S. S. Rajamouli is India’s most successful filmmaker and the director who took Telugu cinema to the world. He has never had a flop, and his films Baahubali: The Beginning, Baahubali 2: The Conclusion and RRR broke box-office records and drew global attention.
RRR’s song ‘Naatu Naatu’ won the Academy Award and the Golden Globe for Best Original Song. Rajamouli is now directing Varanasi, a globetrotting adventure starring Mahesh Babu, scheduled for release on 7 April 2027.
S. S. Rajamouli Quick Facts
| Full Name | Koduri Srisaila Sri Rajamouli |
| Profession | Film Director, Screenwriter |
| Date of Birth | 10 October 1973 |
| Age | 52 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Raichur district, Karnataka, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Years Active | 2001–present (films) |
| Directorial Debut | Student No: 1 (2001) |
| Known For | Magadheera, Eega, Baahubali, RRR |
| Father | V. Vijayendra Prasad (screenwriter) |
| Spouse | Rama Rajamouli (m. 2001) |
| Children | Karthikeya, Mayookha |
| Cousin | M. M. Keeravani (composer) |
| Honours | Padma Shri (2016) |
S. S. Rajamouli Career in Numbers
Here is a look at Rajamouli’s career in numbers.
| Milestone | Details |
|---|---|
| Films Directed | 12 (plus Varanasi upcoming) |
| Flops | None |
| National Film Awards | 4 |
| Biggest Hit | Baahubali 2: The Conclusion |
| Global Honours | Oscar and Golden Globe for RRR’s ‘Naatu Naatu’ |
Early Life and Family
Rajamouli was born on 10 October 1973 in a village in present-day Raichur district, Karnataka, to screenwriter V. Vijayendra Prasad and Raja Nandini. His family moved to Andhra Pradesh, and he grew up immersed in stories, comics and the epics.
He began as an assistant to editor A. Sreekar Prasad and directed Telugu television serials, including Santhi Nivasam, before making his first film.
S. S. Rajamouli Career Journey
Debut and Early Hits (2001–2007)
Rajamouli debuted with Student No: 1 (2001) starring Jr NTR. Simhadri (2003), Sye (2004), Chatrapathi (2005), Vikramarkudu (2006) and Yamadonga (2007) were all hits and made him one of Telugu cinema’s most reliable directors.
Magadheera and Eega (2009–2012)
Magadheera (2009), a reincarnation epic with Ram Charan, became the highest-grossing Telugu film at the time. After the comedy Maryada Ramanna, he made Eega (2012), a revenge story told from the point of view of a housefly, which won National Film Awards and global praise.
Baahubali (2015–2017)
Baahubali: The Beginning (2015) and Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (2017), starring Prabhas, changed Indian cinema. The second part became one of the highest-grossing Indian films ever and proved that a Telugu film could dominate across India.
RRR and Global Fame (2022–Present)
RRR (2022), starring Jr NTR and Ram Charan, became a worldwide phenomenon. Its song ‘Naatu Naatu’ won the Golden Globe and the Academy Award for Best Original Song. His next film, Varanasi, starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran, releases on 7 April 2027.
S. S. Rajamouli Films Directed: Complete Filmography
Below is the complete list of films directed by S. S. Rajamouli.
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Student No: 1 | Director | Debut; starring Jr NTR |
| 2003 | Simhadri | Director | Blockbuster with Jr NTR |
| 2004 | Sye | Director | Rugby-themed drama |
| 2005 | Chatrapathi | Director | With Prabhas |
| 2006 | Vikramarkudu | Director | With Ravi Teja |
| 2007 | Yamadonga | Director | Fantasy with Jr NTR |
| 2009 | Magadheera | Director | Record-breaking hit with Ram Charan |
| 2010 | Maryada Ramanna | Director | Comedy |
| 2012 | Eega | Director | National Film Awards; global acclaim |
| 2015 | Baahubali: The Beginning | Director | National Film Award for Best Feature Film |
| 2017 | Baahubali 2: The Conclusion | Director | One of India’s highest-grossing films |
| 2022 | RRR | Director | Oscar-winning song ‘Naatu Naatu’ |
| 2027 | Varanasi | Director | With Mahesh Babu; releasing 7 April 2027 |
S. S. Rajamouli Awards and Achievements
| Year | Award | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | National Film Award for Best Feature Film | Baahubali: The Beginning |
| 2016 | Padma Shri | India’s fourth-highest civilian honour |
| Career | 4 National Film Awards | Including for Eega, Baahubali and RRR |
| 2023 | Golden Globe and Academy Award for Best Original Song | For RRR’s ‘Naatu Naatu’ (composer M. M. Keeravani, lyricist Chandrabose) |
| Career | Filmfare Awards for Best Director – Telugu | Multiple wins |
S. S. Rajamouli Personal Life
Rajamouli married Rama, a costume designer who works on his films, in 2001. Their son Karthikeya works in production on his films, and they also have a daughter, Mayookha.
Film is a family affair for him: his father writes his stories, his cousin M. M. Keeravani composes his music, and several relatives work on his crew.
S. S. Rajamouli Net Worth
Rajamouli earns from directing fees and profit-sharing on his films, which have been among the most successful in Indian history.
Estimated Net Worth: Approximately ₹150 crore.
Net worth figures are estimates based on publicly reported information, including entertainment industry reports and media estimates. These are not audited financial statements and may not account for liabilities, family holdings or changes in asset values.
Lesser-Known Facts About S. S. Rajamouli
- He has never directed a box-office failure.
- He began his career directing Telugu TV serials.
- Eega was told from the point of view of a housefly.
- His father V. Vijayendra Prasad also wrote Bajrangi Bhaijaan.
- He is a big fan of Amar Chitra Katha comics, which inspired his storytelling.
Legacy and Impact
S. S. Rajamouli changed what Indian audiences and global viewers expect from Indian cinema. Baahubali and RRR opened the door for South Indian films across India and the world.
Frequently Asked Questions About S. S. Rajamouli
How old is S. S. Rajamouli?
Rajamouli was born on 10 October 1973, making him 52 years old as of early October 2026.
What is Rajamouli’s next movie?
His next film is Varanasi, starring Mahesh Babu, scheduled for 7 April 2027.
Did RRR win an Oscar?
Yes. RRR’s song ‘Naatu Naatu’ won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2023.
Has Rajamouli ever had a flop?
No. All of his films so far have been commercially successful.
What is S. S. Rajamouli’s net worth?
His net worth is estimated at approximately ₹150 crore, based on publicly reported information.
Final Summary
From television serials to an Oscar-winning blockbuster, S. S. Rajamouli has become the face of Indian cinema’s global rise. Varanasi is one of the most anticipated Indian films ever.