RRR, Pushpa, Baahubali: Blockbuster Movies Shot At Ramoji Film City

Ramoji Rao, founder of Ramoji Groups, died early Saturday, June 8, leaving his remarkable legacy behind. Among the many companies he owned, Ramoji Film City was the highlight not just in India but in the world. It is the largest studio complex globally and has been certified by the Guinness World Records. It was established by a Telugu tycoon and also serves as a thematic holiday destination and a popular tourism and recreation centre, containing natural and artificial attractions including an amusement park.

Located in Abdullahpurmet, Hyderabad, it is spread over 1,666 acres. It served as a shoot location for many movies in Telugu, Tamil and Bollywood. However, it was home to some of the biggest juggernauts in Indian cinema. Read on to know more.

RRR

Helmed by SS Rajamouli, the movie stars Jr NTR and Ram Charan alongside an ensemble cast of Ajay Devgn, Alia Bhatt and Shriya Saran. It is a historical fiction film about two Indian revolutionaries, Alluri Sitarama Raju (Charan) and Komaram Bheem (Rama Rao), their friendship, and their fight against the British Raj. The movie's elaborate action sequences and period settings were shot in Ramoji Film City. Made on a budget of ₹550 crore, the movie grossed ₹1,387.26 crore worldwide, setting several box office records for an Indian film.

Pushpa: The Rise

Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna starrer was widely hailed by the audience and critics. The film's rugged and realistic depiction of the forest smuggling world was shot at Ramoji Film City. The film was commercially successful, grossing over ₹360–373 crore at the worldwide box office. The movie buffs are eagerly waiting for the release of the sequel titled Pushpa 2: The Rule.

Baahubali 1 and 2

Helmed by SS Rajamouli, the movie stars Prabhas, Rana Daggubati and Anushka Shetty in the lead roles. The movie is set in medieval India and follows the sibling rivalry between Amarendra Baahubali and Bhallaladeva; the latter conspires against the former and has him killed by Kattappa. Years later, Amarendra's son returns to avenge his death. The movies are known for their groundbreaking visual effects and massive set designs, all brought to life at Film City.

The first part of the movie, termed the most expensive Indian film at its time of release (₹180 crore), grossed  ₹595 crore worldwide in 50 days. The second part, made on a budget of ₹250 crores, became the 39th highest-grossing film of 2017, grossing over ₹17.065 billion worldwide.

Ponniyin Selvan 1 and 2

Another magnum opus series that was shot in Ramoji Film City was Ponniyin Selvan, helmed by Mani Ratnam. The movie was adapted from a novel of the same name and dramatised the early life of Chola prince Arunmozhi Varman, who would become the renowned emperor Rajaraja I (947–1014). The film stars an ensemble cast including Vikram, Jayam Ravi, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Trisha, Karthi, Jayaram, Aishwarya Lekshmi and Sobhita Dhulipala. The first part of the movie grossed ₹450–500 crore worldwide. However, the sequel couldn't surpass the collection of Ponniyin Selvan Part 1 and grossed ₹345 crore.

Pokiri

Directed by Puri Jagannadh, the movie stars Mahesh Babu, Ileana, Prakash Raj and Nassar, in the lead roles. Made on a budget of ₹12 crore, the movie earned rave reviews from critics. The film grossed ₹70 crore worldwide and was declared an Industry Hit while remaining the highest-grossing Telugu film for three years until it was surpassed by Magadheera in 2009.

Chennai Express

Rohit Shetty's directorial, Chennai Express was shot in Ramoji Film City owing to its southern background. The movie's vibrant scenes were shot from the diverse locations in the film city. Released in 2013, the movie grossed ₹423 crore worldwide.

Robot

Directed by Shankar and starring Rajinikanth and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, the movie's futuristic sets and innovative visual effects were significantly enhanced by the facilities at Ramoji Film City. The film grossed ₹256 crore at the worldwide box office.

Meanwhile, Ramoji Rao is survived by his wife, Rama Devi, and elder son, Ch Kiran, who is heading the Eenadu group of publications and ETV channels. His younger son, Cherukuri Suman, died of leukaemia on September 7, 2012.