Let us talk about “Naatu Naatu” in “RRR” before we dive into how S.S. Rajamouli uses dance to evoke certain emotions in his films. In this case, Raju and Bheem are invited to a British mansion for a party, and this moment acts as a meaningful pause in the film’s otherwise breakneck pacing/kinetic action. However, “Naatu Naatu” is not a mere distraction or filler sequence — this is a dance-off that reinstates the film’s anti-colonial themes while offering a direct answer to the white men who mock Bheem for his apparent lack of culture moments ago. As the dance-off commences, the beautifully synchronized choreography (by the brilliant Prem Rakshith) allows the two leads to demonstrate cultural flair and a genuine sense of camaraderie.
In an interview with Den of Geek, Rajamouli noted that the wild, enthusiastic tempo and style of “Naatu Naatu” was designed in a way that would even make “the Westerners really root for” Raju and Bheem, despite the context of the scene. The duo’s celebration via dance is so vibrant, sincere, and heartfelt that everyone involved in that sequence, no matter what their motivations are, finds themselves momentarily swept into the grandiosity of the moment. Moreover, the combined star power in the scene is dazzling, epitomized during the part where the leads synchronize some sick moves using their suspenders.
Rajamouli went on to explain that dance is “such a strong tool in racking up the audiences’ emotions,” which is exactly what happens halfway through “RRR.” Instead of feeling exhausted, viewers find themselves energized and actively rooting for these two characters having unapologetic fun at a party during the British Raj. A similar effect is achieved during the end-credits song, “Etthara Jenda,” which drives the overarching themes of “RRR” home in an exuberant fashion.
