Why Can’t Directors Follow Rajamouli’s Block & Shoot Method?

SS Rajamouli is known for his detailed approach to filmmaking. Not many know that one practice often associated with his working style is Block and Shoot, where the scene is thoroughly planned and blocked before the actual shoot begins.

This helps the team understand the camera positions, performances, and technical requirements in advance. During one of our Gulte interviews with producer Shobu Yarlagadda and Karthikeya, we asked them, if Rajamouli follows this method, what is stopping other filmmakers from doing the same?

Shobu Yarlagadda gave a very straightforward answer. He simply replied, “Script. First, we need to have a script to do all those. If you pen the script on location and make changes, all this will not be possible”.

If you observe, his answer highlights that the detailed blocking process becomes easier when the director and team have a clear understanding of the entire scene which comes only when the bound script is ready.

Rajamouli’s films are known for extensive preparation, and his making often involves spending considerable time on planning before cameras roll. The same has been followed for months in films like RRR and now Varanasi.

Shobu’s response also suggests that the difference is not simply about choosing a particular shooting style. It starts much earlier, with the writing, preparation, and clarity of the script, which many new-age directors in today’s time ignore.