New Delhi: Filmmaker SS Rajamouli's film ‘RRR’ has shattered multiple records and kept the film in the spotlight for months after its premiere. Everyone from the team ‘RRR’ is on cloud nine after the film's song ‘Naatu Naatu’ won the Oscars for Best Original Song at the 95th ceremony. Some members of the team, including the director and the lead actors, Jr NTR and Ram Charan, flew out to Los Angeles for the event, however, it has been claimed that the Academy staff did not give free tickets for Rajamouli and his team to witness the ceremony.
An article in the Economic Times claims that ‘Naatu Naatu’ composer MM Keeravani and lyricist Chandrabose and their spouses were given free access, while the rest of the team had to pay. The Academy Awards staff claims that only the recipient and their immediate family would be granted free entry to the ceremony, with the rest of the audience required to purchase tickets in order to participate in person.
The director was accompanied by his family: wife Rama, son Karthikeya, and daughter-in-law. Both Ram Charan and Jr NTR, who had pivotal parts in the film, brought their spouses to the awards.
If what is being reported is accurate, Rajamouli purchased tickets not just for himself but also for other members of his staff. The cost of a ticket for each individual was around $25,000, which is approximately Rs 20.6 lakh.
Previously, the Academy was also criticised for allegedly seating SS Rajamouli and his crew in the very back row. Internet users were dismayed and termed it a shame when a video of them seated near the exit leaked online.
Meanwhile, SS Rajaouli has returned to India. On Friday, March 17, he and MM Keeravani were greeted enthusiastically when they arrived in Hyderabad.
'RRR' is a magnum opus drama set in the 1920s - pre-Independence era. Directed by SS Rajamouli, the film stars Jr NTR and Ram Charan in lead roles as Komaram Bheem and Ram. The film also stars Alia Bhatt, Ajay Devgn, Ray Stevenson, Alison Doody, Olivia Morris and Shriya Saran in pivotal roles.