Baahubali: The Epic Movie Review — A Legendary Tale of Power, Sacrifice & Legacy
An in-depth review of S.S. Rajamouli’s epic — plot, performances, cinematography, music, box-office and cultural legacy.
Language: Telugu (Multi-lingual releases)
Our Rating: 4.9/5
Introduction — The Rise of an Indian Epic
When Baahubali: The Beginning released in 2015, it was more than a film — it became a cultural event. Directed by S.S. Rajamouli, the movie demonstrated that Indian filmmakers could envision and execute a production on a truly grand scale, blending mythology, drama and spectacle in ways that resonated with audiences worldwide.
Baahubali redefined audience expectations and opened the doors for pan-Indian cinema; its success set a template for large-scale storytelling in India.
Plot Summary — A Kingdom, Betrayal & Destiny
The movie opens with the rescue of a baby prince by Sivagami (Ramya Krishnan). Raised as a commoner, the child grows up as Shivudu (Prabhas). Driven by curiosity and fate, Shivudu discovers the majestic kingdom of Mahishmati and learns of his lineage — he is the son of the noble king Amarendra Baahubali.
The story explores Amarendra’s rise, his noble rule, and the jealousy-fueled betrayal by his cousin Bhallaladeva (Rana Daggubati). The movie ends on a cliffhanger — the now-legendary question: “Why did Kattappa kill Baahubali?” — a mystery that kept audiences waiting for the sequel.
Core Themes: Power vs. morality, loyalty and betrayal, destiny, and the responsibilities of leadership.
Cast & Performances
The ensemble cast brought Rajamouli’s vision to life. Performances are larger-than-life yet rooted in emotion — each actor brings gravitas to their role:
| Actor | Role | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Prabhas | Amarendra / Shivudu | Powerful dual role: heroism & emotional depth |
| Rana Daggubati | Bhallaladeva | Charismatic, ruthless antagonist |
| Anushka Shetty | Devasena | Fierce, dignified & memorable |
| Sathyaraj | Kattappa | Loyalty & tragedy personified |
| Ramya Krishnan | Sivagami | Dominant, emotional, scene-stealer |
Direction & Screenplay — Rajamouli’s Vision
S.S. Rajamouli’s direction is the beating heart of the film. He balances mythic grandeur with intimate human drama, creating a world that feels both epic and relatable. The screenplay weaves multiple strands — intrigue, romance, politics, and war — into a coherent, emotionally powerful narrative.
His ability to stage massive set-pieces while maintaining character-driven moments is what elevates Baahubali above standard masala fare.
Cinematography & Visual Effects
Cinematographer K.K. Senthil Kumar and the visual effects teams created some of Indian cinema’s most iconic images — the towering waterfall, the sprawling Mahishmati palace, and the colossal battle sequences. VFX work, handled by multiple studios, is ambitious and largely convincing for its era.
- Vast, painterly frames with strong composition.
- CGI and practical sets blended to build an immersive world.
- War choreography and camera movement amplify the stakes.
Music & Score
Composer M.M. Keeravani delivers a soundtrack that matches the film’s epic ambitions. The songs are lyrical and memorable while the background score underlines emotional beats and action sequences with dramatic power.
Tracks like “Dheevara” and “Manohari” became cultural staples, and the score is essential in creating the film’s mythic tone.
Box Office & Cultural Impact
Released: 31 October 2025
Budget (approx): ₹180 Crore
Worldwide Collection (approx): ₹650+ Crore
Baahubali became a global sensation, inspiring filmmakers and audiences across India and abroad. It proved that regional cinema could successfully appeal to a national and international audience when combined with universal storytelling and scale.
Pros & Cons
- Visuals: Grand and iconic cinematography
- Performances: Powerful ensemble cast
- Music: Immersive and memorable score
- Direction: Ambitious and confident
- Pacing: Some scenes feel prolonged
- Dependence on Sequel: Major questions resolved only in the second film
Technical Ratings
| Story | 9 / 10 |
| Direction | 10 / 10 |
| Acting | 9.5 / 10 |
| Cinematography | 10 / 10 |
| Overall | 4.9 / 5 |
Final Verdict
Baahubali: The Beginning is more than a movie — it is an experience that reimagined Indian cinema’s potential. With visionary direction, powerful performances, and breathtaking visuals, the film remains a benchmark in epic storytelling.
Our Recommendation: Watch it on the big screen (or in the best available quality) — for the spectacle, the music, and the emotional journey.
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