15 Interesting Facts :-
-
Multilingual Masterpiece: “Baahubali” was simultaneously filmed in Telugu and Tamil, significantly increasing its production complexity.
-
Fictional Language: A brand-new language, “Kilikili”, was invented for the brutal Kalakeya tribe.
-
Waterfall Record: The majestic waterfall featured in the film is India’s highest, Athirappilly Falls in Kerala.
-
Massive Sets: Enormous, ornate sets for the kingdom of Mahishmati were built specifically for the film.
-
Heavyweight Armor: Actor Prabhas (Baahubali) had to wear armor weighing around 40 pounds for many scenes.
-
VFX Dominance: Over 90% of the film’s shots include some form of computer-generated enhancements.
-
International Collaboration: Visual effects studios from around the world were enlisted to achieve the film’s grand scale.
-
Epic Battle Sequence: The war sequence was meticulously planned for over a year before filming.
-
Bollywood Inspiration: Director S.S. Rajamouli drew influences from beloved Indian epics like the Mahabharata.
-
Stunt Dedication: Most of the high-risk stunts were performed by the lead actors themselves.
-
Animation Inspiration: The avalanche sequence was visually inspired by similar scenes in video games.
-
Box Office Champion: “Baahubali” shattered Indian box office records with its monumental success.
-
Global Recognition: The film gained significant international attention, elevating the recognition of Telugu cinema.
-
The Burning Question: The film’s central question “Why did Kattappa kill Baahubali?” became a pop-culture phenomenon
-
Sequel Success: The sequel, “Baahubali 2: The Conclusion” proved even more successful.
Behind the scenes stories.
Introduction
“Baahubali: The Beginning” wasn’t just a movie; it was a cinematic phenomenon that enthralled audiences and reshaped the possibilities of Indian filmmaking. Let’s go behind the lens and uncover the tales, trials, and incredible dedication that birthed this South Indian blockbuster.
The Vision of Director S.S. Rajamouli
Director S.S. Rajamouli’s ambitious vision fueled “Baahubali.” He wanted to create a mythological epic rooted in Indian storytelling traditions yet grand enough to impress global audiences. This involved painstaking research, innovative technology, and the relentless pursuit of a cinematic spectacle unlike any other.
Production Challenges and Solutions
- Scale: Recreate grand palaces, orchestrate massive battle sequences, and animate cascading waterfalls demanded a mammoth undertaking. The team built detailed sets, used thousands of extras, and relied heavily on cutting-edge VFX.
- Languages: Shooting simultaneously in Telugu and Tamil added layers of complexity to the communication and scheduling aspect of the project.
Accidents and Triumphs
With complex action sequences and intricate sets, the sets of “Baahubali” weren’t without some risk. Minor accidents occurred, but the cast and crew showcased a remarkable commitment to the filmmaking process. Witnessing their passion firsthand ignited a new surge of motivation in the entire team.
Anecdotes
- Prabhas’ Dedication: Prabhas, who portrayed Baahubali, dedicated years to the project, undergoing an intense physical transformation and weapons training.
- “Kilikili” Creation: The invention of the Kilikili language added authenticity to the ferocious Kalakeya tribe.
Released Date: July 10, 2015
Genre: Action, Historical Fantasy, Epic
Detailed Plot:
In the ancient kingdom of Mahishmati, an orphaned infant named Shivudu is rescued and raised by a tribe near a towering waterfall. Growing up, Shivudu displays extraordinary strength and an unwavering spirit. Driven by a mysterious yearning, he scales the waterfall, leading him on a journey to his past. It’s revealed that Shivudu is Mahendra Baahubali, the son of the kingdom’s late, heroic king, Amarendra Baahubali. Through flashbacks, Shivudu learns of his father’s valor, his tragic love story with the warrior princess Devasena, and the insidious betrayal by his trusted uncle, Kattappa. Shivudu embraces his father’s legacy and vows to reclaim the throne of Mahishmati.
Cast
- Prabhas as Mahendra Baahubali/Amarendra Baahubali
- Rana Daggubati as Bhallaladeva
- Anushka Shetty as Devasena
- Tamannaah Bhatia as Avanthika
- Ramya Krishnan as Sivagami
- Sathyaraj as Kattappa
- Nassar as Bijjaladeva
Crew
- Director: S.S. Rajamouli
- Writer: S.S Rajamouli (story), K. V. Vijayendra Prasad (screenplay)
- Producer: Shobu Yarlagadda, Prasad Devineni
- Cinematographer: K. K. Senthil Kumar
- Composer: M. M. Keeravani
Public Ratings
- IMDb: 8.0/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 86% (no audience score available)
Reviews
Critics largely hailed the film’s stunning visuals, thrilling action, engaging mythology-inspired story, and strong performances. A few found the runtime long or tonal shifts too abrupt.
Trivia
- The film boasted one of the highest budgets in Indian cinema at the time of its release.
- The “Baahubali” franchise inspired theme park attractions, comics, and animated series.
- Prabhas gained over 30 kg of muscle weight to portray the warrior Baahubali.
Notable Quotes
- “Before touching his sword, touch his feet” – Sivagami about Amarendra Baahubali
- “My word is my bond” – Amarendra Baahubali
- “Why did Kattappa kill Baahubali?” – This became the central, burning question driving the film’s success.
Budget and Box Office Collection
- Production Budget: Approximately 180 crore rupees (around $28 million USD at the time)
- Box Office Collection: Over 650 crore rupees worldwide (about $100 million USD).
Awards, Nominations, and Achievements
- National Film Award (India) – Best Feature Film, Best Special Effects
- Multiple wins at various Indian award ceremonies like the Filmfare Awards South and the IIFA Awards.
- Nominated for Saturn Awards (US) in the Best Fantasy Film category