In an event that stirred both cinematic celebration and the force of nature, renowned Indian filmmaker SS Rajamouli and his son, Karthikeya, recently experienced an unexpected jolt during their visit to Japan. The director was in the country to attend a special screening of his latest blockbuster, ‘RRR’, when a 5.3 magnitude earthquake shook the ground beneath them.
Taking to his social media account, Karthikeya shared an alarming image of his smartwatch displaying an emergency earthquake alert from the Japan Meteorological Agency. The message on his device advised a strong shaking was imminent and emphasized the need for calmness and seeking immediate shelter. The young filmmaker captioned the post with a vivid account of the tremor, stating that they were on the 28th floor when they slowly felt the ground move. It took them a moment to comprehend the situation as an earthquake, and while he was on the brink of panic, he observed that the locals around him remained untroubled, as if merely caught in a rain shower.
Rajamouli’s journey in Japan was not just marked by this earth-shaking experience but also by heartwarming moments. At the ‘RRR’ screening on March 18, he was deeply moved by the love received from Japanese fans. Highlighting a tender interaction, he posted about an elderly woman who gifted him an origami creation, an act that he felt was immeasurably gracious. In Japanese culture, origami cranes are a symbol of good luck and health, and this particular fan, an 83-year-old woman, crafted a thousand cranes as a blessing because ‘RRR’ had filled her with joy.
The movie ‘RRR’ has not only captivated audiences in Japan but also etched its name in the annals of cinema history. The film is a high-octane fictional narrative inspired by the real-life stories of two Telugu freedom fighters, Alluri Seetharama Raju and Komaram Bheem, portrayed by actors Ram Charan and Jr NTR respectively. The movie’s grandeur and its ensemble cast, which includes Alia Bhatt, Ajay Devgn, and Shriya Saran, contributed to its staggering collection of over Rs 1,200 crore worldwide.
The year 2023 was particularly monumental for ‘RRR’ as it achieved global recognition at the 95th Academy Awards. The film’s thrilling song ‘Naatu Naatu’ made history by clinching the Oscar for Best Original Song, standing out amidst a lineup of international hits. A proud moment for the entire team, the song was performed live at the ceremony, with both the singers and the lead actors in attendance, sparking an electrifying reaction from the audience as they witnessed the energetic choreography and visceral rhythm of the track.
The song, celebrated in multiple languages, was released as ‘Naacho Naacho’ in Hindi, ‘Naattu Koothu’ in Tamil, ‘Halli Naatu’ in Kannada, and ‘Karinthol’ in Malayalam, further exemplifying the film’s cross-cultural appeal.
While Rajamouli and Karthikeya continue to bask in the success of ‘RRR’, their experience in Japan has been etched with serendipitous memories and a tale of facing the might of the earth itself. Despite the ground shaking beneath them, their spirits remain unshaken, cherishing the affection and accolades received from fans worldwide. The legacy of ‘RRR’ now includes not only its artistic achievements but also a moment in time where cinema and a seismic event coincided, leaving an indelible mark on the father and son duo.
