While looking into the history of RRR, I came across a Reddit post that caught my attention and intrigued me:
The user, Fragrant-Strength482, discussed how the “over-the-top action, melodrama, and larger-than-life storytelling” is a norm in Indian cinema. From his point of view, he didn’t get why this film became the one everyone in the West suddenly cared about, especially when he thought there were other Indian films that were better. That got me thinking: why did RRR click with Western audiences?
To me, RRR feels like a three-in-one package. It is part action film, part musical, and part bromance. I enjoyed the film because it never felt too serious. Even though it deals with a serious topic like colonialism, it still manages to have fun with itself. The film is loud, colorful, emotional, and dramatic, and somehow all of that works to deliver a message.
New Lines Magazine dove deeper into understanding why the film resonates with American audiences. The article quoted Telugu film critic Hemanth Kumar C.R. who explained that, unlike many Marvel and DC heroes, who often seem tired or cynical, the characters in RRR are full of life and excitement. Their friendship is the heart of the movie, and the story jumps from action to romance to drama at a speed that surprises people who are not used to Indian filmmaking. That mix felt fresh and exciting for Western audiences who do not usually see movies done this way.
Additionally, there were also outside factors. People Magazine discussed how, after the pandemic, viewers wanted movies that were fun and thrilling. RRR delivered exactly that. The movie was also easy to access on streaming platforms such as Netflix, which helped it spread quickly. This caused the film to gain popularity, given that someone would watch it, get hooked by one of the wild scenes, and immediately tell other people to check it out.
Ultimately, RRR did not just stand out because it was different. It became popular because it reminded audiences that movies can be huge and energetic while still being emotional and enjoyable to watch.
Sources:
https://newlinesmag.com/spotlight/decoding-indian-film-rrrs-popularity-in-the-west/
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