that, he did not pursue any further formal education.<ref name="Idlebrain.com-2005" />

Rajamouli was passionate about [[storytelling]] right from his second standard.<ref name="The Times of India-2">{{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 |quote=Right from class two, my passion was telling stories. On Saturdays, we had an extra-curricular class, where it was always Rajamouli telling stories. I don't remember what I studied in school, but I remember each and every comic I read of Amar Chitra Katha. I used to mix and mash the characters from Amar Chitra Katha to tell stories to suit my liking. |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> When he was seven years old, his grandmother introduced him to the [[Epic poetry|epic story]] ''[[Ramayana]]'', ''[[Mahabharata]]'', and [[Bhagavata Purana|''Bhagavata'']].<ref name="S S Rajamouli and Anupam Kher at Goafest 2022-2022" /> At the same age, his father introduced him to ''[[Amar Chitra Katha]]'' comics that featured stories on Indian [[historical figure]]s, religious legends and [[Folklore|folktales]]. It had a huge impact on him and developed his penchant for larger-than-life characters.<ref name="Cain-2015">{{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. |archive-date=9 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151009101647/http://www.forbes.com/sites/robcain/2015/08/27/an-interview-with-baahubali-director-ss-rajamouli-the-beginning/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="S S Rajamouli and Anupam Kher at Goafest 2022-2022" /> He would remember those stories and the films he watched and then re-tell them to his friends in his own way.<ref name="Cain-2015" /><ref name="The Times of India-2" /><ref name="atheist2"/> His mother was keen on him learning [[English language|English]] and would take him to watch [[English language|English]]-language films in the nearby towns. She encouraged him to read [[comics]] and [[Children's literature|storybooks]] in his free time and never pressured him in academics.<ref name="S S Rajamouli and Anupam Kher at Goafest 2022-2022" /><ref name="Olson-2022" /> His father recollecting about Rajamouli's childhood noted, "he was not an ambitious child. For a long time, we did not know what interested him. He showed some inclination towards films. He played the role of young Krishna in a film I directed."<ref name="Naidu">{{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>

Rajamouli's paternal grandfather was a wealthy landlord who owned 360 [[acre]]s of land. By the time Rajamouli was 10 or 11 years old, they lost much of their wealth.<ref name="S S Rajamouli and Anupam Kher at Goafest 2022-2022-2">{{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 13:02 to 14:24</ref><ref name="The Times of India">{{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=2022-09-14 |website=The Times of India |language=en |quote=We were failed producers that ate away all the resources that my grandfather had accumulated as a rich landlord. We hit rock bottom and did not have any money for even my further education after intermediate. All of us were living in a two-room apartment. Even though they were hard days, it was fun together. Today, talking about those days, it looks as if we were poor; but at that time, we were happy and were sure that good days lay ahead. |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><ref name="Ramnath-2015">{{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> As his father Vijayendra Prasad and uncle [[Siva Shakthi Datta]] were passionate about filmmaking, they sold most of their remaining assets and shifted to [[Chennai|Madras]] to make films. They started many films that went unfinished. They faced financial losses and started working as [[ghostwriter]]s to make ends meet.<ref>{{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 |quote=My father, who then had no money to produce films, became a ghostwriter just for money. At home, he used to talk about his stories and I used to give him inputs and he took me as his assistant. He then established himself as a writer in films and we graduated to becoming lower middle class with each of his brothers living in separate houses. |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><ref name="Atluri-2004-2">{{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><ref name="SS Rajamouli EMOTIONAL Words About His Wife Rama Rajamouli | Filmylooks">{{Citation |title=SS Rajamouli EMOTIONAL Words About His Wife Rama Rajamouli {{!}} Filmylooks (in Telugu) | date=31 October 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjeBqNTXjTc&t=210s |language=en |access-date=15 July 2022 |archive-date=28 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220728192950/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjeBqNTXjTc&t=210s |url-status=live }}; From 3:30 to 6:02</ref> Thirteen members of his extended family started living in a two-room apartment in Madras. Rajamouli recollects his family sitting together and making fun of themselves and their condition at the time, but they were never sad about it.<ref name="S S Rajamouli and Anupam Kher at Goafest 2022-2022-2" /><ref name="The Times of India" />

Later Prasad established himself as a screenwriter with films like ''[[Bobbili Simham]]'' (1994) and ''[[Gharana Bullodu]]'' (1995).<ref name="Atluri-2004" /><ref name="Tetali-2022">{{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> Wanting to make another film, his father then co-produced (along with Katragadda Prasad) and directed a film called ''Ardhangi'' (1996) with his life savings.<ref name="Atluri-2004-2" /><ref name="The Times of India-3">{{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 |quote=After my father earned a little money as a writer, he went to his first love of producing films but the film was a miserable flop. I was 23 years old and everything we had was gone. Also, since he had become a director, no one gave him writing assignments; so we had no source of income for a year. We were scared of even paying our TV installment of ₹630 and were scared of the humiliation when the guy would come and take it away. This was the time I lost my innocence and the harsh reality of life hit me. |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><ref name="Idlebrain.com-2005" /><ref name="Mint-2022">{{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> Rajamouli recalls about that film:<blockquote>I was very actively involved in the project as an associate director. I felt that film was my child, even though I didn't direct the film. It was a miserable failure. My family went into a debt trap. It took us years to pick up and put the pieces together. All of that strongly stayed in my mind. That was a very low period for me. I then decided to never take anything for granted. It imbibed in me the work ethic to make everything [[Perfectionism (psychology)|perfect]] and interesting for the audience, no matter how small or unimportant that [[Scene (performing arts)#Film|scene]] or [[Shot (filmmaking)|shot]] might be. That lowest phase of my life taught me how I should work later on in my career.<ref name="SS Rajamouli EMOTIONAL Words About His Wife Rama Rajamouli | Filmylooks" /><ref name="Idlebrain.com-2005"/><ref name="The Times of India-3" /><ref name="Mint-2022" /></blockquote>

== Career ==
=== Early work ===
Rajamouli started his film career as an [[Apprenticeship|apprentice]] to the veteran film editor [[Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao]] and worked with him for six months.<ref>{{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 |quote=To escape from my father, I thought I should stay away from home and said I will become a director. So he put me as an apprentice under an editor and basically I did nothing except fooling around. But I read a lot of books. |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><ref name="Atluri-2004-2" /> Rajamouli recollects, "Even in my early 20s, I didn't know how to plan for my future. My father would constantly scold me for doing nothing. I joined films just to get away from his nagging. Slowly, I found my love for direction."<ref name="Naidu" /> He worked at [[AVM Productions|AVM]] recording theatre in [[Chennai]] for a few days. He also worked as an assistant director to [[Kranthi Kumar]] for some time.<ref>{{Cite web |title=First time lucky |date=6 November 2014 |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/141105/entertainment-tollywood/article/first-time-lucky |access-date=10 June 2022 |publisher=Deccanchronicle.com |archive-date=10 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610170029/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/141105/entertainment-tollywood/article/first-time-lucky |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=10 October 2017 |title=Trivia about Rajamouli on his birthday |url=https://www.telugu360.com/trivia-rajamouli-birthday/ |access-date=10 June 2022 |publisher=Telugu360.com |archive-date=9 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009091329/https://www.telugu360.com/trivia-rajamouli-birthday/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Then, he assisted his father Vijayendra Prasad for six years.<ref name="Idlebrain.com-2005">{{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=15 December 2018 |archive-date=22 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181122112710/http://idlebrain.com/celeb/interview/ssrajamouli.html |url-status=live}}</ref> He started writing for films but was always disappointed by the execution of his stories by other directors. His frustration as a writer motivated him to become a director so that he can bring out his vision as a writer perfectly onto the screen.<ref>{{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 |quote=I started writing for films but was always disappointed by the execution and thus wanted to become a director to bring out what I envisioned as a writer. My frustration as a writer was the reason for my becoming a director. |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 then shifted to [[Hyderabad]] from Chennai and worked with his relative, [[Gangaraju Gunnam|Gunnam Gangaraju]], from whom he learnt about the practical aspect of filmmaking.<ref name="Idlebrain.com-2005"/><ref name="Atluri-2004-2" /><ref name="The Times of India-4">{{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> Later under the supervision of [[K. Raghavendra Rao]], he directed social message-oriented commercials. He also directed a few [[Advertising|advertisements]] for the [[Telugu Desam Party]].<ref name="Atluri-2004-2" /><ref name="The Times of India-4" /> He then worked for one and a half years as the director of the Telugu TV [[soap opera|serial]], [[Santhi Nivasam (TV series)|''Santhi Nivasam'']], along with Vara Mullapudi, which was produced by Raghavendra Rao. It aired on [[ETV (India)|ETV]].<ref name="Atluri-2004-2" /><ref name="The Times of India-4" /> In an interview in 2005, Rajamouli called it the most arduous period in his life as he used to work for 17 hours a day.<ref name="Idlebrain.com-2005"/> He recalled:<blockquote>"My main aim while working in television was to get Mr Rao's approval. During my TV days, I didn't have much of an idea of what I was making. The good thing was that I was a hard worker, and I earned the nickname work devil."<ref name="Ramnath-2015" /></blockquote>

=== 2001–2008: Film debut and breakthrough ===
In 2001, Raghavendra Rao offered Rajamouli the chance to direct a [[feature film]] for his production house titled, ''[[Student No: 1]]'', which the latter accepted.<ref name="Atluri-2004-2" /> Raghavendra Rao provided the screenplay in addition to supervising the direction. Rajamouli later regretted 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."<ref>{{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>{{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> ''Student No:1'' was a [[coming of age]] romantic action film and was the second film of [[N. T. Rama Rao Jr.|Jr. NTR]] in a lead role. Rajamouli would go onto collaborate with Jr. NTR in three more films. Released on 27 September 2001, the film marked the official debut of SS Rajamouli as a director; the film went on to become a critical and commercial success, and was Jr. NTR's first successful film.<ref name="R-2022">{{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>

Rajamouli's second film was ''[[Simhadri (2003 film)|Simhadri]]'' (2003), again with Jr. NTR. After his first film, he realised that the kind of films he wanted to make had more drama and action, and so he made ''Simhadri'', an [[Action film|action]] film.<ref name="The Times of India-4"/> It marked Rajamouli's first collaboration with his father Vijayendra Prasad who provided the story. ''Simhadri'' was also the first film penned by Rajamouli. The film emerged as a blockbuster and became one of the highest grossing Telugu films ever at the time.<ref name="Telugu360.com-2020">{{Cite web |date=15 August 2020 |title=NTR – S.S.Rajamouli's Yamadonga completes 13 Years |url=https://www.telugu360.com/ntr-s-s-rajamoulis-yamadonga-completes-13-years/ |access-date=16 July 2022 |website=Telugu360.com |language=en-US |archive-date=16 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220716140446/https://www.telugu360.com/ntr-s-s-rajamoulis-yamadonga-completes-13-years/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

In the two-year gap between ''Student No.1'' and ''Simhadri'', Rajamouli planned his first mythological film with Malayalam actor [[Mohanlal]], but the film eventually got shelved.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-07-25 |title=Years back S.S Rajamouli planned a movie with Mohanlal |url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/years-back-ss-rajamouli-planned-a-movie-with-mohanlal-malayalam-news-138376.html |access-date=2022-09-15 |website=IndiaGlitz.com |archive-date=15 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220915160559/https://www.indiaglitz.com/years-back-ss-rajamouli-planned-a-movie-with-mohanlal-malayalam-news-138376.html |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2015, Assistant art director Manu Jagath, who later worked as the art director for Baahubali, released several sketches he had drawn for the shelved Mohanlal project.<ref>[http://www.onlookersmedia.in/latestnews/mohanlal-ss-rajamouli-teams-dropped-films-sketches-came-out-from-manu-jagat Mohanlal SS Rajamouli team’s dropped film’s sketches came out from Manu Jagat] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151011221757/http://www.onlookersmedia.in/latestnews/mohanlal-ss-rajamouli-teams-dropped-films-sketches-came-out-from-manu-jagat |date=11 October 2015 }}. Onlookersmedia.in (9 October 2015). Retrieved on 21 October 2015.</ref> During the same period he was also supposed to direct a fantasy film with [[Prakash Kovelamudi]] as the lead but the film was shelved due to financial reasons.<ref name="Idlebrain.com-2005"/><ref name="Atluri-2004-2" /><ref name="Atluri-2004" />

Rajamouli's third film was ''[[Sye (2004 film)|Sye]]'' (2004), starring [[Nithin]] and [[Genelia D'Souza|Genelia]]. He recalls, "I got plenty of offers after the success of ''Simhadri''. But I deliberately made a decision not to make an emotionally charged mass film like ''Simhadri'' immediately. I don't want to get branded as mass director. Hence I did ''Sye'', which is radically different compared to ''Simhadri.''"<ref name="Idlebrain.com-2005"/> It was a first-of-its-kind film in [[Telugu cinema]], in that it was based on the sport of [[Rugby union|Rugby]]. This film was also the first instance where Rajamouli collaborated with [[K. K. Senthil Kumar]] who would eventually work with him on seven more films.<ref>{{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> ''Sye'' was commercially successful and won four [[Nandi Awards]]. ''Sye'' made a huge impact on the Telugu [[popular culture]] through its popularisation of Rugby to the masses.<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=15 July 2022 |website=[[Film Companion]] |quote=Rugby did not even skirt the periphery of our consciousness as kids. We’d never watched it on TV or live at a ground. But they had just watched Rajamouli’s new sports drama, Sye, and were in the grip of the viscerality of the sport.}}</ref>

His next venture was ''[[Chatrapathi (2005 film)|Chatrapathi]]'' (2005), an action drama set in Vizag dealing with the plight of refugees. ''Chatrapathi'' starred [[Prabhas]] in the lead role with music composed by [[M. M. Keeravani]] and cinematography by Senthil Kumar. It was Rajamouli's fourth consecutive hit and became one of the highest grossing Telugu films of the year.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vanaparthy |first=Ranganath |title=2005 year Top 10 – Telugu cinema – Hit films |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/2005yeartop10.html |access-date=15 July 2022 |website=[[Idlebrain.com]] |archive-date=11 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111011101216/http://www.idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/2005yeartop10.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

In his next project ''[[Vikramarkudu]]'' (2006), Rajamouli worked with [[Ravi Teja]] and [[Anushka Shetty]]. Rajamouli was attacked during the shooting of the film near [[Nanakramguda]] in Hyderabad. He suffered a hairline fracture on his hand and was admitted into a nearby [[Apollo Hospitals|Apollo hospital]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 April 2006 |title=Quarry workers attack Telugu film director |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/quarry-workers-attack-telugu-film-director/articleshow/1502749.cms |access-date=2022-09-19 |website=The Times of India |language=en |archive-date=21 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220921213000/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/quarry-workers-attack-telugu-film-director/articleshow/1502749.cms |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=24 April 2006 |title=SS Rajamouli attacked and is safe |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/attack-rajamouli.html |access-date=2022-09-19 |website=Idlebrain |archive-date=20 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920172324/http://www.idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/attack-rajamouli.html |url-status=live}}</ref> ''Vikramarkudu'' was a [[Breakthrough role|breakthrough film]] for Anushka Shetty. This is the one film that people believed [[Ravi Teja]] dominated the direction of Rajamouli. The film was screened at the [[International Film Festival of India]] in the mainstream section.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Directorate of Film Festival |url=http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/Frm37IIFAAward.aspx?PdfName=37IIFA.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415013528/http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/Frm37IIFAAward.aspx?PdfName=37IIFA.pdf |archive-date=15 April 2016 |access-date=30 January 2018 |website=iffi.nic.in}}</ref> The film was a big success and was remade into several Indian languages including [[Kannada]] as ''[[Ee Shathamaanada Veera Madakari|Veera Madakari]]'' (2009), Tamil as ''[[Siruthai]]'' (2011), and [[Hindi]] as ''[[Rowdy Rathore]]'' (2012).<ref>{{Cite web |title=South director SS Rajamouli wants to direct Aamir Khan – Indian Express |url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/South-director-SS-Rajamouli-wants-to-direct-Aamir-Khan/1038538 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141015000406/http://expressindia.indianexpress.com/latest-news/South-director-SS-Rajamouli-wants-to-direct-Aamir-Khan/1038538/ |archive-date=15 October 2014 |website=archive.indianexpress.com}}</ref>

He then directed ''[[Yamadonga]]'' (2007), a fantasy action comedy film starring [[N. T. Rama Rao Jr.|Jr NTR]], [[Priyamani]], [[Mohan Babu]], and [[Mamta Mohandas|Mamata Mohandas]]. The plot follows Raja, a thief who is killed by his rivals. Raja's soul travels to [[Naraka]] (hell) to face the trial for his sins by [[Yama (Hinduism)|Yama]], the Hindu god of death and justice. The film was successful at the box-office and became one of the highest grossing Telugu films ever at the time.<ref name="Telugu360.com-2020" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=20 May 2020 |title=Happy birthday Jr NTR: 5 movies that prove 'Young Tiger' is talent personified |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/happy-birthday-jr-ntr-5-movies-that-prove-young-tiger-is-talent-personified-839747.html |website=Deccan Herald |access-date=16 July 2022 |archive-date=24 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424133708/https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/happy-birthday-jr-ntr-5-movies-that-prove-young-tiger-is-talent-personified-839747.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

Rajamouli started his own [[production company]] Visvamithra Creations named after the ancient Indian sage [[Vishvamitra|Visvamitra]]. Prabhas acted as Visvamitra for the logo shoot of the company.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 August 2007 |title=Cherry (P Chiranjeevi) – Telugu Cinema interview – Telugu film producer |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/celeb/interview/cherry.html |access-date=3 September 2022 |website=Idlebrain.com |quote=When Rajamouli wanted to design the logo of Viswamitra Creations, he needed a model for Viswamitra photo. He requested Prabhas as his physique is very good. Prabhas obliged for a photo shoot. The designer cut the physique of Prabhas and inserted in the logo of Viswamitra creations. |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> ''Yamadonga'' was produced under the Visvamithra Creations banner but the producers were Cherry and Urmila Gunnam with [[Rama Rajamouli]] presenting the film.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Atluri |first=Sri |date=28 September 2008 |title=Star Interviews : Exclusive Interview: Rajamouli |url=http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/stars/interview_rajamouli_2007_3.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080928115112/http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/stars/interview_rajamouli_2007_3.php |archive-date=28 September 2008 |access-date=27 August 2022 |website=[[Telugucinema.com]]}}</ref>

=== 2009–2014: Critical acclaim and recognition ===
Rajamouli's next venture was the fantasy-action film ''[[Magadheera]]'' (2009), starring [[Ram Charan]] and [[Kajal Aggarwal]]. Made on a budget of {{INR}}35{{En dash}}44 crore (US$7{{En dash}}10 million), it was the most expensive Telugu film at the time.{{efn|Budget estimates of ''Magadheera'' vary. Independent estimates include {{INR|35}} crore by ''[[The Times of India]]'',<ref name="toifinal">{{Cite web |date=6 September 2018 |title=Rajamouli's 'Magadheera' rocking in Japan after 'Baahubali' and 'Muthu' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/rajamoulis-magadheera-rocking-in-japan-after-baahubali-and-muthu/articleshow/65699126.cms |access-date=5 June 2022 |website=The Times of India |ref={{sfnref|The Times of India|2018}} |archive-date=7 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220707165457/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/rajamoulis-magadheera-rocking-in-japan-after-baahubali-and-muthu/articleshow/65699126.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> {{INR|42}} crore by ''[[Mint (newspaper)|Mint]]'',<ref name="Mintbudget">{{Cite web |last=Pulla |first=Priyanka |date=26 May 2010 |title=Tollywood tightens belt as rising costs hit production |url=https://www.livemint.com/Consumer/B5NkPI1KMtQV1221PLk6YI/Tollywood-tightens-belt-as-rising-costs-hit-production.html |access-date=5 June 2022 |website=[[Mint (newspaper)|Mint]] |archive-date=15 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220515200249/https://www.livemint.com/Consumer/B5NkPI1KMtQV1221PLk6YI/Tollywood-tightens-belt-as-rising-costs-hit-production.html |url-status=live}}</ref> and {{INR|44}} crore by [[News18]].<ref name="News18budget">{{Cite web |date=28 September 2021 |title=Bahubali Director SS Rajamouli Completes 20 Years in Industry: A Look At His Journey |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/bahubali-director-ss-rajamouli-completes-20-years-in-industry-a-look-at-his-journey-4257230.html |access-date=5 June 2022 |website=News18 |archive-date=5 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220605184946/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/bahubali-director-ss-rajamouli-completes-20-years-in-industry-a-look-at-his-journey-4257230.html |url-status=live}}</ref>|name=MagadheeraBudget}} It was the first Telugu film to list a "visual effects producer" in its credits. ''Magadheera'' became one of the biggest commercial successes in [[Telugu cinema]] and was the highest-grossing Telugu film at the end of its theatrical run.<ref name="The Hindu 2015-06-07">{{Cite news |last=Srinivasan |first=Madhumitha |date=7 June 2015 |title='I sell oranges' |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/i-sell-oranges/article7289872.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171017101125/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/i-sell-oranges/article7289872.ece |archive-date=17 October 2017 |access-date=20 July 2022 |website=[[The Hindu]] |quote=After Magadheera, which became the highest-grossing Telugu film of all time, .....}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Postmortem – Magadheera by SS Rajamouli |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/postmortem/magadheera.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141106063810/http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/postmortem/magadheera.html |archive-date=6 November 2014 |access-date=18 June 2022 |website=[[Idlebrain.com]] |quote=And his latest movie Magadheera became industry hit in all areas across India and overseas by breaking previous records by miles.}}</ref> For ''Magadheera'', Rajamouli won the [[Nandi Award for Best Director]] and [[Filmfare Award for Best Director – Telugu]]. The film also won the [[National Film Awards|National Award]] for [[National Film Award for Best Choreography|Best Choreography]] and [[National Film Award for Best Special Effects|Best Special Effects]] at the [[57th National Film Awards]] and a total of six [[57th Filmfare Awards South|Filmfare Awards South]] and nine [[Nandi Awards]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=57th_National Film Awards |url=http://dff.nic.in/57thNFAaward.pdf |access-date=28 April 2012 |archive-date=12 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111112113432/http://dff.nic.in/57thNFAaward.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> The film's success catapulted both the leads into stardom.

''Magadheera'' was dubbed into [[Tamil language|Tamil]] as ''Maaveeran'' and into [[Malayalam]] as ''Dheera: The Warrior'' and was released on 27 May 2011.<ref>{{Cite news |date=26 May 2011 |title=Tamil Magadheera releases on 27 |publisher=Idlebrain.com |url=http://idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/news291.html |access-date=10 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110042932/http://idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/news291.html |archive-date=10 November 2014}}</ref> Both the dubbed versions were successful and earned a good fan base for Ram Charan in [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Kerala]].<ref name="thenewsminute.com">{{Cite web |date=4 September 2018 |title=Ram Charan's 'Magadheera' a hit in Japan |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/ram-charans-magadheera-hit-japan-87794 |access-date=28 May 2021 |website=The News Minute |archive-date=21 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721092858/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/ram-charans-magadheera-hit-japan-87794 |url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Japanese language|Japanese]]-dubbed version of the film released in August 2018 and became one of the highest-grossing Indian films ever at the Japanese box office.<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 September 2018 |title=Rajamouli's 'Magadheera' rocking in Japan after 'Baahubali' and 'Muthu' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/rajamoulis-magadheera-rocking-in-japan-after-baahubali-and-muthu/articleshow/65699126.cms |access-date=24 August 2022 |website=The Times of India |language=en |archive-date=8 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220708235619/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/rajamoulis-magadheera-rocking-in-japan-after-baahubali-and-muthu/articleshow/65699126.cms |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="thenewsminute.com" />

In 2010 he directed the action comedy film ''[[Maryada Ramanna]]'' starring [[Sunil (actor)|Sunil]] and [[Saloni Aswani|Saloni]]. Rajamouli watched the 1923 silent comedy film ''[[Our Hospitality]]'' and liked it immensely. He wanted to re-tell the same story in his own way. He tried to contact the original creators but found out that the original writers of the film were long dead and that the film's [[copyright]] had expired as it had been over [[List of countries' copyright lengths|75 years]] since the film's release. His cousin S. S. Kanchi and him then adapted that story with a [[Rayalaseema]] backdrop focusing on the factional violence and hospitality that co-existed in the region.<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 June 2010 |title=Maryada Ramanna press meet – Telugu cinema |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/news/functions/pressmeet-maryadaramanna.html |access-date=23 August 2022 |website=Idlebrain.com |quote=SS Rajamouli said, “Rayalaseema is known for factionism and violence. But is also known for hospitality. Maryada Ramanna is about a man who is torn with his two extremities of factionism and hospitality." |archive-date=23 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220823060949/http://www.idlebrain.com/news/functions/pressmeet-maryadaramanna.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title='Makkhi' director all set to break into Bollywood |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/makkhi-director-all-set-to-break-into-bollywood/articleshow/16819525.cms |access-date=23 August 2022 |website=The Times of India |language=en |quote=In one area of Andhra Pradesh family feuds that persist for many generations is a reality. That’s what I showed in Maryada Ramanna. I saw families that were perfectly cultured and courteous, killing each other. I don’t think this peculiar contradictory culture of the co-existence of violence and hospitality exists in Punjab. |archive-date=23 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220823060948/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/makkhi-director-all-set-to-break-into-bollywood/articleshow/16819525.cms |url-status=live}}</ref> Regarding his decision to make a small film like ''Maryada Ramanna'' he remarked, "I decided that my next project would be ''Maryada Ramanna'' during ''Magadheera'' shooting itself because ''Magadheera'' is a one and half year project that demands lot of physical labour and mental strain. I didn't want to commit another physically exhausting film immediately after ''Magadheera''."<ref name="Idlebrain.com-2010">{{Cite web |date=20 July 2010 |title=SS Rajamouli about Maryada Ramanna – Telugu Cinema interview |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/celeb/interview/ssrajamouli-maryadaramanna.html |access-date=27 July 2022 |website=[[Idlebrain.com]] |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>

''Maryada Ramanna'' opened to favourable reviews from critics. It became one of the highest grossing Telugu films of 2010.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 September 2021 |title=Bahubali Director SS Rajamouli Completes 20 Years in Industry: A Look At His Journey |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/bahubali-director-ss-rajamouli-completes-20-years-in-industry-a-look-at-his-journey-4257230.html |access-date=7 June 2022 |website=News18 |language=en |archive-date=5 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220605184946/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/bahubali-director-ss-rajamouli-completes-20-years-in-industry-a-look-at-his-journey-4257230.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=5 May 2017 |title=భళి భళి భళిరా భళి రాజమౌళి |url=https://www.sakshi.com/news/family/special-story-to-ssrajamouli-473713 |access-date=7 July 2022 |website=Sakshi |language=te |archive-date=23 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823002513/http://www.sakshi.com/news/family/special-story-to-ssrajamouli-473713 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Sify">{{Cite web |title=Top Ten Telugu Films of the year 2010 |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/top-ten-telugu-films-of-the-year-imagegallery-2-tollywood-kmvrrBcdbgbsi.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615072302/https://www.sify.com/movies/top-ten-telugu-films-of-the-year-imagegallery-2-tollywood-kmvrrBcdbgbsi.html |archive-date=15 June 2022 |access-date=25 July 2022 |website=[[Sify]] |quote=Top director Rajamouli's Maryada Ramanna starring Sunil and Saloni collected about Rs 30 Crores.}}</ref> It received four [[Nandi Awards]], including [[Nandi Award for Best Popular Feature Film|Best Popular Feature Film]]. ''Maryada Ramanna'' was remade in Hindi as ''[[Son of Sardaar]]'' and into other languages like Kannada, Bengali, Tamil, and Malayalam.<ref name="Idlebrain.com-2010" /><ref>[http://www.rajeevmasand.com/reviews/our-films/singh-song/ Singh song | Rajeev Masand – movies that matter : from bollywood, hollywood and everywhere else] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130312140353/http://www.rajeevmasand.com/reviews/our-films/singh-song/ |date=12 March 2013 }}. Rajeevmasand.com (13 November 2012). Retrieved on 21 October 2015.</ref> In 2012 Rajamouli stated in an interview with Maa TV that ''Maryada Ramanna'' was his personal favourite among all the films he had directed.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZ1QwYfkYYs |title=Mee Star : S.S.Rajamouli Part 2 |date=30 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120730123031/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZ1QwYfkYYs&gl=US&hl=en |archive-date=30 July 2012 |url-status=dead |work=YouTube}}</ref>
[[File:Sudeep and Nani on the sets of Eega.jpg|thumb|Sudeep, Nani, and Rajamouli on the sets of Eega]]

His next project was the [[Fantasy film|fantasy]] [[action film]] ''[[Eega]]'' (2012). The film was produced by [[Sai Korrapati]]{{'s}} [[Vaaraahi Chalana Chitram]] with an estimated budget of {{Indian Rupee|link=Indian rupee}}30–40 [[crore]] (US$6–7 million). It was simultaneously filmed in [[Tamil language]] with the title ''Naan Ee'' ({{translation|''I, the Fly''}}). The film stars [[Nani (actor)|Nani]], [[Samantha Ruth Prabhu|Samantha]], and [[Sudeepa|Sudeep]]. The idea of ''Eega'' originated in the mid-1990s in Vijayendra Prasad's mind. At that time, he was joking about a housefly seeking revenge on a human in a conversation with his son Rajamouli.<ref name="SSR int TOI2">{{Cite web |last=Suresh |first=Sunayana |date=29 July 2012 |title=Audience likes out-of-the-box subjects: S S Rajamouli |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Audience-likes-out-of-the-box-subjects-S-S-Rajamouli/articleshow/14467554.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406164406/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Audience-likes-out-of-the-box-subjects-S-S-Rajamouli/articleshow/14467554.cms |archive-date=6 April 2016 |access-date=6 April 2016 |website=The Times of India}}</ref> After completing ''Maryada Ramanna'', Rajamouli reconsidered the concept after thinking of directing a film that was distinct from any other.<ref name="SSR int IBN2">{{Cite web |date=6 July 2012 |title=I would have shelved 'Eega': SS Rajamouli |url=http://www.news18.com/news/india/i-would-have-shelved-eega-ss-rajamouli-486179.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508063900/http://www.news18.com/news/india/i-would-have-shelved-eega-ss-rajamouli-486179.html |archive-date=8 May 2016 |access-date=6 April 2016 |publisher=[[News18]]}}</ref> He explained it thus:<blockquote>When I started making films, I stuck to formula films for a while which did well at the box office. After a while, I was getting too comfortable with what I was doing, so I wanted to experiment with something completely different. I wanted to take the audience by surprise and that is when I went back to the story I had heard 16 years ago.<ref name="Sinha">{{Cite web |last=Sinha |first=Sayoni |date=8 October 2012 |title='Makkhi was born 16 years ago' |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/blogs/24fps/makkhi-born-16-years-ago-095544425.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220823084845/https://www.yahoo.com/news/blogs/24fps/makkhi-born-16-years-ago-095544425.html |archive-date=23 August 2022 |access-date=23 August 2022 |publisher=[[Yahoo! News]]}}</ref></blockquote>Upon release, the film received widespread critical acclaim including for Rajamouli's direction. It became one of the highest-grossing Telugu films of all time. The Tamil version ''Naan Ee'' and Malayalam version ''Eecha'' were also big hits at the box office.<ref name="Sify 85 million TN">{{Cite web |date=12 September 2012 |title=Naan Ee-The highest collecting bi-lingual in Tamil! |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/naan-ee-the-highest-collecting-bi-lingual-in-tamil-news-tamil-mjmqsBaaiffsi.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160402140619/http://www.sify.com/movies/naan-ee-the-highest-collecting-bi-lingual-in-tamil-news-tamil-mjmqsBaaiffsi.html |archive-date=2 April 2016 |access-date=2 April 2016 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref> The Hindi dubbed version ''Makkhi'' underperformed at the box office which Rajamouli attributed to a poor promotional strategy. But the satellite rights of ''Makkhi'' were sold at a price of {{Indian Rupee}}8 crore to Star Gold, by far the highest price ever paid for the Hindi dub of a Telugu film at the time.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 December 2018 |title=Ram Charan's Nayak sets new record |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/ram-charans-nayak-sets-new-record/articleshow/17794928.cms |access-date=28 August 2022 |website=The Times of India |language=en |quote=Although Makkhi (Eega in Telugu) was traded for Rs 8 crore, it can be treated as a straight film because of the theatrical release of the Hindi version. |archive-date=28 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220828153114/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/ram-charans-nayak-sets-new-record/articleshow/17794928.cms |url-status=live}}</ref>

''Eega'' was screened at various international film festivals including the [[2013 Cannes Film Festival]].{{Efn|name=EegaFF}} The Telugu version won nine awards, including Most Original Film at the [[Toronto After Dark Film Festival#2013|8th annual Toronto After Dark Film Festival]].<ref name="EA 8th A E T A D FF TOI2">{{Cite web |date=3 November 2013 |title=Rajamouli's Eega continues to win awards |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/telugu/news-interviews/Rajamoulis-Eega-continues-to-win-awards/articleshow/25166198.cms |access-date=4 November 2013 |website=[[The Times of India]] |archive-date=5 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160205033719/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/telugu/news-interviews/Rajamoulis-Eega-continues-to-win-awards/articleshow/25166198.cms |url-status=live}}</ref> ''Eega'' won two [[National Film Awards]] ([[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu|Best Feature Film in Telugu]] and [[National Film Award for Best Special Effects|Best Special Effects]]) and five [[Filmfare Awards South|South Filmfare Awards]] including [[Filmfare Award for Best Film – Telugu|Best Telugu Film]] and [[Filmfare Award for Best Director – Telugu|Best Telugu Director]]. Speaking at an event, filmmaker [[Shekhar Kapur]] said regional cinema is surpassing Hindi cinema in content and story, and cited ''Eega'' as an example. Kapur said he was impressed with its story and use of technology, and called it "no less than a Hollywood superhero film".<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 October 2012 |title=Film Market in India Is Contracting: Shekhar Kapur |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-film-market-in-india-is-contracting-shekhar-kapur-1758049 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404121926/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-film-market-in-india-is-contracting-shekhar-kapur-1758049 |archive-date=4 April 2016 |access-date=4 April 2016 |website=Daily News and Analysis}}</ref> ''Eega'' was listed among "The 25 Best Foreign Films of the Decade" by [[The Ringer (website)|The Ringer]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nayman |first=Adam |date=31 December 2019 |title=The 25 Best Foreign Films of the Decade |url=https://www.theringer.com/movies/2019/12/31/21042809/best-foreign-films-of-the-decade-2010s-parasite-burning-toni-erdmann |access-date=7 July 2022 |website=The Ringer |language=en |archive-date=7 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220707184724/https://www.theringer.com/movies/2019/12/31/21042809/best-foreign-films-of-the-decade-2010s-parasite-burning-toni-erdmann |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== 2015–present'':'' Pan-India and international acclaim ===
[[File:Working Stills Bahubali With Rajamouli.jpg|thumb|Rajamouli and [[Sabu Cyril]] on the set of ''[[Baahubali: The Beginning|Bahubali the Beginning]]''|left]]In 2015, he directed the [[Epic film|epic]] action film ''[[Baahubali: The Beginning]]'' starring [[Prabhas]], [[Rana Daggubati]], [[Anushka Shetty]], [[Ramya Krishna]], [[Sathyaraj]], and [[Tamannaah|Tamanna]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 July 2013 |title=India's most expensive film? |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Regional/India-s-most-expensive-film/Article1-1092293.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130718080148/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Regional/India-s-most-expensive-film/Article1-1092293.aspx |archive-date=18 July 2013 |access-date=27 August 2022 |website=[[Hindustan Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Rajamouli's Bahubali is India's costliest film? |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/rajamoulis-bahubali-is-indias-costliest-film/articleshow/21051759.cms |access-date=27 August 2022 |website=The Times of India |language=en |archive-date=27 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220827205006/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/rajamoulis-bahubali-is-indias-costliest-film/articleshow/21051759.cms |url-status=live}}</ref> The film was shot using [[Arri Alexa|Arri Alexa XT camera]], marking Rajamouli's first film shot using a digital camera.<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 June 2014 |title=Rajamouli goes digital for Bahubali |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Rajamouli-goes-digital-for-Bahubali/articleshow/20784393.cms |access-date=19 July 2014 |website=The Times of India |archive-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706205825/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Rajamouli-goes-digital-for-Bahubali/articleshow/20784393.cms |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Release Date2">{{Cite web |date=17 June 2014 |title='Baahubali' movie release date |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/baahubali-movie-release-date-telugu-news-109082 |access-date=23 June 2014 |website=IndiaGlitz |archive-date=22 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140622054507/http://www.indiaglitz.com/baahubali-movie-release-date-telugu-news-109082 |url-status=live}}</ref> Rajamouli's work was lauded by ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'', ''[[The Guardian]]'' and ''[[The Huffington Post]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tsering |first=Lisa |date=13 July 2015 |title='Bahubali': Film Review |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/baahubali-film-review-808168 |access-date=1 August 2015 |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |archive-date=4 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150804141923/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/baahubali-film-review-808168 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=McCahill |first=Mike |date=12 July 2015 |title=Baahubali: The Beginning review – fantastic bang for your buck in most expensive Indian movie ever made |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/jul/12/baahubali-the-beginning-review-fantastic-bang-for-your-buck-in-most-expensive-indian-movie-ever-made |access-date=1 August 2015 |website=The Guardian |archive-date=14 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150814113625/http://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/jul/12/baahubali-the-beginning-review-fantastic-bang-for-your-buck-in-most-expensive-indian-movie-ever-made |url-status=live}}</ref> It became the second [[List of highest-grossing Indian films#Worldwide gross collection|highest grossing Indian film of all time]], and the highest grossing Indian film of all time within India.<ref>{{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=Released in 2015, Baahubali: The Beginning set the pace with an impressive lifetime gross of 500 crore in India to become the country’s highest-grossing movie at the time. |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=Cain, Rob |date=14 August 2015 |title=Oops... 'PK' Is Not Actually India's Top-Grossing Movie Ever |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/robcain/2015/08/14/oops-pk-is-not-actually-indias-top-grossing-movie-ever/ |website=Forbes |access-date=11 September 2017 |archive-date=14 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160814102459/http://www.forbes.com/sites/robcain/2015/08/14/oops-pk-is-not-actually-indias-top-grossing-movie-ever/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Cain |first=Rob |title='Baahubali' Zooms Past 'Dhoom', Now India's All Time #3 |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/robcain/2015/08/10/baahubali-zooms-past-dhoom-now-indias-all-time-3/ |access-date=27 August 2022 |website=Forbes |language=en |archive-date=1 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801131501/https://www.forbes.com/sites/robcain/2015/08/10/baahubali-zooms-past-dhoom-now-indias-all-time-3/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Its Hindi dubbed version also broke several records. It was the first dubbed film to collect over 100 crore nett at the Hindi box office and became the highest-grossing dubbed film in Hindi of all time. It was screened at various international film festivals including the [[2016 Cannes Film Festival]].{{Efn|name=BBFF}} The making of the film was featured in [[BBC]]'s documentary on 100 Years of Indian cinema, directed by [[Sanjeev Bhaskar]].<ref name="Baahubali 100 cr2">{{Cite web |date=14 October 2012 |title=Rajamouli-Prabhas new movie budget |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/telugu/news-interviews/Rajamouli-Prabhas-new-movie-budget/articleshow/16809330.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130503184039/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-10-14/news-interviews/34447942_1_rajamouli-prabhas-movie |archive-date=3 May 2013 |access-date=23 February 2013 |website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=21 May 2014 |title=Baahubali's team gets a rare honour |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news-interviews/Baahubalis-team-gets-a-rare-honour/articleshow/35440219.cms |access-date=19 July 2014 |website=The Times of India |archive-date=25 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140525065002/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news-interviews/Baahubalis-team-gets-a-rare-honour/articleshow/35440219.cms |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=22 May 2014 |title=Rajamouli's Bahubali finds place in BBC's documentary |url=http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/2014-05-22/Rajamoulis-Bahubali-finds-place-in-BBCs-documentary-96003 |access-date=19 July 2014 |publisher=The Hans India |archive-date=18 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140718050309/http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/2014-05-22/Rajamoulis-Bahubali-finds-place-in-BBCs-documentary-96003 |url-status=live}}</ref>

''Baahubali: The Beginning'' received [[List of accolades received by Baahubali: The Beginning|several awards]]. It won the [[National Film Award for Best Feature Film]] and became the first Telugu film to win the award. It also won the [[National Film Award for Best Special Effects|National Award for Best Special Effects]]. At the [[63rd Filmfare Awards South]], the Telugu version won five awards from ten nominations, including [[Filmfare Award for Best Film – Telugu|Best Film]] and [[Filmfare Award for Best Director – Telugu|Best Director]] award for Rajamouli. It became the first Indian film to be nominated for [[Saturn Awards]], receiving five nominations at the [[42nd Saturn Awards|42nd ceremony]], including [[Saturn Award for Best Fantasy Film|Best Fantasy Film]].<ref>{{Cite web |title='Baahubali: The Beginning' Review: A Giddy Spectacle, If Somewhat Uneven |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.in/suprateek-chatterjee/baahubali-the-beginning-r_b_7767206.html |access-date=1 August 2015 |website=The Huffington Post |archive-date=1 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150801165516/http://www.huffingtonpost.in/suprateek-chatterjee/baahubali-the-beginning-r_b_7767206.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2015, Rajamouli was named as the [[CNN-News18 Indian of the Year]] in Entertainment.<ref name="Winner of Indian of the Year 2015 in the Entertainment category-2016">{{Cite web |date=9 June 2016 |title=Winner of Indian of the Year 2015 in the Entertainment category: SS Rajamouli |url=http://www.news18.com/news/india/winner-of-indian-of-the-year-2015-in-the-entertainment-category-ss-rajamouli-1254206.html |access-date=9 July 2017 |archive-date=12 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812161523/http://www.news18.com/news/india/winner-of-indian-of-the-year-2015-in-the-entertainment-category-ss-rajamouli-1254206.html |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2016, he was honoured with the [[Padma Shri]], India's fourth highest civilian honour for his contributions towards the field of Art.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Baahubali director SS Rajamouli to receive Padma Shri Award |date=25 January 2016 |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/baahubali-director-ss-rajamouli-to-receive-padma-shri-award/1/579227.html |access-date=25 January 2016 |archive-date=25 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225011047/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/baahubali-director-ss-rajamouli-to-receive-padma-shri-award-305458-2016-01-25 |url-status=live}}</ref>[[File:Baahubali_cast.jpg|thumb|[[Anushka Shetty]], [[Tamannaah]], Rajamouli, [[Karan Johar]], [[Prabhas]], [[Rana Daggubati]] at the trailer launch of the Hindi version of ''[[Baahubali 2: The Conclusion]]'']]His next project was ''[[Baahubali 2: The Conclusion]]'' (2017), which served as both a [[sequel]] and a [[prequel]] to ''Baahubali: The Beginning''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nyayapati |first=Neeshita |date=28 April 2018 |title=One year since the release of Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty and Tamannaah starrer 'Baahubali 2': 8 lesser known facts about the film |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/did-you-know/one-year-since-the-release-of-prabhas-rana-daggubati-anushka-shetty-and-tamannaah-starrer-baahubali-2-8-lesser-known-facts-about-the-film/articleshow/63949285.cms |access-date=20 September 2020 |publisher=Times News Network |via=[[The Times of India]] |archive-date=19 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319051342/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/did-you-know/one-year-since-the-release-of-prabhas-rana-daggubati-anushka-shetty-and-tamannaah-starrer-baahubali-2-8-lesser-known-facts-about-the-film/articleshow/63949285.cms |url-status=live}}</ref> The film was premiered at the British Film Institute.<ref name="auto2">{{Cite web |date=12 August 2017 |title=Dangal and Baahubali won Telestra People's choice award in IFFM Melbourne |url=https://www.newsfolo.com/entertainment/dangal-baahubali-won-telestra-peoples-choice-award-iffm-melbourne/23819/ |access-date=14 January 2019 |archive-date=21 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621115830/https://www.newsfolo.com/entertainment/dangal-baahubali-won-telestra-peoples-choice-award-iffm-melbourne/23819/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=28 February 2017 |title=Baahubali 2 premiere: Queen Elizabeth II will watch it before anybody else in India? |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/baahubali-2-premiere-queen-elizabeth-ii-will-watch-it-before-anybody-else-in-india-4548315/ |access-date=5 October 2020 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=12 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012203809/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/baahubali-2-premiere-queen-elizabeth-ii-will-watch-it-before-anybody-else-in-india-4548315/ |url-status=live}}</ref> It was made on an estimated budget of {{INR|250 crore}} ($37 million){{Efn|The average exchange rate in 2017 was 67.81 Indian rupees ({{INR}}) per 1 US dollar (US$).<ref name="exchange2017">{{Cite web |title=USD to INR Historical Exchange Rates – Internal Revenue Service |url=https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/yearly-average-currency-exchange-rates |access-date=5 July 2022 |website=Internal Revenue Service |archive-date=1 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120901193135/https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/yearly-average-currency-exchange-rates |url-status=live}}</ref>|name=exchange2017}} and was the [[List of most expensive Indian films#Historical timeline|most expensive Indian film]] ever made at the time. ''Baahubali 2'' was released on 28 April 2017 and later dubbed into [[Hindi]], [[Malayalam]], [[Japanese language|Japanese]], [[Russian language|Russian]] and [[Chinese language|Chinese]]. Released in conventional 2D and IMAX formats, ''Baahubali 2'' was the first Telugu film to also release in 4K High Definition format.

Grossing {{INR|1,810 crore}} worldwide ($267 million),{{efn|name="exchange2017"}} the film surpassed ''[[PK (film)|PK]]'' (2014) to briefly become the [[List of highest-grossing Indian films|highest grossing Indian film of all time]], collecting approximately {{INR|800 crore}} worldwide within just six days of its release. It became the first-ever Indian film to gross over [[1000 Crore Club|{{INR|1000 crore}}]], doing so in just ten days. Within India, it set many film records, becoming the highest-grossing film in Hindi, as well as in its original Telugu language. It stands as the [[List of highest-grossing films in India|highest-grossing film in India]],<ref name="2.0second">{{Cite web |title=Top All Time India Grossers All Formats – 2.0 Second |url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=4535 |access-date=13 June 2022 |archive-date=1 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301063740/https://boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=4535 |url-status=live}}</ref> the [[List of highest-grossing Indian films|second highest-grossing Indian film worldwide]] and the [[2017 in film|39th highest-grossing film of 2017]]. The film sold over 10 [[crore]] (100{{nbsp}}million) tickets during its box office run, the highest estimated admissions for any film in India since ''[[Sholay]]'' (1975).<ref name=":422">{{Cite web |date=8 June 2017 |title=Bahubali 2 Is The Biggest Hindi Blockbuster This Century |url=https://boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=2988 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824133203/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=2988 |archive-date=24 August 2017 |access-date=13 June 2022 |website=[[Box Office India]]}}</ref><ref  name=":532"/> ''Baahubali 2'' released to positive reviews from critics. It won the [[Saturn Award for Best International Film]] and three [[National Film Awards]]: [[National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment|Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment]], [[National Film Award for Best Special Effects|Best Special Effects]] and Best Stunt Choreographer.

The exceptional success of ''Baahubali'' films across different Indian languages, regions, and states kickstarted what has been termed the [[pan-Indian film]]s movement where a film is simultaneously released in multiple Indian languages and is made to appeal to audiences across the country, cutting across the linguistic and cultural barriers.<ref name="Bamzai-2022">{{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/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626102823/https://openthemagazine.com/cover-stories/ss-rajamouli-cinemas-biggest-mythmaker/ |archive-date=26 June 2022 |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.}}</ref><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> Several filmmakers and film analysts have credited Rajamouli for almost single-handedly expanding the reach and market of [[Cinema of South India|South Indian cinema]] to Northern India and beyond.<ref name="Bamzai-2022" /><ref name="Jain-2022">{{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 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523195352/https://www.ormaxmedia.com/insights/stories/the-original-pan-india-filmmaker.html |archive-date=23 May 2022 |access-date=26 June 2022 |website=Ormax Media |language=en |quote=Before the release of Bahubali: The Beginning (2015), the term ‘Pan India film’ did not exist in film media or audience lingo.}}</ref><ref name="S.-2022" />
[[File:SS Rajamouli, Ram Charan, Alia Bhatt, N.T.Rama Rao Jr. At The RRR Press Meet in Chennai.jpg|thumb|<bdi>Rajamouli, Ram Charan, Alia Bhatt, Jr. NTR and DVV Danayya at the RRR Press Meet in Chennai</bdi>|left|207x207px]]
Rajamouli's subsequent film [[RRR (film)|''RRR'']] (2022) is an epic action drama based on the lives of Indian revolutionaries, [[Alluri Sitarama Raju]] and [[Komaram Bheem]]. Made on a budget of est. {{Indian Rupee}}550 crore (US$72 million),<ref name="Singh-2021">{{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 |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> it is the [[List of most expensive Indian films|most expensive Indian film]] ever made. The film stars [[NTR Jr]], [[Ram Charan]], [[Ajay Devgn]], and [[Alia Bhatt]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Purushothaman |first=Kirubhakar |date=14 March 2019 |title=RRR: Story, budget, full cast and all you need to know about SS Rajamouli film |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/rrr-budget-to-new-cast-members-here-s-everything-about-ss-rajamouli-s-period-film-1478009-2019-03-14 |access-date=5 March 2021 |website=India Today |language=en |archive-date=3 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603040827/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/rrr-budget-to-new-cast-members-here-s-everything-about-ss-rajamouli-s-period-film-1478009-2019-03-14 |url-status=live}}</ref> ''RRR'' opened to positive reviews from critics with praise for the performances, particularly Rama Rao and Charan, and screenplay by Rajamouli.

With ₹240 crore (US$31 million) worldwide on its first day, ''RRR'' broke the record for the highest opening-day collection earned by an Indian film. ''RRR'' emerged as the highest-grossing film in its home market of [[Andhra Pradesh]] and [[Telangana]], grossing over ₹400 crore (US$52 million) and surpassing Rajamouli's previous film [[Baahubali 2: The Conclusion|''Baahubali 2'']]. The film grossed 1,200 crore (US$175 million) worldwide, setting several box office records for an Indian film, including the [[List of highest-grossing films in India|second-highest-grossing film in India]] and the [[List of highest-grossing Indian films|third-highest-grossing Indian film]]. ''RRR'' is nominated in three categories at the [[47th Saturn Awards]] including a [[Saturn Award for Best Director|Best Director]] nomination for Rajamouli. It was also nominated in [[Saturn Award for Best Action or Adventure Film|Best Action / Adventure Film]] and [[Saturn Award for Best International Film|Best International Film]] categories.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tinoco |first=Armando |date=12 August 2022 |title=Saturn Awards Nominations: 'The Batman', 'Nightmare Alley', 'Spider-Man', 'Better Call Saul' Top List |url=https://deadline.com/2022/08/saturn-awards-2022-nominations-list-movies-tv-1235089636/ |access-date=24 August 2022 |website=Deadline |language=en-US |archive-date=12 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220812153738/https://deadline.com/2022/08/saturn-awards-2022-nominations-list-movies-tv-1235089636/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Chauhan |first=Gaurang |date=13 August 2022 |title=Saturn Awards Nominations: It's 'RRR' Vs 'Fast & Furious 9', 'Top Gun 2' & 'No Time To Die' |url=https://www.mensxp.com/entertainment/hollywood/114522-ss-rajamouli-rrr-multiple-saturn-awards-nominations-fast-furious-9-top-gun-maverick-no-time-to-die.html |access-date=24 August 2022 |website=[[MensXP]] |language=en-IN |archive-date=23 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923162209/https://www.mensxp.com/entertainment/hollywood/114522-ss-rajamouli-rrr-multiple-saturn-awards-nominations-fast-furious-9-top-gun-maverick-no-time-to-die.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Rajamouli won the [[New York Film Critics Circle|New York Film Critics Circle Award]] for [[New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Director|Best Director]] for the film.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Davis |first=Clayton |date=2022-12-02 |title='Tár' Leads New York Film Critics Circle, 'RRR' and Keke Palmer Surprise (Full Winners List) |url=https://variety.com/2022/awards/awards/new-york-film-critics-circle-winners-list-full-list-2022-1235447464/ |access-date=2024-07-19 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref> The film also won two [[Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Foreign Language Film|Critics' Choice Movie Awards]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kaushal |first=Sweta |title=SS Rajamouli's 'RRR' Bags Two Critics' Choice Awards |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/swetakaushal/2023/01/16/ss-rajamoulis-rrr-bags-critics-choice-award/ |access-date=2024-07-19 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref>

In September 2022, the director signed with the American talent agency [[Creative Artists Agency]] (CAA) in a move that has been described as a "coup for the agency".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wiseman |first=Andreas |date=2022-09-22 |title='RRR' Director SS Rajamouli Signs With CAA In Coup For Agency; Next Film With Mahesh Babu To Start In The Spring |url=https://deadline.com/2022/09/rrr-ss-rajamouli-mahesh-babu-next-film-caa-signs-1235124664/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922222744/https://deadline.com/2022/09/rrr-ss-rajamouli-mahesh-babu-next-film-caa-signs-1235124664/ |archive-date=22 September 2022 |access-date=2022-09-23 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Upcoming projects ===

In January 2025, Rajamouli began production of an untitled film, popularly referred to as ''SSMB29'' with actor [[Mahesh Babu]] in their maiden colloboration.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Basu |first=Mohar |date=2025-04-19 |title=SSMB29: Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, Prithviraj to prep for action sequence |url=https://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/regional-indian-cinema-news/article/ssmb29-mahesh-babu-priyanka-chopra-prithviraj-action-sequence-ss-rajamouli-23522478 |access-date=2025-04-23 |website=[[Mid-Day]] |language=en}}</ref> The film is touted to be a jungle adventure set in [[Africa]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lohana |first=Avinash |date=9 May 2022 |title=EXCLUSIVE: Mahesh Babu & SS Rajamouli's film to roll in first half of next year, confirms KV Vijayendra Prasad |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/exclusive-mahesh-babu-ss-rajamoulis-film-roll-first-half-next-year-confirms-kv-vijayendra-prasad-1085309 |website=[[Pinkvilla]] |access-date=10 May 2022 |archive-date=27 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221127050641/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/exclusive-mahesh-babu-ss-rajamoulis-film-roll-first-half-next-year-confirms-kv-vijayendra-prasad-1085309 |url-status=dead}}</ref> While attending the [[2022 Toronto International Film Festival]], Rajamouli revealed more details about the project: "My next film with Mahesh Babu will be a globetrotting action adventure. It's going to be a kind of [[James Bond]] or [[Indiana Jones]] film with Indian roots."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Das |first=Basudha |date=2022-09-13 |title='Globe trotting action adventure': SS Rajamouli's next big film to star Mahesh Babu |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/trending/entertainment/story/globe-trotting-action-adventure-ss-rajamoulis-next-big-film-to-star-mahesh-babu-347100-2022-09-13 |access-date=2022-09-13 |website=[[Business Today (India)|Business Today]] |language=en |archive-date=13 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913172243/https://www.businesstoday.in/trending/entertainment/story/globe-trotting-action-adventure-ss-rajamoulis-next-big-film-to-star-mahesh-babu-347100-2022-09-13 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-09-13 |editor-last=Joshi |editor-first=Garima |title=SS Rajamouli announces new film with Mahesh Babu, says, 'It's going to be kind of James Bond or Indiana Jones...' |url=https://zeenews.india.com/regional/ss-rajamouli-announces-new-film-with-mahesh-babu-says-it-s-going-to-be-kind-of-james-bond-or-indiana-jones-2509453.html |access-date=2022-09-13 |website=Zee News |language=en |archive-date=13 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913172235/https://zeenews.india.com/regional/ss-rajamouli-announces-new-film-with-mahesh-babu-says-it-s-going-to-be-kind-of-james-bond-or-indiana-jones-2509453.html |url-status=live}}</ref> 

There were also reports of him planning an animated film rooted in Indian content.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 June 2021 |title=Rajamouli's film with Hollywood studio confirmed |url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/rajamoulis-film-with-hollywood-studio-confirmed-telugu-news-287821 |access-date=8 July 2022 |website=IndiaGlitz.com |archive-date=9 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220709124845/https://www.indiaglitz.com/rajamoulis-film-with-hollywood-studio-confirmed-telugu-news-287821 |url-status=live}}</ref> In August 2022, he revealed that he was working on a couple of scripts that would be suitable to be made as [[Animation|animation films]].<ref name="Olson-2022">{{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>

Rajamouli frequently speaks about his intention to make a film based on the Indian epic ''[[Mahabharata]]'' in the future.<ref name="Zoom">{{Cite web |title=When S.S. Rajamouli talked about making a film on the epic Mahabharata |url=https://www.zoomtventertainment.com/telugu-cinema/article/when-s-s-rajamouli-talked-about-making-a-film-on-the-epic-mahabharata/586492 |access-date=5 March 2021 |website=[[Zoom (Indian TV channel)|Zoom]] |date=3 May 2020 |archive-date=13 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513031916/https://www.zoomtventertainment.com/telugu-cinema/article/when-s-s-rajamouli-talked-about-making-a-film-on-the-epic-mahabharata/586492 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Patel-2022">{{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> He thinks it will be at least a four-part project requiring a time period of six to ten years.<ref>{{Citation |title=S S Rajamouli's upcoming projects "Mahabharata the epic" – TV9 Interview | date=9 January 2017 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbQWH4frqMs |language=en |access-date=8 July 2022 |archive-date=9 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220709124848/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbQWH4frqMs&gl=US&hl=en |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=SS Rajamouli about Mahabharata Project {{!}} Interaction at IIT Madras {{!}} 17 October 2015 | date=20 December 2015 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmowCLsvVxw |language=en |access-date=8 July 2022 |archive-date=9 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220709124845/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmowCLsvVxw |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=SS Rajamouli at IIT Madras – Twitter |url=https://twitter.com/iitmadras/status/654186520706879488 |access-date=8 July 2022 |website=Twitter |language=en |archive-date=9 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220709124844/https://twitter.com/iitmadras/status/654186520706879488 |url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2017 he noted, "I don't want to compromise in making it and the huge project is going to take 10 years perhaps. I am apprehensive as to whether I will be able to execute such a technically-superior project (in the immediate future)." He had also revealed that the film series may not feature established [[movie star]]s. "This is the kind of film that will not work out if I rope in stars. Once the different characters are designed, I would have to hunt for the right artists and mould them accordingly," he said.<ref name="Zoom" /><ref>{{Citation |title=Mahabharata will be my last film: SS Rajamouli {{!}} Open Heart With RK {{!}} ABN Telugu | date=31 May 2017 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mComt7gmD_Y |language=en |access-date=8 July 2022 |archive-date=9 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220709124844/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mComt7gmD_Y |url-status=live }}</ref> In July 2022 he said, "''Mahabharata'' has been my long, long, long dream project, but it will take a long time for me to step into that ocean. Before I step into ''Mahabharata'' I want to make, maybe, three or four films."<ref name="Mint-2022" /> In May 2023, he said, "If I get to the point of making Mahabharata, it would take me a year just to read the versions of Mahabharata that are available in the country. At present, I can only assume that it would be a 10-part film."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-10 |title=SS Rajamouli explains how his version of Mahabharata will be a 10-part film: 'That is my dream' |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/ss-rajamouli-says-his-version-of-mahabharata-will-be-a-10-part-film-dream-8601389/ |access-date=2023-07-09 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=9 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230709054110/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/ss-rajamouli-says-his-version-of-mahabharata-will-be-a-10-part-film-dream-8601389/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

He also expressed his wish on several occasions to make films on the historical rulers [[Krishnadevaraya|Sri Krishnadevaraya]], [[Rajaraja Narendra]], [[Kakatiya dynasty|Kakatiyas]], [[Abbakka Chowta|Rani Abbakka]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 2010 |title=అన్నమయ్య లాంటి చిత్రం చేస్తా! |url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/9CcjL |access-date=28 August 2022 |publisher=[[Eenadu]] |language=te |via=Ghost Archive}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=24 June 2012 |title=Rajamouli has his eyes on the Vijayanagara Empire |url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/south-masala/rajamouli-has-his-eyes-on-the-vijayanagara-empire/articleshow/21357643.cms |access-date=28 August 2022 |website=[[Bangalore Mirror]] |language=en |quote=Rajamouli said, “I have a subject in mind. It is an idea evolving for years. The story has the Vijayanagara Empire as its backdrop during Sri Krishnadevaraya's rule." |archive-date=28 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220828135727/https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/south-masala/rajamouli-has-his-eyes-on-the-vijayanagara-empire/articleshow/21357643.cms |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=13 July 2012 |title=Film on Warangal still on: SS Rajamouli |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/film-on-warangal-still-on-ss-rajamouli-487544.html |access-date=28 August 2022 |website=News18 |language=en |archive-date=28 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220828135726/https://www.news18.com/news/india/film-on-warangal-still-on-ss-rajamouli-487544.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=22 April 2022 |title=EXCLUSIVE: RRR director SS Rajamouli reveals he has two female oriented stories in mind |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/exclusive-rrr-director-ss-rajamouli-reveals-two-female-oriented-stories-mind/ |access-date=30 August 2022 |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |language=en |archive-date=30 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220830043838/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/exclusive-rrr-director-ss-rajamouli-reveals-two-female-oriented-stories-mind/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

== Personal life ==

{{Quote box
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| quote = My personal opinions, my thoughts, and my lifestyle have nothing to do with my profession. I keep that completely separate. Professionally, I am different. I don't try to rub my thoughts on to my characters, or on to my storytelling.
| source = &nbsp;— Rajamouli on mythological themes in his films despite him being an [[agnostic]].<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>
}}

Rajamouli married [[Rama Rajamouli|Rama]], [[Sibling-in-law|sister-in-law]] of his cousin [[M. M. Keeravani|Keeravani]] in 2001.<ref name="Atluri-2004-2" /><ref name="The Times of India-4" /> After their marriage, Rama worked as a [[costume designer]] for many of Rajamouli's films. He adopted Karthikeya, Rama's son from her previous marriage. The couple also has an adopted daughter Mayookha.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kavirayani |first=Suresh |date=11 February 2014 |title=We are Family |work=Deccan Chronicle |url=https://www.pressreader.com/india/deccan-chronicle/20140211/281998965351797 |access-date=11 May 2021 |via=Pressreader |archive-date=11 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511212015/https://www.pressreader.com/india/deccan-chronicle/20140211/281998965351797 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{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> Karthikeya is married to Pooja Prasad, niece of Telugu actor [[Jagapathi Babu]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 December 2018 |title=Baahubali director SS Rajamouli's son Karthikeya to marry Pooja Prasad in Jaipur |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/baahubali-director-ss-rajamouli-s-son-karthikeya-to-marry-pooja-prasad-in-jaipur-1418924-2018-12-28 |access-date=4 December 2020 |website=India Today |language=en |archive-date=7 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507064147/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/baahubali-director-ss-rajamouli-s-son-karthikeya-to-marry-pooja-prasad-in-jaipur-1418924-2018-12-28 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Rajamouli's cousin, [[M. M. Keeravani]] has worked as the [[music composer]] for all of his films. His other cousins [[Kalyani Malik]] and [[M. M. Srilekha]] are also music composers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 April 2017 |title=Baahubali 2: From SS Rajamouli to his father Vijayendra Prasad, here's why this project is all in the family |url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/south-masala/baahubali-2-from-ss-rajamouli-to-his-father-vijayendra-prasad-heres-why-this-project-is-all-in-the-family/articleshow/58360835.cms |access-date=4 December 2020 |website=Bangalore Mirror |language=en |archive-date=10 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510013440/https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/south-masala/baahubali-2-from-ss-rajamouli-to-his-father-vijayendra-prasad-heres-why-this-project-is-all-in-the-family/articleshow/58360835.cms |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=4 December 2020 |website=www.ibtimes.co.in |language=en |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><ref>{{Cite web |date=6 March 2021 |title=Male ego comes in your way: MM Srilekha |url=https://telanganatoday.com/male-ego-comes-in-your-way-mm-srilekha |access-date=20 August 2021 |website=Telangana Today |language=en-US |archive-date=20 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820062541/https://telanganatoday.com/male-ego-comes-in-your-way-mm-srilekha |url-status=live}}</ref> S. S. Kanchi, a screenwriter and actor known for his role in the [[sitcom]] [[Amrutham (TV series)|''Amrutham'']] is also one of his cousins.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 June 2016 |title=When Rajamouli dreamt of becoming a hero |url=https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Cinema/2016-06-21/When-Rajamouli-dreamt-of-becoming-a-hero/236583 |access-date=18 June 2022 |website=[[The Hans India]] |language=en |archive-date=18 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220618130807/https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Cinema/2016-06-21/When-Rajamouli-dreamt-of-becoming-a-hero/236583 |url-status=live}}</ref> He collaborated with Rajamouli as a [[script doctor]] on many of his films and also acted in four of his films.<ref name="Idlebrain.com-2010" /><ref name="Singh-2021" /> [[Raja Koduri]], an Executive vice-president at [[Intel]] is also a cousin of his.<ref>{{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> Rajamouli considers [[K. Raghavendra Rao]] as his guru and mentor.<ref>{{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>{{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> He called [[Gangaraju Gunnam|Gunnam Gangaraju]] his philosopher and guide who made an impact on his [[worldview]].<ref name="The Times of India-4" /><ref name="atheist2"/>

Rajamouli is nicknamed ''Jakkanna'' after the legendary {{Circa}}12th century sculptor [[Amarashilpi Jakanachari|Jakanachari]] (known in Telugu as Jakkanna) who is credited with building numerous temples during the [[Hoysala architecture|Hoysala]] reign. The moniker was coined by actor [[Rajeev Kanakala]] during the making of the TV serial [[Santhi Nivasam (TV series)|''Santhi Nivasam'']] ({{Circa}} 2000) directed by Rajamouli and was in reference to his [[Workaholic|work ethic]] and [[Perfectionism (psychology)|perfectionism]] like the famed sculptor.<ref>{{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>{{Citation |title=Why Director SS Rajamouli Called As Jakkanna {{!}} Actor Rajiv Kanakala Answer {{!}} TV5 News |date=9 August 2015 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9lQGVDyip4 |language=en |access-date=30 June 2022 |archive-date=30 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630140519/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9lQGVDyip4 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Regarding his religious views, in a March 2022 interview, Rajamouli stated that "I don't believe in God or religion the way it is portrayed now. But if you ask me 'Do you believe in the existence of God?' I'd say 'I don't know'."<ref>{{Citation |title=10 Questions With SS Rajamouli {{!}} Baradwaj Rangan {{!}} RRR |date=24 March 2022 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dl_l2vcccYw&t=532s |language=en |access-date=2 May 2022 |archive-date=16 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516161019/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dl_l2vcccYw&t=532s |url-status=live }}; From 8:52 to 9:55</ref> At [[Beyond Fest]] 2022 in [[Los Angeles]], Rajamouli said that he is not a Hindu in the religious sense, but considering it as [[Dharma]], he is 'very much' a [[Hindus|Hindu]]. "I am a follower of [[Hinduism|Hindu dharma]]", he said.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-rrr-director-ss-rajamouli-cites-difference-between-hindu-dharma-and-religion-says-i-am-not-hindu-2991241/amp |title=RRR director SS Rajamouli cites difference between Hindu dharma and religion |website=DNA INDIA|access-date=30 November 2022|archive-date=30 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130130404/https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-rrr-director-ss-rajamouli-cites-difference-between-hindu-dharma-and-religion-says-i-am-not-hindu-2991241/amp|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/s-s-rajamouli-on-hindu-religion-and-hindu-dharma-if-you-take-the-religion-i-am-also-not-a-hindu/articleshow/94725399.cms |title=S S Rajamouli on Hindu religion and Hindu dharma |website=The Times of India|access-date=30 November 2022|archive-date=24 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230224083734/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/s-s-rajamouli-on-hindu-religion-and-hindu-dharma-if-you-take-the-religion-i-am-also-not-a-hindu/articleshow/94725399.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-10-08 |title=SS Rajamouli highlights difference between Hindu religion and Hindu dharma: 'If you take the religion, I am also not a Hindu' |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/ss-rajamouli-highlights-difference-between-hindu-religion-and-hindu-dharma-8197490/ |access-date=2022-10-20 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=20 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221020080025/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/ss-rajamouli-highlights-difference-between-hindu-religion-and-hindu-dharma-8197490/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-10-10 |title=SS Rajamouli explains difference between Hindu religion and Hindu dharma |url=http://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/regional-indian-cinema-news/article/ss-rajamouli-explains-difference-between-hindu-religion-and-hindu-dharma-23249668 |access-date=2022-10-20 |website=Mid-day |language=en |archive-date=21 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221021170400/https://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/regional-indian-cinema-news/article/ss-rajamouli-explains-difference-between-hindu-religion-and-hindu-dharma-23249668 |url-status=live}}</ref>

== Filmmaking style ==
{{Main|Cinematic style of S. S. Rajamouli}}

A self confessed "film freak",<ref>{{cite web |title=Interview with SS Raja Mouli by Jeevi |via=Idlebrain.com |url=https://www.idlebrain.com/celeb/interview/ssrajamouli.html |date=22 September 2005 |quote=I am a film freak since I was a kid. |access-date=3 January 2023 |archive-date=3 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230103172243/https://www.idlebrain.com/celeb/interview/ssrajamouli.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Rajamouli's penchant for filmmaking is best captured by the word "[[emotion]]". He often stated that his films are based on stories driven by human emotions.<ref>{{cite web |date=21 March 2022 |title=The stronger the emotions, the more people love a movie, says Rajamouli |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/the-stronger-the-emotions-the-more-people-love-a-movie-says-rajamouli/articleshow/90345475.cms |quote=Over the course of my career I learned that the stronger the emotions or more basic the emotions, the more people tend to like your movie," Rajamouli said. "That's what I have been doing. [...] I realised that if films are based on stories driven by basic human emotions, they will have a wider reach. |access-date=4 January 2023 |archive-date=24 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230224083726/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/etarticleshowajax.cms?ajax=true&galno=4&msid=90343278 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{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]] |quote=When I start writing a story, for me, it is the emotion I should be moved by. [...] 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. |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> Revenge is a recurring theme in his films.<ref>{{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 |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> 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=":82" />''

{{Quote box
| width = 30%
| bgcolor = Cornsilk
| align = right
| 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 = &nbsp;— 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 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" />

While scaling up his work with "larger-than-life" themes over the years, Rajamouli maintained his signature style of filmmaking that allows audiences to simmer in the thrills and emotions of the story with less dialogue.<ref>{{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 [...] I believe entertainment to be a very serious business. It takes a lot for the audience to spend their hard-earned money and effort to come watch our films. They don’t come to my movies for a history lesson, they come for thrill and emotional thrust. That’s what I try to deliver. [...] I try to tell my story through visuals. [...] I try to put in as little dialogue as possible |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="ssr">{{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 |quote=Rajamouli had said at an event, “A pan Indian film does not mean that actors from different languages come together. A pan Indian film means a story that connects to everyone irrespective of the language. 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.” |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> All his films end with a print of his trademark circular stamp stating: "an S. S. Rajamouli film".<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=3 January 2023 |website=Silverscreen India |quote=SS Rajamouli is a brand in Tollywood. Literally. He’s even got a stamp for himself. No Rajamouli film is complete without this}}</ref>

Film critic [[Baradwaj Rangan]] opined that Rajamouli is a "great storyteller" who takes up common concepts and develops them in a novel acceptable way.<ref name="forbes">{{cite news |last=Madhavan |first=N |date=16 December 2015 |title=SS Rajamouli: Tollywood's hit machine |work=Forbes India |url=https://www.forbesindia.com/article/2015-celebrity-100/ss-rajamouli-tollywoods-hit-machine/41729/1 |quote=“Rajamouli is a great storyteller. He knows people expect something new with every film. He takes up familiar concepts and develops them in an unfamiliar and acceptable way,” says Baradwaj Rangan |access-date=13 December 2022 |archive-date=13 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221213150510/https://www.forbesindia.com/article/2015-celebrity-100/ss-rajamouli-tollywoods-hit-machine/41729/1 |url-status=live}}</ref> Production designer [[Sabu Cyril]], a four-time National Award winner for Best Art Direction and who worked for the ''[[Baahubali (franchise)|Baahubali]]'' duology, said his team came up with as many as 25,000 sketches to design the various grand sets for the film in order to satisfy the rigorous visualisation standards of Rajamouli, which were grand and at the same time gone into very minute details ensuring that every pillar and wall had the right design. Cyril said, "Rajamouli makes no compromises."<ref>{{cite news |last=Madhavan |first=N |date=16 December 2015 |title=SS Rajamouli: Tollywood's hit machine |work=Forbes India |url=https://www.forbesindia.com/article/2015-celebrity-100/ss-rajamouli-tollywoods-hit-machine/41729/1 |quote=“His visualisation is grand and, at the same time, goes into very minute details,” says Sabu Cyril, [...] “He ensured that every pillar and wall had the right design. He makes no compromises,” Cyril adds. |access-date=13 December 2022 |archive-date=13 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221213150510/https://www.forbesindia.com/article/2015-celebrity-100/ss-rajamouli-tollywoods-hit-machine/41729/1 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2022, Rajamouli participated in the British magazine ''[[Sight & Sound]]'' film polls of the year 2022. Held once every ten years, the magazine asks popular contemporary writers and directors to name their ten personal favourite films.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stolworthy |first1=Jacob |title=Sight and Sound's Greatest Films of All Time poll: The 2022 results are in – and there's a new winner |work=[[The Independent]] |via=Yahoo |url=https://news.yahoo.com/sight-sound-greatest-films-time-080022905.html |date=2 December 2022|access-date=3 January 2023|archive-date=3 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230103074518/https://news.yahoo.com/sight-sound-greatest-films-time-080022905.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Rajamouli listed the following ten films in order: ''[[Forrest Gump]]'' (1994); ''[[Mayabazar]]'' (1957); ''[[Raiders of the Lost Ark]]'' (1981); ''[[Kung Fu Panda (film)|Kung Fu Panda]]'' (2008); ''[[Aladdin (1992 Disney film)|Aladdin]]'' (1992); ''[[Braveheart]]'' (1995); ''[[Apocalypto]]'' (2007); ''[[Ben-Hur (1959 film)|Ben-Hur]]'' (1959); ''[[Django Unchained]]'' (2012) and ''[[The Lion King (1994 film)|The Lion King]]'' (1994).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shutt |first=Mike |date=2023-02-18 |title=How Braveheart Inspired A Pivotal Song In RRR |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/1204132/how-braveheart-inspired-a-pivotal-song-in-rrr/ |access-date=2023-02-26 |website=[[/Film]] |language=en-US |archive-date=26 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230226134602/https://www.slashfilm.com/1204132/how-braveheart-inspired-a-pivotal-song-in-rrr/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

== Filmography ==
{{Main|S. S. Rajamouli filmography}}
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
|+ '''Directed feature films'''
|-
! scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Title
|-
| 2001
! scope="row" | ''[[Student No: 1]]''
|-
| 2003
! scope="row" | ''[[Simhadri (2003 film)|Simhadri]]''
|-
| 2004
! scope="row" |  ''[[Sye (2004 film)|Sye]]''
|-
| 2005
! scope="row" | ''[[Chatrapathi (2005 film)|Chatrapathi]]''
|-
| 2006
! scope="row" | ''[[Vikramarkudu]]''
|-
|  2007
! scope="row" | ''[[Yamadonga]]''
|-
| 2009
! scope="row" | ''[[Magadheera]]''
|-
| 2010
! scope="row" | ''[[Maryada Ramanna]]''
|-
| 2012
! scope="row" | ''[[Eega]]''
|-
| 2015
! scope="row" | ''[[Baahubali: The Beginning]]''
|-
| 2017
! scope="row" | ''[[Baahubali 2: The Conclusion]]''
|-
|2022
! scope="row" | ''[[RRR]]''
|-
|2027
| {{Pending film|italic=no|Untitled film starring Mahesh Babu}}
|-
|}
{{Pending films key}}

== Box-office performance ==
The budgets and box-office figures are all estimates collated from various sources like newspapers, magazines, reputed film portals etc. Wherever the estimates vary, a range of highest and lowest estimates is provided. All values in Indian Rupees (₹) are converted to US Dollars ($) based on the average yearly exchange rate [https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/PA.NUS.FCRF?end=2021&locations=IN&start=1960&view=chart data] from World Bank.
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable"
|+ S. S. Rajamouli box office performance statistics
! scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Title
! scope="col" | Budget ({{estimation}})
! scope="col" colspan="2" |Box-office ({{estimation}})
! class="unsortable" scope="col" | {{refh}}
|-
!
!
!
!Worldwide Share{{efn|Box-office figures are reported in the form of either gross receipts or distributor share (distributor rentals). For older films, only the box-office share figures are available. The distributor share of a film is the box-office gross less the exhibitor's cut and taxes. For more details, see [[Box office#Distributor rentals|Distributor rentals]].|name="DistributorShare"}}
!Worldwide Gross
!
|-
|2001
|''Student No. 1''
|₹1.80 crore ($392,000)
|₹12.09 crore ($2.54 million)
!—
|<ref name=":0222">{{Cite web |date=28 September 2021 |title=Bahubali Director SS Rajamouli Completes 20 Years in Industry: A Look At His Journey |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/bahubali-director-ss-rajamouli-completes-20-years-in-industry-a-look-at-his-journey-4257230.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220605184946/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/bahubali-director-ss-rajamouli-completes-20-years-in-industry-a-look-at-his-journey-4257230.html |archive-date=5 June 2022 |access-date=7 June 2022 |website=News18 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":62">{{Cite web |title=Chatrapati – Post mortem – Telugu cinema – SS Rajamouli |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/postmortem/chatrapati.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150513052131/http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/postmortem/chatrapati.html |archive-date=13 May 2015 |access-date=2 June 2022 |website=[[Idlebrain.com]]}}</ref>
|-
|2003
|''Simhadri''
|₹8.5 crore ($1.8 million)
|₹25.7 crore ($5.6 million)
!—
|<ref name=":0222"/><ref name=":62" />
|-
|2004
|''Sye''
|₹10.2 crore ($2.2 million)
|₹11 crore ($2.4 million)
!—
|<ref name=":62" />
|-
|2005
|''Chatrapathi''
|₹12.5 crore ($2.8 million)
|₹22 crore ($5 million)
!—
|<ref name=":0222"/><ref name=":62" /><ref name=":722">{{Cite web |date=5 May 2017 |title=భళి భళి భళిరా భళి రాజమౌళి |url=https://www.sakshi.com/news/family/special-story-to-ssrajamouli-473713 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823002513/http://www.sakshi.com/news/family/special-story-to-ssrajamouli-473713 |archive-date=23 August 2017 |access-date=7 July 2022 |website=Sakshi |language=te}}</ref>
|-
|2006
|''Vikramarkudu''
|₹11 crore ($2.4 million)
|₹23 crore ($5.1 million)
!—
|<ref name="Hindu">{{Cite news |date=29 December 2006 |title=A few hits and many flops |work=[[The Hindu]] |location=Chennai, India |url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/12/29/stories/2006122901630100.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070103213349/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/12/29/stories/2006122901630100.htm |archive-date=3 January 2007}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=19 July 2016 |title=An action film! |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/An-action-film-news-telugu-kkfvjDdgdbisi.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160719045623/http://www.sify.com/movies/An-action-film-news-telugu-kkfvjDdgdbisi.html |archive-date=19 July 2016 |access-date=7 July 2022 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref><ref name=":722"/>
|-
|2007
|''Yamadonga''
|₹18–20 crore ($4.3–4.8 million)
|₹29 crore ($7 million)
!—
|<ref name=":0222"/><ref>{{Cite web |last=Focus |first=Filmy |date=4 August 2021 |title=Box office collections data for Rajamouli's films is here – Filmy Focus |url=https://filmyfocus.com/box-office-collections-data-for-rajamoulis-films-is-here/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220515083306/https://filmyfocus.com/box-office-collections-data-for-rajamoulis-films-is-here/ |archive-date=15 May 2022 |access-date=14 May 2022 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":722"/>
|-
|2009
|''Magadheera''
|₹35–44 crore ($7–10 million){{efn|name="MagadheeraBudget"}}
|₹73–78 crore ($15–16 million)
|₹150 crore ($31 million)
|<ref name=":0222"/><ref name=":722"/><ref>{{Cite web |date=29 October 2018 |title=Aravinda Sametha 18-day box office collection: Jr NTR film turns fifth all-time highest Telugu film |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/aravinda-sametha-18-day-box-office-collection-jr-ntr-film-turns-fifth-all-time-highest-telugu-film-784269 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220704022020/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/aravinda-sametha-18-day-box-office-collection-jr-ntr-film-turns-fifth-all-time-highest-telugu-film-784269 |archive-date=4 July 2022 |access-date=7 July 2022 |website=International Business Times}}</ref>
|-
|2010
|''Maryada Ramanna''
|₹12–14 crore ($2.6–3.1 million)
|₹29 crore ($6.35 million)
|{{INR}}40 crore ($8.75 million)
|<ref name=":0222"/><ref name=":722"/><ref name="Sify"/><ref>{{Cite web |title=Tollywood: The big hits of 2010 |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/telugu/2010/dec/29/tollywood-the-big-hits-of-2010-214939.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200912190602/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/telugu/2010/dec/29/tollywood-the-big-hits-of-2010-214939.html |archive-date=12 September 2020 |access-date=2022-09-13 |website=The New Indian Express |date=16 May 2012}}</ref>
|-
|2012
|''Eega''
|{{Indian Rupee|link=Indian rupee}}30–40 crore ($6–7 million){{efn|''[[The New Indian Express]]'' quoted Nani estimating the film's budget as {{INR}}26&nbsp;crore,<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 June 2012 |title=Nani becomes a housefly |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/telugu/article534671.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406163623/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/telugu/article534671.ece |archive-date=6 April 2016 |access-date=6 April 2016 |website=[[The New Indian Express]]}}</ref> S. S. Rajamouli estimated the film's budget to be around {{INR}}30{{endash}}35&nbsp;crore in an interview with ''[[The Hindu]]'',<ref name="Rajamouli buzz">{{Cite web |last=Manigandan |first=K. R. |date=18 July 2012 |title=What's the big BUZZ? |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/whats-the-big-buzz/article3614447.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406163653/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/whats-the-big-buzz/article3614447.ece |archive-date=6 April 2016 |access-date=6 April 2016 |website=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> and Rajeev Kamineni of [[PVP Cinema]] estimated the film's budget as {{INR}}40&nbsp;crore in an interview with ''[[The Times of India]]''.<ref name="Animals in Tamil films">{{Cite web |last=Mathai |first=Kamini |date=7 July 2012 |title=Kollywood evolves from real jumbos to animated housefly |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Kollywood-evolves-from-real-jumbos-to-animated-housefly/articleshow/14726770.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160403134253/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Kollywood-evolves-from-real-jumbos-to-animated-housefly/articleshow/14726770.cms |archive-date=3 April 2016 |access-date=3 April 2016 |website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref>|name="EegaBudget"}}
|₹54 crore ($10 million)
|{{INR}}130 crore ($23 million)
|<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 January 2013 |title=DCHL bankruptcy threat: PVP Ventures in fray to buy IPL team Deccan C… |url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-09-13/news/33817001_1_pvp-ventures-deccan-chargers-financial-chronicle |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130104044932/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-09-13/news/33817001_1_pvp-ventures-deccan-chargers-financial-chronicle |archive-date=2013-01-04 |access-date=7 July 2022 |website=The Economic Times}}</ref>
|-
|2015
|''Baahubali: The Beginning''
|₹180 crore ($28 million)
|₹302 crore ($47 million)
|₹650 crore ($101 million)
|<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 August 2017 |title=Baahubali rights snapped up by Netflix for Rs 25.5 crore; The Conclusion completes 100 days in theatres |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/bahubali-2-baahubali-rights-snapped-up-by-netflix-for-rs-25-5-crore-the-conclusion-completes-100-days-in-theatres-3914757.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627043633/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/bahubali-2-baahubali-rights-snapped-up-by-netflix-for-rs-25-5-crore-the-conclusion-completes-100-days-in-theatres-3914757.html |archive-date=27 June 2022 |access-date=7 July 2022 |website=Firstpost |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Has SS Rajamouli's Baahubali 2 earned Rs 500 cr even before release? |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/baahubali-2-box-office-collection-rajamouli-prabhas-rana-958308-2017-02-01 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220707165418/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/baahubali-2-box-office-collection-rajamouli-prabhas-rana-958308-2017-02-01 |archive-date=7 July 2022 |access-date=7 July 2022 |website=India Today |date=February 2017 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":722"/>
|-
|2017
|''Baahubali 2: The Conclusion''
|₹250 crore ($38 million)
|₹831 crore ($128 million){{efn|Excluding China and Japan box office share|name="BB2Share"}}
|₹1,810 crore ($278 million)
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Upadhyaya |first=Prakash |date=20 September 2017 |title=Baahubali 2 (Bahubali 2) box office collection: SS Rajamouli's film mints Rs 1,706.50 cr in 140 days |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/baahubali-2-bahubali-2-box-office-collection-ss-rajamoulis-film-mints-rs-1706-50-cr-140-days-742747 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220707165458/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/baahubali-2-bahubali-2-box-office-collection-ss-rajamoulis-film-mints-rs-1706-50-cr-140-days-742747 |archive-date=7 July 2022 |access-date=7 July 2022 |website=IBTimes |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=8 April 2017 |title=Investments covered, Baahubali 2 is a gold mine even before release: Experts |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/business-news/investments-already-covered-baahubali-2-is-a-goldmine-even-before-its-release-experts/story-gmnuMjMv6lMvzxWbuyQVpN.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220707165457/https://www.hindustantimes.com/business-news/investments-already-covered-baahubali-2-is-a-goldmine-even-before-its-release-experts/story-gmnuMjMv6lMvzxWbuyQVpN.html |archive-date=7 July 2022 |access-date=7 July 2022 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Top Worldwide Figures – All Formats And Hindi – Box Office India |url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=4396 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327091327/https://www.boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=4396 |archive-date=27 March 2019 |access-date=7 July 2022 |website=Box Office India}}</ref>
|-
|2022
|''RRR''
|₹550 crore ($72 million)
|₹624 crore ($82 million){{efn|Excluding Japan box office share|name="RRRShare"}}
|₹1387.26 crore ($164 million)
|<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 March 2022 |title=RRR Budget {{!}} అంత భారీ బ‌డ్జెట్‌తో RRR సినిమాను తెర‌కెక్కించారా? |url=https://www.ntnews.com/cinema/producer-danayya-spent-huge-budget-for-rrr-movie-494880 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601022316/https://www.ntnews.com/cinema/producer-danayya-spent-huge-budget-for-rrr-movie-494880 |archive-date=1 June 2022 |access-date=7 July 2022 |website=Namasthe Telangana |language=te}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=7 June 2022 |title=SS Rajamouli's RRR gets shoutout from Doctor Strange screenwriter C. Robert Cargill: 'Craziest, weirdest blockbuster' |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/telugu-cinema/ss-rajamouli-s-rrr-gets-shoutout-from-doctor-strange-screenwriter-c-robert-cargill-craziest-weirdest-blockbuster-101654596589561.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220707035034/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/telugu-cinema/ss-rajamouli-s-rrr-gets-shoutout-from-doctor-strange-screenwriter-c-robert-cargill-craziest-weirdest-blockbuster-101654596589561.html |archive-date=7 July 2022 |access-date=7 July 2022 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=10 June 2022 |title=Gangubai Kathiawadi is the most-watched Indian film on Netflix with 50.6 million viewership hours, RRR follows close behind |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/gangubai-kathiawadi-rrr-netflix-viewership-indian-films-7960117/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220622063506/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/gangubai-kathiawadi-rrr-netflix-viewership-indian-films-7960117/ |archive-date=22 June 2022 |access-date=7 July 2022 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|}

== Awards and recognition ==
{{Main|List of awards and nominations received by S. S. Rajamouli}}
[[File:M. Venkaiah Naidu presenting the Akkineni Nageswara Rao National Film Award to the Film Director, Shri S.S. Rajamouli, in Hyderabad on September 17. 2017. The Chief Minister of Telangana, Shri Chandrashekar Rao, Film Actor.jpg|thumb|Rajamouli receiving the [[ANR National Award]] from the vice-president of India [[Venkaiah Naidu]], September 2017.|226x226px]]
Rajamouli is a recipient of several awards including four [[National Film Awards]], five [[Filmfare Award for Best Director – Telugu|Filmfare Awards]], and five state [[Nandi Awards]]. In 2015, Rajamouli was named [[CNN-News18 Indian of the Year]] in Entertainment.<ref name="Winner of Indian of the Year 2015 in the Entertainment category-2016" /> The [[Government of India]] honoured him with [[Padma Shri]] in 2016, for his contributions to the field of Art.<ref name="Padma">{{Cite web |date=25 January 2016 |title=Padma Awards 2016: Rajinikanth, Priyanka Chopra, Ujjwal Nikam, Saina Nehwal, Sania Mirzia, SS Rajamouli and others honoured |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/padma-awards-2016-rajinikanth-priyanka-saina-nehwal-sania-rajamouli-honoured-complete-winners-list-664471 |website=International Business Times, India Edition |access-date=25 January 2016 |archive-date=25 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225011048/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/padma-awards-2016-rajinikanth-priyanka-saina-nehwal-sania-rajamouli-honoured-complete-winners-list-664471 |url-status=live}}</ref>

His films have been screened at various film festivals such as [[Cannes Film Festival]], [[Shanghai International Film Festival]], [[Busan International Film Festival]], [[Sitges Film Festival]] among others.{{Efn|name=EegaFF|The Telugu version of Eega was screened at L'Étrange Film Festival,<ref>{{Cite news |title=L'ETRANGE 2012: Review of EEGA |publisher=Quietearth.us |url=http://www.quietearth.us/articles/2012/09/LETRANGE-2012-Review-of-EEGA |access-date=21 October 2012 |archive-date=17 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017142935/http://www.quietearth.us/articles/2012/09/LETRANGE-2012-Review-of-EEGA |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Eega Screened at a French Film Festival |url=http://www.chitraloka.com/news/1724-eega-screened-at-a-french-film-festival.html |access-date=25 August 2012 |publisher=chitraloka.com |archive-date=13 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713132822/http://www.chitraloka.com/news/1724-eega-screened-at-a-french-film-festival.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Eega Gains International Recognition |url=http://www.cinemamama.com/2012/07/eega-gains-international-recognition.html |access-date=21 July 2012 |publisher=cinemamama.com |archive-date=1 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120801234128/http://www.cinemamama.com/2012/07/eega-gains-international-recognition.html |url-status=live}}</ref> [[2013 Cannes Film Festival]], the Panorama section of the 16th [[Shanghai International Film Festival]] and [[Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival]].<ref>{{Cite news |title='Makkhi' Review: Revenge comes in all sizes! |publisher=Zeenews.india.com |url=http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/movies/makkhi-review-revenge-comes-in-all-sizes_120817.html |access-date=13 October 2012 |archive-date=14 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014174403/http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/movies/makkhi-review-revenge-comes-in-all-sizes_120817.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The film received Best Art Direction award at the Fantaspoa film festival of Brazil.<ref name="FSA F F BL IGZ2">{{Cite web |date=10 August 2013 |title=Ravinder Reddy Wins Big in Brazil |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/telugu/article/96353.html |access-date=11 August 2013 |website=IndiaGlitz.com |archive-date=13 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130813144726/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/telugu/article/96353.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Shiva Prasad |date=16 May 2013 |title=After Cannes; Eega heads to Madrid & Korea |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/tamil/news-interviews/After-Cannes-Eega-heads-to-Madrid-Korea/articleshow/20085831.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102125837/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-05-16/news-interviews/39309398_1_film-festival-eega-best-special |archive-date=2 November 2013 |access-date=16 May 2013 |website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> The Tamil version ''Naan Ee'' was screened at the 10th [[Chennai International Film Festival]].}}{{Efn|''Baahubali: The Beginning''  was screened at Open Cinema Strand of [[Busan International Film Festival]], Indian Film Festival The Hague,<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 October 2015 |title=Busan: Final 'Baahubali' Aims to Be Bigger, More Emotional |url=https://variety.com/2015/film/asia/s-s-rajamouli-baahubali-aims-to-be-bigger-more-emotional-1201610015/ |access-date=22 October 2015 |website=Variety |archive-date=18 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018133622/http://variety.com/2015/film/asia/s-s-rajamouli-baahubali-aims-to-be-bigger-more-emotional-1201610015/ |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Sitges Film Festival]] in [[Spain]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sitges Film Festival » Baahubali&nbsp;– The Beginning |url=http://sitgesfilmfestival.com/eng/film/?id=10003810#.ViE50Glyw34.twitter |access-date=22 October 2015 |website=sitgesfilmfestival.com |archive-date=20 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151020021606/http://sitgesfilmfestival.com/eng/film/?id=10003810#.ViE50Glyw34.twitter |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Utopiales|Utopiales Film Festival]] in France,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Baahubali : the beginning {{!}} Utopiales • International Festival of science fiction of Nantes |url=http://www.utopiales.org/en/baahubali-beginning |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160131092459/http://www.utopiales.org/en/baahubali-beginning |archive-date=31 January 2016 |access-date=10 November 2015 |website=www.utopiales.org }}</ref> [[Golden Horse Film Festival and Awards|Golden Horse Film Festival]] in Taipei, [[Taiwan]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=2015 台北金馬影展 Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival {{!}} 巴霍巴利王：創始之初 |url=http://www.goldenhorse.org.tw/film/programme/films/detail/1350?search_year=2015&ghff_id=220 |access-date=10 November 2015 |website=www.goldenhorse.org.tw |archive-date=31 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160131173650/http://www.goldenhorse.org.tw/film/programme/films/detail/1350?search_year=2015&ghff_id=220 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival]] in [[Estonia]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Baahubali: The Beginning&nbsp;— Special Screenings&nbsp;— Black Nights Film Festival Nov 13 – 29 nov 2015 |url=http://2015.poff.ee/eng/films/programmes.p/special-screenings/baahubali-the-beginning |access-date=13 November 2015 |website=2015.poff.ee |archive-date=14 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151114054522/http://2015.poff.ee/eng/films/programmes.p/special-screenings/baahubali-the-beginning |url-status=dead}}</ref> [[:fr:L'Étrange Festival|L'Etrange International Film Festival]] in [[Paris]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=L'Étrange Festival&nbsp;— XXIe édition&nbsp;— Du 3 au 13 septembre 2015 – Baahubali: The Beginning |url=http://www.etrangefestival.com/2015/fr/film/baahubali_the_beginning |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305113415/http://www.etrangefestival.com/2015/fr/film/baahubali_the_beginning |archive-date=5 March 2016 |access-date=6 December 2015 |website=www.etrangefestival.com}}</ref> [[Five Flavours Film Festival]] in [[Poland]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Festiwal Filmowy Pięć Smaków&nbsp;— Bahubali: Początek |url=http://www.piecsmakow.pl/film.do?id=130 |access-date=6 December 2015 |website=www.piecsmakow.pl |archive-date=2 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160202044038/http://www.piecsmakow.pl/film.do?id=130 |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Hawaii International Film Festival]] in [[Honolulu]], [[Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival]] in [[Brussels, Belgium]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Baahubali To Be Screened At Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival |url=http://fitnhit.com/news/baahubali-screened-brussels-international-fantastic-film-festival/64181/ |website=FitnHit.com |access-date=23 April 2016 |archive-date=5 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005043842/http://fitnhit.com/news/baahubali-screened-brussels-international-fantastic-film-festival/64181/ |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=BAAHUBALI-THE BEGINNING – 2015 HIFF Fall Festival |url=http://program.hiff.org/films/detail/baahubali_the_beginning_2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117185634/http://program.hiff.org/films/detail/baahubali_the_beginning_2015 |archive-date=17 November 2015 |access-date=15 November 2015 |website=program.hiff.org}}</ref> and the [[Cannes Film Festival]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 May 2016 |title=Baahubali: The Beginning team heads to Cannes |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/baahubali-the-beginning-team-heads-to-cannes-2792127/ |website=The Indian Express |access-date=20 May 2016 |archive-date=10 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160510233017/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/baahubali-the-beginning-team-heads-to-cannes-2792127/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=27 February 2016 |title='Baahubali' nominated for Saturn Awards in five categories |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/baahubali-nominated-for-saturn-awards-in-five-categories/ |website=The Indian Express |access-date=7 April 2016 |archive-date=1 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170401155047/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/baahubali-nominated-for-saturn-awards-in-five-categories/ |url-status=live}}</ref>|name=BBFF}} A retrospective of Rajamouli's films was held from September 26 to October 10, 2022, in a special program titled "From Tollywood to Hollywood" as part of the 10th edition of Beyond Fest, the highest attended genre festival in the U.S.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yamato |first=Jen |date=7 September 2022 |title=Indian action hit 'RRR' eyes Oscars, sets Beyond Fest S.S. Rajamouli retrospective |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2022-09-07/rrr-s-s-rajamouli-oscars-beyond-fest |access-date=9 September 2022 |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |language=en-US |archive-date=9 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909025338/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2022-09-07/rrr-s-s-rajamouli-oscars-beyond-fest |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Oddo |first=Marco Vito |date=2022-09-07 |title=Beyond Fest to Feature Special Tollywood Programming With 'RRR' Director S.S. Rajamouli |url=https://collider.com/beyond-fest-tollywood-programming-rrr-director-s-s-rajamouli/ |access-date=2022-09-08 |website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]] |language=en-US |archive-date=8 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908183131/https://collider.com/beyond-fest-tollywood-programming-rrr-director-s-s-rajamouli/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

Rajamouli was cited as an influence by directors [[Prashanth Neel]] and [[Ayan Mukerji]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rajamouli is an inspiration for all of us: Prashanth Neel |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/telugu/2022/apr/13/rajamouli-isan-inspiration-for-all-of-us-prashanth-neel-2441303.html |access-date=4 July 2022 |website=The New Indian Express |date=13 April 2022 |quote=With his films, he brought immense recognition to [[Cinema of South India|South cinema]] and he is a big source of inspiration to all of us. |archive-date=5 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705190801/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/telugu/2022/apr/13/rajamouli-isan-inspiration-for-all-of-us-prashanth-neel-2441303.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Nivedita |date=8 September 2022 |title=SS Rajamouli, James Cameron Were Ayan Mukerji's Ideals For Making Brahmastra |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/ss-rajamouli-james-cameron-were-ayan-mukerjis-ideals-for-making-brahmastra/e12d657115717 |access-date=2022-10-12 |website=[[OTTPlay]] |language=en |archive-date=12 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221012181742/https://www.ottplay.com/news/ss-rajamouli-james-cameron-were-ayan-mukerjis-ideals-for-making-brahmastra/e12d657115717 |url-status=live}}</ref> Filmmaker and actor [[Rahul Ravindran]] thinks Rajamouli alone has a foresight to predict the success of a script.<ref>{{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=Every time someone tells me during a script discussion that doing this or not doing that will make the script a hit film, I always say… how can you be sure, nobody can be, except Rajamouli sir. |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> [[Matt Groening]], creator of the television shows ''[[The Simpsons]]'' and ''[[Futurama]]'', while discussing his inspiration for ''[[Disenchantment (TV series)|Disenchantment]]'' mentioned that Rajamouli made some of his favourite films of the last decade, especially ''[[Magadheera]]''. He added that the show has [[Homage (arts)|homages]] to Rajamouli.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hyman |first=Dan |date=16 August 2018 |title=Matt Groening Just Keeps Going |url=https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/tv/a22627833/matt-groening-disenchantment-netflix-interview/ |access-date=13 June 2022 |website=[[Esquire (magazine)|Esquire]] |language=en-US |quote=In a given show there might be homages to Buster Keaton and to an Indian filmmaker named S. S. Rajamouli, who has made some of my favorite films of the last decade. I particularly recommend a movie called Magadheera. |archive-date=13 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220613123004/https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/tv/a22627833/matt-groening-disenchantment-netflix-interview/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Filmmaker [[Mani Ratnam]] mentioned that the success of ''Baahubali'' inspired him to work on ''[[Production of Ponniyin Selvan: I and Ponniyin Selvan: II|Ponniyin Selvan]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 August 2022 |title=Mani Ratnam Says The Success of SS Rajamouli's Baahubali Inspired Him To Work On 'Ponniyin Selvan' |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/mani-ratnam-says-the-success-of-ss-rajamouli-s-baahubali-inspired-him-to-work-on-ponniyin-selvan--news-217604 |access-date=23 August 2022 |website=[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook]] |language=en |quote=I want to thank Rajamouli garu. In a way, he has opened a door for all of us and has shown us that this kind of film can be made. You can tell stories in two parts and be successful. It has become possible because of Baahubali, so I really want to thank him. |archive-date=23 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220823064508/https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/mani-ratnam-says-the-success-of-ss-rajamouli-s-baahubali-inspired-him-to-work-on-ponniyin-selvan--news-217604 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=20 August 2022 |title=Mani Ratnam praises SS Rajamouli: Ponniyin Selvan is possible today because of Baahubali |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/mani-ratnam-praises-ss-rajamouli-ponniyin-selvan-is-possible-today-because-of-baahubali/articleshow/93673902.cms |access-date=23 August 2022 |website=The Times of India |language=en |archive-date=22 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220822192038/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/mani-ratnam-praises-ss-rajamouli-ponniyin-selvan-is-possible-today-because-of-baahubali/articleshow/93673902.cms |url-status=live}}</ref>

{{Quote box
| width = 32.5%
| bgcolor = #F5F6CE
| align = left
| quote = 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.
| source = &nbsp;— Film producer [[G. Dhananjayan]] on Rajamouli<ref name="Srinivasan-2022" />
}}

Through his [[Baahubali (franchise)|''Baahubali'']] films, Rajamouli is credited with pioneering the [[pan-Indian film]]s movement.<ref name="Bamzai-2022" /><ref name="Srinivasan-2022" /> Gautam Jain of Ormax Media, a media and entertainment consulting firm writes, "Before the release of ''Bahubali: The Beginning'' (2015), the term 'Pan India film' did not exist in film media or audience lingo." He also called him the 'original Pan India filmmaker' and the 'most successful Pan India filmmaker'.<ref name="Jain-2022" /> [[Hombale Films|Vijay Kiragandur]], the producer of the ''KGF'' films credited Rajamouli for making ''Baahubali'' films and giving him the confidence to take ''[[K.G.F: Chapter 1|KGF: Chapter 1]]'' to audiences across the country.<ref name="S.-2022">{{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="It's all thanks to Rajamouli and Yarlagadda for making pan-India films and giving us the confidence", says Vijay Kiragandur, Co-founder of Hombale Group, which produced the KGF movies. It was a meeting with Rajamouli in Bengaluru two months before KGF1's release that set the ball rolling. They showed him an 8-10-minute show-reel cut of the film on an iPad, and he asked them to go pan-India. "People in Karnataka were saying we are spending more on marketing than production in KGF1. [His words] gave us the confidence to spend that much. Otherwise also we would have gone all out, but would not have taken that much of a risk unless we heard it from the horse's mouth", says Kiragandur. |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>

[[Rachel Dwyer]], professor of Indian Cultures and Cinema at [[SOAS University of London]] remarked that Rajamouli is India's most significant director at present who can make a film in a south Indian language that becomes a [[pan-Indian film]] which can also be enjoyed overseas audience.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dwyer |first=Rachel |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/ |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. |archive-date=5 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220905161209/https://openthemagazine.com/cover-stories/directors-roar/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

Film trade analyst [[Komal Nahta]], citing the successful track record of Rajamouli called him the "biggest Indian film director ever".<ref name="Sharma-2022">{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Suparna |date=30 April 2022 |title=Indian director Rajamouli scores a global hit with new film RRR |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/4/30/indian-director-ss-rajamouli-rrr-film-teluga-cinema |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701074059/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/4/30/indian-director-ss-rajamouli-rrr-film-teluga-cinema |archive-date=1 July 2022 |access-date=3 July 2022 |website=[[Al Jazeera English|Al Jazeera]] |language=en |quote=“Rajamouli has an impeccable track record. Every film of his has worked … It would not be wrong to say that he’s the biggest [Indian film director] ever,” Komal Nahta, an Indian film trade analyst, told Al Jazeera. Since his film-making career began in 2001, Rajamouli has directed 12 films – all box office hits.}}</ref> Manoj Kumar R of ''[[The Indian Express]]'' wrote, "It's a rarity to find a director who sells more tickets than the leading stars of a movie. And in that respect, he has monopolized that space."''<ref name="R-2022" />'' Sagar Tetali of ''[[Film Companion]]'' noted, that the success of Rajamouli's films is the triumph of directorial ambition over the actor-star image — centered film culture in [[Telugu cinema]]."<ref name="Tetali-2022" /> At the [[95th Academy Awards]], "[[Naatu Naatu]]" from ''[[RRR (film)|RRR]]'' became the first song from an Indian film to win the [[Academy Award for Best Original Song]]. He was invited to join the [[Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences]] in June 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-26 |title=Oscar-winning 'RRR' director SS Rajamouli invited to join the Academy Awards as a honorable member |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/oscar-winning-rrr-director-ss-rajamouli-invited-to-join-the-academy-awards-as-a-honorable-member-13786439.html |access-date=2024-07-11 |website=[[Firstpost]] |language=en-us}}</ref>

==In popular culture==
* A [[Netflix]] documentary [[Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli]] directed by Raghav Khanna and Tanvi Ajinkya, based on Rajamouli's life and career was released in 2024.

==See also==
* [[List of Indian winners and nominees of the Golden Globe Awards]]

== Notes ==
{{Notelist}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
{{wikiquote}}
* {{IMDb name|1442514}}

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{{S. S. Rajamouli}}
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{{Padma Shri Award Recipients in Art}}
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