Baahubali: The Beginning, also presented as Bāhubali: The Beginning (English: Exceedingly powerful) is a 2015 Indian bilingual epic historical fiction film directed by S. S. Rajamouli.[9][10] Produced by Shobu Yarlagadda and Prasad Devineni, it is the first of two cinematic parts.[11] The film was simultaneously made in Telugu and Tamil and dubbed into Hindi, Malayalam and French languages. Baahubali: The Beginning features an ensemble cast of Prabhas, Rana, Tamannaah and Anushka Shetty in lead roles. Ramya Krishnan, Sathyaraj, Nassar, Adivi Sesh, Tanikella Bharani and Sudeep appear in supporting roles.[12]
Baahubali: The Beginning was released worldwide on 10 July 2015 to positive reviews from critics, and it recorded the highest-grossing opening for an Indian film at the box-office. Baahubali became the first non-Hindi film to nett. gross over ₹100 crore (US$16 million) in dubbed Hindi version in India.[13] It is the fourth highest grossing Indian film of all time.[14][15][16] It is also the first Telugu, South Indian and first non-Hindi film to gross over ₹500 crore (US$78 million) worldwide.[16][17]
Baahubali: The Beginning is the most expensive production in the history of Indian cinema to date.[18] The film was shot using Arri Alexa XT camera, marking Rajamouli's first film to use digital cameras; the principal photography began at Rock Gardens in Kurnool on 6 July 2013. Sabu Cyril was the production designer for the film, the soundtrack and background score for the film was composed by M. M. Keeravani, and V. Srinivas Mohan was the visual effects supervisor.
Plot
In the ancient Kingdom of Mahishmati in India, Sivagami (Ramya Krishnan), carrying a baby in her arms, emerges from a cave directly next to a waterfall. She is being chased by soldiers. She kills the soldiers but falls into the river nearby. Knowing that she can't be saved, she makes the ultimate sacrifice, her own life, to save the baby. She holds her hand and the child above water, while she drowns herself. Local villagers spot the stranded child and save the infant while Sivagami dies with her finger pointing to the top of the waterfall. Sanga (Rohini) and her husband name the infant Shivudu and raise him as their own son. To prevent anyone from coming for the baby, they seal the cave with a large rock.Shivudu (Prabhas) grows up aspiring to climb the waterfall which irks his mother as she does not want to lose her son. He attempts again and again to climb the massive waterfall but fails. Seeing that his son isn't going to stop climbing she asks Swamiji (Tanikella Bharani) for a solution. He tells her that she has to pour water on Shivling 116 times and only then will Lord Shiva answer her prayers. When Shivudu finds out about it, he picks Shivling on his shoulders and puts it below the waterfall. From the top of the falls, a mask falls in to the lap of Shivudu. After pressing the mask into the dirt, he creates an imprint of the person whom the mask belongs to, a beautiful girl. He tries again to climb the waterfall and seeing visions of the girl whom the mask belongs to, succeeds.
On top of the waterfall, Shivudu, now called Shiva, discovers that the mask belongs to Avanthika (Tamannaah), a rebellious warrior whose group has indulged in a guerrilla warfare against king Bhallala Deva / Palvaalthevan (Rana Daggubati) of Mahishmati Kingdom. The group intends to rescue former queen Devasena (Anushka Shetty) who is the real mother of Shiva and she has been imprisoned by the king for the past 25 years.
While Avanthika initially doubts Shiva's intentions, later she falls in love with him after she finds out that he has climbed the waterfall for her. Shiva pledges to help her in her mission and sneaks into Mahishmati to rescue Devasena. Meanwhile, the king's Royal Guard Kattappa (Sathyaraj), known for his warrior abilities, is making arrangements to erect a large statue of the King. Impressed by Katappa's skills, a warrior (Sudeep) from a Kingdom in the Eastern region, offers his friendship to Kattappa (this scene takes place earlier). On the other hand, Kattappa and his group, attack Shiva upon the order of the King. After Shiva beheads Bhadra (Bhallala Deva's son), Kattappa drops his weapons on realizing that Shiva is Mahendra Baahubali, the son of late king Amarendra Baahubali. Shiva's adoptive family travel through the cave to join the others and witness his ascension.
A flashback reveals the animosity between cousins Amarendra Baahubali and Bhallala Deva / Palvaalthevan, whose father is Bijjala Deva / Pingaladevan (Nassar). They are both trained in all areas including warfare but both of them have different approach towards kingship. Amarendra Baahubali is liberal to everyone and loves his public and so the public love him but Bhallala Deva has tendency to achieve his goals with any means possible. When a war is waged by another Kingdom, they both are guided by Shivagami that whoever brings the head of the enemy Ruler will be rewarded as the New King.
While Amarendra Baahubali uses his skill, cunning and ability to crush the enemy by motivating his troops against the stronger Army, on the other side Bhallala Deva uses all the resources of the Army, killing innocent people as well as the enemy, to win the war. In the end, when Baahubali is on the verge of killing the Enemy Chief, Bhallala Deva kills the Enemy Chief with his ranged weapon, thus taking all the credit of winning the war.
But Shivagami, who is wise, announces Amarendra Baahubali as the new king because of his nobility and leadership in the war. Kattappa and the others worship him as the king. After the flashback, when Shiva asks Kattappa who killed his father, Kattappa reveals himself as the killer.
Cast
- Prabhas as Shivudu alias Mahendra Baahubali and Amarendra Baahubali
- Rana Daggubati as Bhallala Deva (Paalvalthevan in the Tamil version)
- Anushka Shetty as Maharani Devasena
- Tamannaah as Avanthika
- Ramya Krishnan as Sivagami
- Sathyaraj as Karikal Katappa Nadar alias Katappa
- Nassar as Bijjaladeva (Pingaladevan in the Tamil version)
- Rohini as Sanga
- Tanikella Bharani as Swamiji
- Adivi Sesh as Bhadra
- Prabhakar as Kalakeya king
- Sudeep (cameo) as Aslam Khan
- S. S. Rajamouli (cameo) as spirit seller
- Nora Fatehi (cameo) as dancer in Green blouse[19][19][20]
- Scarlett Mellish Wilson (cameo) as dancer in Orange blouse[21][22]
- Gabriela Bertante (cameo) as dancer in Grey blouse
- Rakesh Varre as Bhallaladeva's friend
- Teja Kakumanu as Sakethudu
- Charandeep Surneni as Kalakeya King Brother
Production
Main article: Production of Baahubali
Baahubali: The Beginning was made in Tollywood ,the Hyderabad-based Telugu language movie industry and is touted to be the most expensive film in India till date. [23] In February 2011, S. S. Rajamouli announced that he would star Prabhas in his upcoming film, the actual film production started at Rock Gardens in Kurnool on 6 July 2013 and later moved to Hyderabad in Ramoji Film City where most of the shooting took place. [24][25]. The film was shot for 733 days using Arri Alexa XT camera marking Rajamouli's first film using digital camera for principal photography .[26][27] The screen writer of the film, K. V. Vijayendra Prasad who happens to be the father of S. S. Rajamouli
penned the story for this film. One year of preproduction work went
into the film which is highest for any Indian film till date.[28]
Almost 90% of the film required VFX work, with the live-action shooting
augmented and for post expansion of shots. 600 artists executed the VFX
part from 18 facilities around the world, led by Makuta VFX and Firefly in Hyderabad, Prasad Studios in Hyderabad and Chennai, Annapurna Studios in Hyderabad, Tau Films in Malaysia, and Dancing Digital Animation and Macrograph in South Korea. [29] Sabu Cyril is the production designer, while V. Srinivas Mohan is the visual effects supervisor of the film.[30][31]The
cinematography of the movie was done by KK Senthil Kumar, while
Kotagiri Venkateshwara Rao took care of editing. PM Satheesh did the
sound design and Peter Hein handled stunt sequences for the movie. The
costume designer of the movie happens to be S. S. Rajamouli's wife Rama Rajamouli. [32]Music
Main article: Baahubali: The Beginning (soundtrack)
Rajamouli's cousin M. M. Keeravani composed the music for this film.[33]Release
The film released on 10 July 2015 in 4,000 screens worldwide in Telugu, Tamil, Hindi and Malayalam languages. A premier show was also held on 9 July.[34] In Kerala, only a few theatres screened the film on the opening day amidst a close down by a section of theatres over the piracy issue of Malayalm film Premam.[35] The film will have a special international cut version by Vincent Tabaillon before being screened in numerous international festivals, shown to sales agents and distributors and a wider global release. According to the film's producers the cut will differ from the original film. The cut should be ready by the end of August 2015.[36] The Telugu version is presented by K. Raghavendra Rao, while K.E. Gnanavel Raja and UV Creations present the Tamil theatrical version, Karan Johar is presenting the Hindi theatrical version and Global United Media is presenting the Malayalam theatrical version. Baahubali was also criticized by few for being sexist in the pre-love making scene between Avanthika(Tamannaah) and Baahubali(Prabhas).[37][38][39][clarification needed]Marketing
A number of short promotional "making of" videos have been released.[40][41][42][43] For releasing all those videos, Arka Media Works had its own channel on YouTube and the team unveiled first look posters and videos featuring the film's lead stars on the occasions of their birthdays.[44] The film used an augmented reality application to play the trailer on smart phones and tablets.[45] The crown used by the character of Baahubali in the film was exhibited at Comic Con, Hyderabad as a part of the film's promotion. A cosplay event was held in which chosen winners were given a chance to visit the sets of the film.[46] The film's unit also launched a WhatsApp messenger to give regular updates about the film to the subscribers.[47] On 22 July 2015, Guinness World Records approved the poster created during the audio launch of Baahubali in Kochi on 27 June 2015 as the world's largest poster.[48][49] The poster has an area of 4,793.65 m² (51,598.21 ft²) and it was achieved by Global United Media Company Pvt Ltd.[50]It is also one of the films featured in BBC's documentary on 100 Years of Indian cinema directed by Sanjeev Bhaskar.[51][52][53]
Distribution
In early July 2014, the film first part's Karnataka and Ceded (Rayalaseema) region distribution rights were sold to a prominent distributor for ₹23 crore (US$3.6 million) out of which the Ceded region, which included Kadapa, Kurnool, Anantapur, Chittoor and Bellary areas, the rights alone fetched ₹14 crore (US$2.2 million)[54][55] At the same time, the film's Nizam region theatrical distribution rights were purchased by Dil Raju for an amount of ₹25 crore (US$3.9 million). only for the first part.[56][57] Though he did not confirm the price, Dil Raju said in an interview to Deccan Chronicle that he purchased the first part's Nizam region rights and added that he would acquire the rights of the second part also for this region.[58] BlueSky Cinemas, Inc. acquired the theatrical screening and distribution rights in overseas.[59][60][61]Critical reception
The film received generally positive reviews from critics. Lisa Tsering based of The Hollywood Reporter wrote, "The story has been told many times before — a child is born destined for greatness and as a man vanquishes the forces of evil — but in the confident hands of accomplished South Indian director S.S. Rajamouli the tale gets potent new life in Bahubali: The Beginning."[62] Allan Hunter, writing for Screen Daily noted that "The broad brushstrokes storytelling and the director’s over-fondness for slow-motion sequences are among the film’s failings but this is still a rousing film, easily accessible epic. There’s rarely a dull moment in Baahubali: The Beginning, part one of a gung-ho, crowd-pleasing Telugu-language epic that has been shattering box-office records throughout India."[63] Mike McCahill of The Guardian rated the film four stars out of five, praising the film, "Rajamouli defers on the latter for now, but his skilful choreography of these elements shucks off any cynicism one might carry into Screen 1: wide-eyed and wondrous, his film could be a blockbuster reboot, or the first blockbuster ever made, a reinvigoration of archetypes that is always entertaining, and often thrilling, to behold."[64] Suprateek Chatterjee of The Huffington Post wrote, "However, all said and done, Baahubali: The Beginning is a remarkable achievement. What Rajamouli has pulled off here, despite its flaws, is nothing short of a miracle, especially when you take into account India's notoriously risk-averse filmmaking environment and when the film ends on a tantalising cliffhanger (paving the way forBaahubali: The Conclusion, due to release next year), one can't help but applaud his singularly brave vision. As the cliché goes, a journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step, but it doesn't really matter if that first step is shaky as long as it lands firmly and confidently."[65]Deepanjana Pal of Firstpost wrote, "This battle is Rajamouli's tour de force. It's elaborate, well-choreographed and has some breathtaking moments. Prabhas and Dagubatti are both in their elements as the warriors who approach warfare in two distinctive styles. The outcome of the battle is no surprise, but there are enough clever tactics and twists to keep the audience hooked. The biggest surprise, however, lies in the film's final shot, which gives you a glimpse into the sequel that will come out next year. And it's good enough to make you wish 2016 was here already."[66] Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV India rated the film with three stars out of five and stated, "The spectacular universe that the film conjures up is filled with magic, but the larger-than-life characters that populate its extraordinary expanse do not belong to any known mythic landscape. To that extent, Baahubali, driven by the titular superhero who pulls off mind-boggling feats both in love and in war, throws up many a surprise that isn't altogether meaningless."[67] Shubhra Gupta of The Indian Express praised the film: "Right from its opening frames, 'Baahubali' holds out many promises: of adventure and romance, love and betrayal, valour and weakness. And it delivers magnificently on each of them. This is full-tilt ,fully-assured filmmaking of a very high order. 'Baahubali' is simply spectacular."[68] IN her review for The Hindu, Sangeetha Devi Dundoo wrote, "The war formations that form a chunk of the latter portions of the film are the best we've seen in Indian cinema so far. These portions are spectacular and show the technical finesse of the cinematographer (K.K. Senthil Kumar) and the visual effects teams. The waterfall, the mystical forests and water bodies above the cliffs and the lead pair escaping an avalanche all add to the spectacle. Give into its magic, without drawing comparisons to Hollywood flicks."[69]
Sukanya Varma of Rediff gave the film four out of five stars, calling it 'mega, ingenious and envelope pushing!'.[70] Critic Archita Kashyap based at Koimoi also gave the same ratings, "Be it the war sequences, or sword fighting; or a visual spectacle, or pure entertainment it is worth a watch. Kudos to the dedication of S S Rajamouli and his leading men, Prabhas & Rana, for spending years putting this film together. Actually, in it’s imagination & Indianness, Baahubali might just be a whole new start."[71] Rachit Gupta of Filmfare gave the film four stars (out of 5) and summarized, "Baahubali is truly an epic experience. Had the story not been so jaded, this would've gone into the history books as an all-time classic. But that's not the case. It has its set of storytelling flaws, but even those are overshadowed by Rajamouli's ideas and execution. This is definitely worthy of being India's most expensive film. It's a definite movie watching experience."[72] Suparna Sharma of Deccan Chronicle praised the second half of the film, writing, "Rajamouli has reserved all the grander and grandstanding for later, after interval. That’s when the film stands up and begins to strut like an epic."[73] Suhani Singh of India Today pointed out that the film is best enjoyed keeping logic at bay. She added, "SS Rajamouli and his team put up a fascinating wild, wild east adventure. It takes pluck to conceive a world like the one seen in Baahubali and to pull it off on a level which is on par with the international standards. The almost 45-minute long battle sequence at the end is not just one of the biggest climaxes, but also the action spectacle rarely seen in Indian cinema. And if Rajamouli can present another one like that in part 2, then he is on course to register his name in cinema's history books. We can't wait to revisit Mahishmati kingdom."[74] Critical reception penned by Shubha Shetty Saha for Mid Day rates the film with four stars out of film, exclaiming, "While watching 'Baahubali', you might have to periodically pick up your jaw off the floor. Because this is not merely a movie, it is an unbelievably thrilling fantasy ride." The review extends praising the aspects, "It is to the director's credit that every aspect of the film -- action, mind-boggling set design and choreography -- lives up to this epic film of gigantic scale. The choreography in the song that has Shiva disrobing Avantika to get her in touch with her feminine side, is an absolute gem."[75]
Box office
| Territory | Territory wise Collections break-up |
|---|---|
| India | All versions Nett. Gross: ₹260 crore (US$41 million)(10 days)[76] |
| Hindi version Nett. Gross: ₹100 crore (US$16 million)[13][77][78] |
|
| International (Outside India) |
US$6,738,000 (United States-Canada)[79] |
| Worldwide(23 days) | ₹500 crore (US$78 million)[16][8] |
India
Baahubali: The Beginning opened to 100 percent occupancy in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and close to 70 percent occupancy in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka.[81][85][86][87][88][89] It grossed around ₹50 crore (US$7.8 million) on its first day of release in India from all four versions (Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and Hindi).[90] The Hindi version earned around ₹4.25 crore (US$660,000) nett which was the second highest opening for any film dubbed into Hindi.[91] The Hindi version grossed around ₹19.50 crore (US$3.0 million) nett in the first weekend.[92]The Telugu version alone earned around ₹65 crore (US$10 million) nett in first weekend in India. The film, from all its versions, earned almost ₹100 crore (US$16 million) nett in its first weekend. It had the fourth biggest opening weekend ever in India.[92] The Hindi version collected around ₹40 crore (US$6.2 million) nett in it's first week.[93]
Baahubali: The Beginning grossed more than ₹178 crore (US$28 million) nett from all its versions in India in the first week. It added a further ₹45 crore (US$7.0 million) nett in its second weekend to take its total to around ₹224 crore (US$35 million) nett in ten days.[94] The Hindi version grossed over ₹40 crore (US$6.2 million) nett in the Mumbai circuit.[77] Baahubali grossed over ₹100 crore (US$16 million) nett in 24 days from the Hindi version.[13][77][95][96]
Overseas
The film collected around ₹20 crore (US$3.1 million) in its first day from the international markets.[85] In the United States and Canada, it earned US$1.2 million in its opening day from 236 theaters (170 of which were shown in Telugu).[97] Baahubali: The Beginning grossed around US$6.4 million (₹41 crore) at the North American box-office towards its second weekend.[98][99]The film opened on the ninth spot for its weekend, collecting around US$3.5 million with a per-screen average of $15,148.[100] The film debuted in the ninth position for the US and Canadian box office collecting $4,630,000 for three days and $3,250,000 for the weekend of 10–12 July 2015 [101] Baahubali: The Beginning grossed £66,659 from its Telugu version in United Kingdom and Ireland and A$194,405 from its Tamil version in Australia in till its second weekend (17 – 19 July 2015). The film also grossed MYR 663,869 in Malaysia from its Tamil version.[102]
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