RRR: A Cinematic Juggernaut Still Roaring in 2025

 

RRR: A Cinematic Juggernaut Still Roaring in 2025

S.S. Rajamouli’s RRR (Roudram Ranam Rudhiram, also translated as Rise Roar Revolt) remains a towering achievement in Indian cinema, blending historical fiction with larger-than-life action and emotional depth. Released on March 25, 2022, this Telugu-language epic starring Jr. NTR, Ram Charan, Alia Bhatt, and Ajay Devgn tells the fictional tale of two revolutionaries, Komaram Bheem and Alluri Sitarama Raju, fighting British colonial rule in the 1920s. Nearly three years later, RRR continues to make headlines, from its global box office dominance to its cultural impact and recent re-release buzz. Here’s an in-depth look at where RRR stands in 2025, with the latest news keeping its legacy alive.

Box Office Glory: A Record-Breaking Run

RRR stormed the box office upon release, grossing over ₹1,253 crore worldwide (approximately $150 million USD at the time), making it one of the highest-grossing Indian films ever. Its domestic haul in India reached ₹894 crore gross, with Andhra Pradesh and Telangana alone contributing ₹396 crore—testament to its regional stronghold. The film’s opening day was a colossal ₹133 crore gross in India, a figure that Game Changer (Ram Charan’s 2025 release) surpassed with ₹186 crore globally, but RRR’s sustained run set a benchmark few have matched.

Globally, RRR found massive success, particularly in Japan, where it earned over ¥100 crore (approximately $10 million USD), cementing its status as a cross-cultural phenomenon. In North America, it grossed $15.4 million, holding the fourth spot among Indian films until Pushpa 2 edged it out in early 2025 with $15.26 million. Despite being overtaken, RRR’s lifetime worldwide gross keeps it in elite company, trailing only Baahubali 2 (₹1,744 crore) and Pushpa 2 (₹1,642 crore) among Telugu films, with Dangal (₹2,000 crore) still leading the pack.

However, not all was rosy. Posts on X from 2022, like one from 

@TrackTwood

, claimed RRR was a “huge setback for exhibitors” in Andhra Pradesh, citing failure to break even due to high advances paid a year before release. While this reflects exhibitor sentiment at the time, the film’s overall profitability—driven by theatrical earnings, OTT deals with Netflix and ZEE5, and ancillary revenue—paints a different picture. With a reported budget of ₹550 crore, RRR more than doubled its investment, proving its commercial might.

Critical Acclaim and Oscar Glory

RRR wasn’t just a box office titan—it was a critical darling. The film’s blend of spectacle, emotional resonance, and Rajamouli’s signature storytelling earned it widespread praise. The standout moment came with “Naatu Naatu,” composed by M.M. Keeravani with lyrics by Chandrabose, which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song at the 2023 Oscars—the first Indian film song to claim this honor. The high-energy dance sequence featuring Jr. NTR and Ram Charan became a global sensation, sparking viral reels and cementing RRR’s cultural footprint.

Western critics lauded its audacity. Variety called it “a blast of fresh air,” while The Guardian praised its “unapologetic excess.” Indian audiences and critics hailed it as a patriotic triumph, though some debated its historical liberties. Regardless, RRR’s 95% Rotten Tomatoes score and 8.4/10 IMDb rating reflect its universal appeal.

Latest News: Re-Release Fever and Beyond

As of March 16, 2025, RRR is back in the spotlight with a re-release that’s reigniting fan fervor. Originally announced in December 2024 by the official 

@RRRMovie

 X handle, the film returned to Indian theaters on December 20, 2024, capitalizing on its enduring popularity. This move follows its extended run in Japan, where the Telugu version with Japanese subtitles continued into 2023, followed by a Japanese-dubbed release on July 28, 2023. Posts on X suggest the 2024 re-release has packed houses once more, with fans reliving “mass hysteria” on the big screen.

The timing aligns with a reflective moment for Rajamouli’s legacy. Pushpa 2, released in December 2024, surpassed RRR’s worldwide gross by mid-January 2025, hitting ₹1,800 crore and climbing. Yet, RRR holds its own—its third-place ranking among Indian films (behind Dangal and Baahubali 2) remains intact as of now, though Pushpa 2’s ongoing run could push it to fourth. Meanwhile, Game Changer (January 2025) beating RRR’s opening day globally underscores Ram Charan’s evolving star power, but its subsequent drop-off contrasts with RRR’s staying power.

Speculation about RRR 2 persists, though no official confirmation has emerged by March 2025. Rajamouli has hinted at exploring new stories rather than sequels, but the film’s open-ended narrative—Bheem and Raju’s revolution unfinished—keeps fans hopeful. Posts on X buzz with theories, some suggesting a 2026 announcement tied to the fifth anniversary of RRR’s release.

Cultural Impact: A Global Ambassador for Indian Cinema

RRR’s influence extends beyond numbers. Its Oscar win elevated Telugu cinema’s global profile, paving the way for films like Pushpa 2 and Kalki 2898 AD to chase international markets. The “Naatu Naatu” craze—performed at the Oscars and mimicked worldwide—bridged cultural gaps, while the film’s themes of friendship and resistance resonated universally. In Japan, its success outstripped even Baahubali 2, with fans embracing its emotional core and Rajamouli’s bombastic style.

At home, RRR sparked debates about historical accuracy versus cinematic license. Rajamouli defended it as fiction inspired by real heroes, not a documentary—a stance that quelled most criticism amid its overwhelming reception. Its re-release in 2024 reinforces its status as a cultural touchstone, drawing new viewers and nostalgic fans alike.

The Road Ahead: Can RRR Reclaim Its Throne?

As of March 16, 2025, RRR sits at a fascinating juncture. The re-release is boosting its theatrical legacy, potentially adding a few crores to its already monumental tally. However, Pushpa 2’s meteoric rise—crossing ₹1,800 crore worldwide—challenges RRR’s position among India’s top earners. Baahubali 2’s ₹1,744 crore remains within reach for Pushpa 2, but RRR’s third-place global ranking (₹1,253 crore) could slip if Kalki 2898 AD (₹986 crore) or others surge with re-releases or OTT-fueled revivals.

Comparatively, RRR’s two-week India gross of ₹756 crore trails Pushpa 2’s ₹1,110 crore over the same period, per Pinkvilla’s 2024 analysis. Yet, RRR’s slower burn—buoyed by critical acclaim and awards—contrasts with Pushpa 2’s front-loaded success. The re-release could narrow this gap, especially if it expands internationally again.

Final Verdict: A Legacy Unshaken

RRR is more than a movie—it’s a phenomenon. Its box office haul, Oscar win, and cultural resonance make it a benchmark for Indian cinema’s global ambitions. The 2024 re-release, still unfolding as of March 2025, reaffirms its pull, while whispers of RRR 2 keep fans dreaming. Whether it reclaims a higher ranking or rests as a historic third, RRR’s roar continues to echo, proving Rajamouli’s vision endures.

Stay tuned for updates—RRR’s story is far from over.