The film “RRR” incorporates animal symbolism, showcasing moments with various creatures like tigers, leopards, and wolves. These animals, present in the movie’s action-packed sequences, serve as more than just a spectacle. They symbolize the colonial forces treating Indians as if they were animals, reflecting the derogatory comparisons made by the British colonialists throughout the storyline.
While many of these animal comparisons depict Indians in a negative light, some characters, like Bheem referred to as a tiger, embrace these metaphors as sources of strength and power. Beyond animal symbolism, the film also heavily revolves around the elements of fire and water, symbolically representing the characters Raju and Bheem, respectively. This thematic connection is established right from the film’s start and is emphasized in promotional materials like the motion poster.
Rajamouli highlighted this elemental contrast on Twitter, stating how water douses fire, and fire evaporates water, representing the clash between the two forces. In the story, these characters possess the potential for both recklessness and immense power individually. Still, when united, their contrasting natures balance each other and amplify their ability to bring about change. This elemental contrast also provides a visually striking spectacle with impressive visual effects in the movie.