Cast: Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty, Tamannaah Bhatia Sathyaraj, Ramya Krishnan, Nassar
Director: SS Rajamouli
Rating: ***1/2
Baahubali's first image might not be able to narrate the true essence of the movie, you might consider the movie like a typical regional movie, however, 'Bahubali' is nothing that you imagine! SS Rajamouli has convincingly given a whole new definition to the Regional Cinema.
The larger than life sets, the magnificent war scenes, the hunky dory heroes of the movie, all together makes the 'Bahubali' worthwhile.
The film is about a young lad Shivudu (Prabhas) who belongs to the royal family of Mahishmati, but under certain circumstances, he is raised by a tribal family. He comes across a girl Avantika (Tamannaah Bhatia) who is a part of a different tribe. Avantika is a warrior and she has no room for love. Her motive in life is to bring back, the queen, Devasena (Anushka Shetty) back from the Bhallala Deva (Rana Daggubati) who is a tyrant and presently ruling Mahishmati kingdom.
SS Rajamouli's work of imagination and the remarkable work at the screenplay along with Rahul Koda, Madhan Karky and Vijayendra Prasad is overwhelming.
The movie post interval takes a new high. The flashback narrated by Kattappa (Sathyaraj) is explicit. While you are watching the movie you might get a feel of Ramayana or other epic sagas, but in comparison to that, Rajamouli has outright conquered the stage.
The audience would be amazed by the imaginary world, which, of course, was created by VFX effects was mesmerizing. The part snow, part green, the enormous wars everything acts as a doorway to Rajamouli's imaginary world.
The story further unwraps the misery of the people of Mahishmati kingdom, by the vilify and slavery of the barbaric ruler Bhallala Deva. However, Shiva is back and is ready to take back what is his.
Talking about the acting Prabhas looks perfect as Bahubali. He has done a splendid job in bringing the character of Shiva and Bahubali to life. Also, he looks majestic with the arm ripping muscles and the splendid physique. Rana Daggubati, on the other hand, looks evil and prudent in the character of Bhallala. His fight scene with the bull might amaze you and pop your eyes out, with the chiseled muscles and body line.
Tamannaah who plays Avantika has very well done the stunts in the film and does stand shoulder to shoulder with our hunks in the film. Other than the lead, Sathyaraj who plays Kattappa in the film has done a splendid job. Also, few established names in the south like Ramya Krishnan and Nassar have added to the essence of the movie.
Rajamouli's cousin and his norm composer M. M. Keeravani composed the music for this movie, he has definitely accomplished a good score in Bahubali.
Bahubali, all in all, is a Rajamouli's child, then be it the action sequels or the war scenes or the gigantic sets, everything has come out beautifully. However, in one of the scenes where the slaves and elephants are pulling up the gigantic statue of Bhalla, did somehow remind me of the Hollywood flick 1000BC. Alas, the movie is a chef d' oeuvre!