one of the most audacious telugu films of the last few years!!
maha creates something that is so deeply dense in it’s storytelling and themes that as the movie goes, we’re peeling the onion more and more.
the movie is in no rush. maha wants you to sit, observe and marinate in each moment. whether you’re feeling confused or amused, he gets you immersed into the headspace of Rao Bahadur himself who he himself is going through those same emotions. the pacing in the middle of the first half personally for me wasn’t connecting enough, but as soon as a certain moment happens towards the pre interval i was fully locked back in.
I loved the second half of the film. As each moment in Rao Bahadur’s life gets unveiled, Maha presents us with the emotions and questions I expect him to pose as the person who made C/O Kancherlapalam. He goes deep into the repercussions of generational conditioning, lineage pride, colorism, and identity crisis. As each moment in the second half gets unveiled, the first half feels much more cohesive when I look back at it. Would love to see how a rewatch would hopefully improve the overall experience even more.
Satyadev, what a performer. He sunk into the character of Rao Bahadur like he was Rao Bahadur himself. Easily the best performance from Telugu cinema this year on all levels. The entire cast was so perfect all around. Not a single performance felt off and each person’s own dubbing and lip sync was just so perfect.
The performance that genuinely surprised me was easily the lady who played Achamma. Her comedic emotes and dialogue delivery was too good and had the theatre in splits every time she was on screen.
On a technical front, this is the best telugu film of the year. It’s visually stunning with so many beautifully blocked and staged scenes. Not a single frame will you FEEL like “I’ve seen this before”. The natural lighting and the visual play with colors was amazing. The best part is nothing ever felt fake. The production design is spectacular on every front. I’d be super interested to know how much the film costs because what they’ve achieved here on a production and costume design front itself is world class. The score by Smaran was also perfectly apt for the film and fit the exact tone of each moment Maha wanted to present. I will say, I wish the actual songs were better. Wasn’t a big fan of the actual songs.
Rao Bahadur isn’t perfect by any means and at moments can get a bit too overindulgent for it’s own good in the first half, but that being said, it’s truly something that pushes so many things for Telugu Cinema. Maha has constantly spoken deeply about so many regressive and unfortunate topics that pertain to our society through his films and doing more so in a movie that plays with genres like this one is genuinely amazing. The craftsmanship oozes on screen in the best way possible!
I don’t HATE @mahaisnotanoun for making #RaoBahadur and not making @ActorSatyaDev act — who didn’t act, but DISAPPEARED into the character in multiple DISSOLVES … The makeup, costumes, production design make every frame look LOCALLY INTERNATIONAL … 99% of films are made from MEMORY of other films but #RaoBahadur is made from ZERO MEMORY IMAGINATION and OPTIMAL LEVEL CONVICTION
https://t.co/TDcCdl9JSC
Telugu cinema for the world. This is a confident promise from the dearest brothers @ActorSatyaDev and @mahaisnotanoun...Everything unveiled so far looks fresh and phenomenal, and it's even more exciting to see @UrstrulyMahesh anna backing and proudly presenting the film
Satya Dev broooo, I'm truly excited to witness your performance as Ramappa. Wishing all the best to @DeepaThomasss@GMBents@SrichakraasEnts@AplusSMovies@Mahayana_MP & whole team
#RaoBahadur
RAO BAHADUR TELUGU360 REVIEW ( First on Net):
Rao Bahadur is truly one of a kind. It stands out for its uniquely original storytelling.
The first 30 minutes of the film is a bit shaky, as it takes time to sync into the world and accent of Ramappa Rao Bahadur, his Bhuvanalayam, and the attempted magical realism genre. Once we are into it, you will travel with admiration for its versatality
On numerous occasions, I wondered how a Telugu writer / director could even imagine a story and narrative like this. Any references, inspirations, or plagiarism, if any exist , will eventually come to light.
At its heart, Rao Bahadur isn’t about a royal family it’s about the prejudices we inherit. Through humor, satire, and philosophy, the film takes aim at society’s obsession with skin color, bloodline, and caste.
Set between 1968 and 1991, the story delivers a thought provoking commentary on the social conditioning that continues to influence Indian society, all while keeping its humor intact.
Satyadev is outstanding. No one else in Tollywood can even come close to him to play RAMAPPA Bahadur character. The actress who played the maid, Achamma, is the show-stealer. Deepa Thomas is a perfect fit as Renuka, and Vikas Muppala, as Achari, plays a pivotal character with conviction.
There are many metaphors, dialogues, and scenes that stand as a testimony to Venkatesh Maha’s brilliance:
* Katikapari’s “Pedda Manishi” dialogue in the climax.
* Renuka’s revolt against her husband [ the scene with her hand suppressing the voice]
* Kusuma Raju’s (the younger son’s) birthday count dialogue.
*The Sanjay Gandhi episode.
(To avoid spoilers, I’ve kept the above references to a minimum. )
On the other hand, Rao Bahadur is not your regular commercial template film and is obviously not for everyone. If you don’t connect with this kind of abstract storytelling, there’s a good chance you’ll find it irritating.
On technical front too this film is strong. Music by Samara Sai is top class and production values are adequate.
Congratulations @mahaisnotanoun@ActorSatyaDev@GMBents
Overall, watch it in the theaters to experience truly UNIQUE film. Good work team.
We must appreciate @urstrulyMahesh for supporting a diffrent film
FULL REVIEW SOON ...
#RAOBAHADUR #RaoBahadurReview
From the director who made one of the finest films in Telugu cinema comes another ambitious film. #RaoBahadur. Eagerly looking forward to the magic venkatesh maha and his team had pulled off. @ActorSatyaDev the performer he is deserves all the great things. To support this passionate team the way @urstrulyMahesh sir, Anurag and Sharath have gone all the way is heart warming. Releasing tomorrow. Wishing nothing but the best. 🤗