Celebrity Talk

Bahubali Maker SS Rajamouli Gets Jealous? Ace Director Confesses Why Malayalam Film Industry Makes Him Insecure

By Deepthi

March 14, 2024

Director SS Rajamouli needs no introduction. As the ace director of blockbuster films like the “Bahubali” franchise and “RRR,” he is most popular. He put the Indian film industry on the global map, even winning the prestigious Oscars for “RRR” in the original song category. 

But he confesses that something makes him feel insecure. “It is with jealousy and pain that I admit Malayalam cinema produces better actors,” he said.

SS Rajamouli Heaps Loads of Praise on ‘Premalu’

These days, the Malayalam film industry is reaping huge successes. “Premalu” became the 5th film in a row that crossed the 100 crore mark. It was at one of the promotional events for the film that SS Rajamouli had such good things to say. Karthikeya, the director’s son is distributing the film for the Telugu audience.

At the Hyderabad event, the “Eega” director admitted that although he is not a fan of the rom-com genre, “Premalu” kept him occupied with its tight storytelling. “I am not a fan of romantic comedies but Premalu is an expectation,” he continued, “It’s meant to be watched in theatres because it’s hilarious when the people next to you laugh, you enjoy it more.” He took this opportunity to credit writer Adithya, who penned the dialogue for the Telugu version.

However, he is also mildly jealous of Malayalam movies because you get to see great talent in the films. “It is with jealousy and pain that I admit the Malayalam film industry produces better actors. In this film too, they did a fantastic job.” He was in awe of the film produced by Fahadh Faasil and directed by Girish AD.

SS Rajamouli even compared the lead actress Mamitha Baiju to the super-talented Sai Pallavi, who is set to make her Bollywood debut opposite Ranbir Kapoor in the upcoming Ramayana retelling. “I think she has potential and I see a lot of love for her,” he said about Mamitha Baiju. 

Rajamouli Joins ‘Premalu’ Fanclub

Just a couple of days back, Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu and his wife & former Miss India Namrata Shirodkar caught a screening of “Premalu” and were mesmerised by it.

Mahesh Babu expressed his admiration for the Malayalam blockbuster on X, “Thank you @ssk1122 for bringing #Premalu to the Telugu audience… Thoroughly enjoyed it…. Can’t remember the last time when I laughed so much while watching a film… The entire family loved it. Top-class acting by all the youngsters. Congratulations to the entire team!!”

“Premalu” is about a few Malayali youngsters who study in Hyderabad. This sweet and young hilarious love story captured the hearts of many Telugu stars. So much so that it is making SS Rajamouli jealous and insecure!