Ten years after its initial release, SS Rajamouli's epic action film, Baahubali: The Beginning, continues to resonate with audiences and critics alike, solidifying its place as a landmark film in Indian cinema. Released on July 10, 2015, the film not only broke box office records but also redefined Indian filmmaking with its grand storytelling and visual effects. The film's success paved the way for pan-Indian films and elevated the careers of its cast and crew to new heights.
As the film celebrates its 10th anniversary, director SS Rajamouli has announced that Baahubali: The Beginning and its sequel, Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, will be re-released as one combined film titled Baahubali: The Epic. The film is slated to hit theaters worldwide on October 31, 2025, in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Hindi.
Rajamouli has often spoken about his cast, including Tamannaah Bhatia, who played the role of Avanthika. He has consistently praised her contribution to the film, acknowledging her talent and dedication. Rajamouli once said, "Working for the first time with Tamannaah. (I was) very impressed with her grasping and performance. She's a value addition to Baahubali". He appreciated her ability to bring strength and elegance to the character, seamlessly blending fierce warrior skills with graceful beauty.
Tamannaah herself has expressed her gratitude for being a part of the Baahubali franchise and for the opportunity to work with Rajamouli. She fondly recalls how Rajamouli personally taught her how to use a bow and arrow and wield a sword for her role as Avanthika, as she had no prior experience with weaponry. She had joined the Baahubali set immediately after another shoot and had little time to prepare. Rajamouli's hands-on approach and meticulous attention to detail impressed her, as he rehearsed every scene himself before the actors performed it.
Baahubali: The Beginning follows Sivudu, an adventurous young man, who assists his love, Avantika, in rescuing Devasena, the former queen of Mahishmati, who is imprisoned by the tyrannical King Bhallaladeva. The film features Prabhas in a dual role, alongside Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty, Tamannaah Bhatia, Ramya Krishnan, Sathyaraj, and Nassar.
The movie was produced in the Telugu film industry and filmed in both Telugu and Tamil languages. The film’s story was written by Rajamouli's father, V. Vijayendra Prasad, who told him stories about Sivagami and Kattappa, which intrigued Rajamouli.
The film's success can be attributed to its compelling storyline, stunning visuals, and the iconic question, "Why did Kattappa kill Baahubali?". The film won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film, becoming the first Telugu film to win the award. It also won the National Award for Best Special Effects.
Looking back, Rajamouli shared that the vision for Baahubali began with the character of Sivagami. In an interview in 2015, he recounted how his father described the character and the emotional scene where Sivagami saves a child. Later, the characters of Kattappa and Bhallala Deva were added, eventually leading to the epic story.
The re-release of Baahubali: The Epic is not just a celebration of the film's 10th anniversary but also a chance for audiences to relive the magic of this cinematic masterpiece on the big screen. The film's impact on Indian cinema is undeniable, and its legacy continues to inspire filmmakers and captivate audiences worldwide.
