Prabhas to prithviraj Sukumaran: SS Rajamouli’s eye for iconic male leads in Indian cinema

His casting decisions demonstrate a profound comprehension of charisma, emotional gravity, and on-screen presence—qualities that elevate stars to legendary status.

SS Rajamouli is known for choosing heroes who become iconic in their parts in addition to directing epic blockbusters. His casting decisions demonstrate a profound comprehension of charisma, emotional gravity, and on-screen presence—qualities that elevate stars to legendary status.

Here are five examples of how Rajamouli used strong male leads to realise his visionary filmmaking:

1. Prithviraj Sukumaran – Prithviraj Sukumaran, who made a lasting impression on Malayalam cinema as both an actor and a director with L2: Empuraan, is reportedly collaborating with SS Rajamouli on his eagerly awaited project, SSMB29. Recognised for his powerful performances and unmistakable on-screen persona, Prithviraj's entry into Rajamouli's world promises a partnership that combines pan-India appeal with regional nuance.

2. Prabhas – The decision to cast Prabhas in Baahubali was revolutionary because it not only changed the course of Prabhas' career but also the parameters of Indian filmmaking. Thanks to Rajamouli's imaginative storytelling in Baahubali: The Beginning and Baahubali: The Conclusion, Prabhas, who was already a star in the Telugu industry, was able to transcend regional boundaries.

3. Ram Charan – Even though Ram Charan was already a well-known figure in Telugu cinema, RRR made him a household name abroad. His performance as Alluri Sitarama Raju was a masterful blend of physicality, emotional nuance, and intensity. Charan received accolades from critics and audiences all over the world for his performance, which was directed by Rajamouli and struck a chord across boundaries and languages.

4. Jr NTR – It wasn't easy to match Ram Charan in RRR, but Jr. NTR's portrayal of Komaram Bheem was captivating. Rajamouli enhanced NTR's innate charm and drew from his extensive acting background to produce a character that was both intensely human and fierce. With a performance that demonstrated his range from emotional sensitivity to unadulterated physical strength, NTR solidified his rise from regional superstar to pan-Indian icon.

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5. Mahesh Babu – In SSMB29, Rajamouli brings together Mahesh Babu, one of Telugu cinema’s most enduring stars, with Prithviraj Sukumaran, crafting what promises to be a groundbreaking action-adventure spectacle. This marks Mahesh’s most ambitious project to date — a globe-spanning narrative that stretches the limits of Indian storytelling.