On November 13-15, you can experience the visionary spectaculars of S.S. Rajamouli, the groundbreaking Indian filmmaker whose epic imagination has transformed the possibilities of contemporary commercial cinema. Spanning Eega, Baahubali: The Beginning, Baahubali: The Conclusion, and RRR, this series showcases Rajamouli’s signature blend of mythic storytelling, breathtaking action, emotional intensity, and larger-than-life world-building that has captivated audiences around the globe. The Baahubali films ignited the modern pan-Indian blockbuster movement, while RRR propelled Indian mass cinema onto the international stage, earning Rajamouli the New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Director in 2022 and winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song for “Naatu Naatu.” Rajamouli’s movies provide an essential, communal theatrical experience, and represent a bold – and fun- new era of global cinema.
FRI., 11/13, 7 p.m.
EEGA
India | 2012 | DCP | 145 min. | Telugu with English subtitles
Director: S.S. Rajamouli
Cast: Sudeep, Nani, Samantha Ruth Prabhu
Nani and Bindhu’s young love is cut short when Nani is ruthlessly murdered by his romantic rival, Sandeep. But Nani’s devotion to Bindhu proves stronger than death—reincarnated as a common housefly, Nani seeks his revenge. Rajamouli’s wildly entertaining spectacle piles one gonzo set-piece on top of another, and will have you cheering on this cunning bug like an action hero. Move over, Brundlefly, step aside, Ant-Man, make way for Eega! “Completely insane, endlessly enjoyable, and absolutely unique” (Screen Anarchy). (MK)
SAT., 11/14, 7 p.m.
RRR
India | 2022 | DCP | 183 min. | Telugu with English subtitles
Director: S.S. Rajamouli
Cast: N.T. Rama Rao Jr., Ram Charan, Olivia Morris
After breaking box office records for Telugu cinema with his epic Baahubali saga, writer/director S.S. Rajamouli achieved unprecedented global crossover success with the rollicking RRR. Rajamouli’s film follows Bheem (Rao) and Raju (Charan), fictionalized versions of real-life revolutionaries—and men emerging from different backgrounds during British colonial rule in 1920s India. Their unlikely friendship leads to a powerful alliance in opposition to the regime in this unrivaled fusion of blockbuster excess, blood-stained brotherhood, and musical ecstasy. A word-of-mouth sensation in the U.S. upon its release, RRR won the Best Original Song Oscar for its centerpiece number, “Naatu Naatu.” (JM)
SUN., 11/15, 2 p.m.
BAAHUBALI: THE BEGINNING
India | 2015 | DCP | 151 min. | Telugu with English subtitles
Director: S.S. Rajamouli
Cast: Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty
A larger-than-life saga etched with the force of an ancient myth, Rajamouli’s mammoth sword-and-sandals epic changed the trajectory of Indian cinema. When a dashing young warrior discovers his royal heritage, he sets out to reclaim the throne from the corrupt regime. Boasting jaw-dropping battle sequences, searing melodrama, and spectacular filmmaking, the Baahubali films shattered Indian box-office records. Originally released in two parts separated by nearly two years of anticipation (an agonizing wait after The Beginning’s notorious cliffhanger), don’t miss this chance to experience the full Baahubali in one glorious binge, presented with a 20 minute intermission. (MK)
SUN., 11/15, 5 p.m.
BAAHUBALI 2: THE CONCLUSION
India | 2017 | DCP | 158 min. | Telugu with English subtitles
Director: S.S. Rajamouli
Cast: Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty
A larger-than-life saga etched with the force of an ancient myth, Rajamouli’s mammoth sword-and-sandals epic changed the trajectory of Indian cinema. When a dashing young warrior discovers his royal heritage, he sets out to reclaim the throne from the corrupt regime. Boasting jaw-dropping battle sequences, searing melodrama, and spectacular filmmaking, the Baahubali films shattered Indian box-office records. Originally released in two parts separated by nearly two years of anticipation (an agonizing wait after The Beginning’s notorious cliffhanger), don’t miss this chance to experience the full Baahubali in one glorious binge, presented with a 20 minute intermission. (MK)