SS Rajamouli Wins Leon Cakoff Career Award in Brazil as ‘RRR’ and ‘Varanasi’ Impress Audiences

Filmmaker S S Rajamouli has received the prestigious Leon Cakoff Career Award at the 50th Sao Paulo International Film Festival in Brazil, where his blockbuster ‘RRR’ received an enthusiastic response and the teaser of his upcoming film ‘Varanasi’ generated excitement among Brazilian audiences.

The screening of ‘RRR’, organised by Mostra, the agency behind the festival, featured Portuguese subtitles, allowing local audiences to experience the 2022 blockbuster in their own language. The film’s reception highlighted the growing international appeal of Indian cinema and its ability to connect with audiences across cultural and linguistic boundaries.

The event was attended by Preetham S, acting consul general of India in Sao Paulo, and an Indian delegation led by Kanchan Prasad, director general of the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC).

Named after the festival’s founder, the Leon Cakoff Career Award recognises distinguished figures who have made significant contributions to culture and the audiovisual industry. The honour adds to Rajamouli’s international recognition for his filmmaking and the global success of his projects.

The delegation also presented the teaser of ‘Varanasi’, Rajamouli’s next directorial venture, featuring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran. The teaser received a warm response, according to the Consulate General of India in Sao Paulo. The presentation was part of efforts to promote Indian cinema across Latin America.

‘RRR’, starring N T Rama Rao Jr and Ram Charan as revolutionaries fighting British colonial rule in a fictionalised story, achieved worldwide recognition. Its song ‘Naatu Naatu’ won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2023.

The Indian delegation also invited Brazilian audiences to attend the second edition of the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES), scheduled to take place in Mumbai next year, further strengthening cultural connections between India and international audiences.