Story

There is a kingdom called Mahismathi on the top of tall mountains. Sivagami (Ramya Krishna) - the queen who carries the baby Mahendra Baahubali drowns in the river at foothills of mountain as the tribal villagers rescue the baby boy. A kind lady (Rohini) names him as Sivudu (Prabhas) and brings him up. His ambition has always been to climb up the mountains. Rest of the story is all about what prompts him to climb the mountains up and the connection he finds in Mahismathi kingdom!

Artists Performance

Actors: Prabhas is manly as Sivudu and looks royal as Baahubali. It’s a rare opportunity for any actor to do a lead role in films like Baahubali and Prabhas does complete justice for two characters with his talent and relentless hard work. Rana Daggubati makes sure that his towering presence intimidates in positive way. He is very good as the villain. Anushka is shocking (in a good way) as prisoner. It’s a different role for Tamanna. The revelation (for me) in the entire film is Satyaraj. The way his character is designed and his looks will reintroduce Satyaraj to us. Ramya Krishna who has shown her mettle with Neelambari character in Narasimha (Padayappa) comes up with another magnificent performance as queen. Prabhakar is menacing (thanks to wonderful make-up). Nassar is good as a bad man with disability. Adivi Sesh played a limited role. Rohini is emphatic as foster mother of hero. Sudeep Kicha is graceful in the guest role of Aslam Khan who elevates the character of Kattappa. The guy who did the leader of rebels is impactful. Director SS Rajamouli has done a fun cameo appearance.

Technical departments

Story - screenplay - direction: Story of the film offers no novelty. Screenplay is predictable. Characterizations are exciting. SS Rajamouli whose strength has always been heroism elevation and commercial elements has made sure that there are many scenes where fans get exhilarated. More than 50% of the movie has action sequences. The story is narrated from different points of view. Rajamouli has used the budget, canvas and technicians effectively bring a visually rich film. There are a few scenes that impresses you extremely well (Sivudu carrying Lord Shiva Lingam, introduction of Kattappa, introduction of Bhallaladeva, Introduction of Deva Sena, Introduction of Sivagami (justice to two kids episode), Introduction of Mahismathi, scene where Kattappa recognizes Baahubali, scene where Sivagami decides who the king is, the killing scene that comes before interval). The way Mahishmati is unveiled and the war/action episodes have Hollywood flavor in them. The strategies and formations in war are effectively shown. The rotating blades in front of Bhallaladeva’s chariot doesn’t look apt for a folklore Telugu film. Rajamouli who completely understands technology has made sure that the movie is visually and technically at it’s best. However, the emotional connect should have been stronger. His choice of making this movie in two parts instead of one whole movie is debatable in the context of contentment given to audiences who come out watching theaters (discussed at length in analysis section)

Other departments: Cinematography by Senthil is excellent. The visuals are ably supported by world-classic graphics. Background music by MM Keeravani is an asset. Art direction (production design) by Sabu Cyril is spectacular. The design of Mahismathi and surrealistic aspect of tribal area offers audiences a fresh canvas. Costumes by Rama Rajamouli and Prasanthi completely different from what we have seen in earlier folklore Telugu films (at the same time they go well with story/theme). Editing by Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao is good. Dialogues are okay. Action choreography by Peter Hein is excellent. It’s a physically taxing and daunting task to compose and execute such action sequences. Production values by Arka Media (Shobu Yarlagadda and Prasad Devineni) are outstanding. They have done a great favor to Telugu film industry by entrusting a visionary director like Rajamouli with such a marvellous budget.

Analysis: Ever wondered how you feel when somebody tells you during the interval to come back after 6 months to watch second half of the film. There are unfinished threads, unrevealed suspense and a greatest revenge to be taken. Though the film is good, just because film is ended without any completeness/roundness to it, it gave me a strange and incomplete feeling when I walked out of the theater. Greatest classics were told in 3 hour duration, but why can’t Baahubali be made as one film? splitting one film into two (splitting both timelines as well) is not something which we are used to. It’s a bold experiment in Telugu/Indian films. Plus points of the film are outstanding technical glitz, great characterizations, amazing sets and adrenaline-rushing action sequences. On the flipside, emotional connect is not strong enough (partly because movie is split into two parts). Baahubali is an attempt to up the ante and take Telugu movies to a higher level. Please watch it!