S.S. Rajamouli Revives Baahubali with New Four-Hour Epic

Filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli is set to reintroduce audiences to his acclaimed Baahubali saga with a new edit titled Baahubali: The Epic, which combines the two original films into a single, streamlined four-hour experience. This re-release coincides with the tenth anniversary of Baahubali: The Beginning and aims to attract fans who missed the films during their initial theatrical runs.

Rajamouli’s latest project is not merely a reissue; it serves as a foundation for the future of the Baahubali universe. The director expressed a desire to create a version that resonates with those who have yet to experience the epic narrative in cinemas. “I wasn’t OK with trimming anything,” Rajamouli stated in an interview with Polygon. “But I have to tell a story. What exactly are the scenes where the story’s happening?”

In crafting this new iteration, Rajamouli made tough decisions regarding content. While he retained much of the original material, he chose to cut certain romantic subplots and musical numbers deemed non-essential to the main storyline. The result is a more action-oriented rendition of the beloved films, heightening the dramatic elements that fans have come to appreciate.

Enhancing the Experience

Despite the changes, Rajamouli has refrained from overhauling significant components of the original works. He has instead focused on improving the film’s pacing and updating some visual effects. “Not largely noticeable,” he remarked, “more subtle” adjustments are made for attentive viewers who have watched the originals multiple times.

Rajamouli views the Baahubali series as more than just two films, describing it as an expansive universe. “We just didn’t create Baahubali, the film. We created a world of Baahubali,” he emphasized, indicating his intention to continue expanding this narrative landscape. The franchise has already shattered box office records in India, suggesting a robust fanbase eager for more content.

When discussing previous critiques of the films, Rajamouli maintained a dismissive stance towards interpretations that seek to unearth political or ideological meanings behind his work. He acknowledged feedback regarding technical aspects, such as the color grading of Baahubali: The Beginning, but expressed indifference toward more speculative analyses. “There are two kinds of criticism,” he pointed out, preferring to focus on constructive feedback over conjecture.

Future Endeavors in the Baahubali Universe

The release of Baahubali: The Epic also serves as a precursor to Rajamouli’s upcoming project, a 3D CG animated sequel titled Baahubali: The Eternal War. This new venture will be distinct from the previously shelved series intended for Netflix and the current animated series available on Hotstar. “We are coming with a proper movie,” Rajamouli confirmed, reiterating his commitment to exploring the rich mythology and emotional depth of the Baahubali narrative.

Currently, Rajamouli is working on a film with notable actors Priyanka Chopra and Mahesh Babu under the working title GEN 63. He emphasized the importance of focusing on one project at a time, especially in light of the global success of his previous film, RRR. While he acknowledges interest from Hollywood studios, his dedication remains firmly rooted in completing his current projects before embarking on new ventures.

Fans can look forward to experiencing Baahubali: The Epic in theaters starting October 31, 2023, as Rajamouli continues to innovate within this beloved cinematic universe.