Baahubali: The Beginning

Baahubali: The Beginning is a 2015 Indian epic action film directed by S.S. Rajamouli and produced by Shobu Yarlagadda and Prasad Devineni. It boasts of a robust cast comprising of Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty, Tamannaah, Ramya Krishna, Sathyaraj, and Nassar. The film is a captivating blend of historical fiction, action, drama, and romance.

Baahubali: The Beginning is the first of a two-part saga, unfolding an epic narrative that draws heavily from Indian mythology, but with its unique twist. The film is set in the ancient kingdom of Mahishmati, a place steeped in grandeur and majestic charm. The first part of the film predominantly narrates the story of the lead character, Shivudu, portrayed by Prabhas, a free-spirit young man with superhuman strength, living in a tribal community at the base of a waterfall. Unaware of his royal lineage, Shivudu craves to explore the world above the waterfall, from where a mysterious mask has floated down.

The movie inaugurates with Shivudu's story and his romantic entanglement with the brave and beautiful warrior, Avantika, portrayed by Tamannaah. Their romantic saga is filled with beautifully choreographed action sequences, breathtaking waterfalls, and songs filmed in impressive landscapes. Avantika’s mission to rescue Devasena, the queen held captive under the tyranny of Bhallaladeva for many years, becomes Shivudu’s own.

In the second half of the film, we are introduced to the main antagonist, the despotic Bhallaladeva, played by Rana Daggubati, the tyrant ruler of Mahishmati, whose lust for power and control is palpable with every scene he is in. A stark contrast to the heroic character of Shivudu, Bhallaladeva's brutish ferocity is as intimidating as the massive golden statue erected in his honor in the film.

As Shivudu ventures into the kingdom of Mahishmati, he uncovers truths about his past and his lineage. His journey is intertwined with the history of the kingdom, setting the stage for a face-off between good and evil. Throughout the film, the audience is introduced to complex relationships, twisted plots, and power struggles, providing a maze of intrigue that keeps viewers glued to their seats.

To truly appreciate the marvel that is Baahubali: The Beginning, one must acknowledge the visionary direction of S. S. Rajamouli. His attention to detail, character development, and the breathtaking special effects are commendable - from the grandeur of the kingdom to the brutal and unforgettable battle sequences. Every scene has a touch of aesthetic excellence and is worth watching on the big screen. The cinematography, VFX, costume design, and the grandiose sets portray a magnificent visual spectacle, demonstrating the best the Indian film industry has to offer.

Another noteworthy aspect of the film is the performances of the lead actors. Prabhas, with his compelling screen presence, does justice to his dual role, displaying contrasting characters, each with different emotional range and physicality. Rana Daggubati stands out with his fierce performance, effectively conveying his character's brutal ambition and ruthless nature.

Then, there is the powerhouse performance of Ramya Krishnan in the role of the fiery queen mother Sivagami, who exhibits a wide array of emotions. Her stern yet tender portrayal of a mother and a queen, struggling with power dynamics and trying to protect her kingdom, leaves a lasting impression.

Anushka Shetty, although present only in a few scenes in this part, creates an impact with her powerful portrayal of the wronged queen, Devasena. She promises a more significant role in the sequel, intriguing the audiences and leaving them eagerly awaiting the next part.

The music by M.M. Keeravani provides the perfect score for the film, amplifying the viewing experience. From the powerful background score in the intense scenes to the soulful tunes during the romantic sequences, the music adds another layer to this cinematic experience.

Despite its three hours run time, Baahubali: The Beginning feels like a thrilling ride, thanks to its fast-paced narrative and intriguing plot. The striking cliffhanger ending leaves audiences yearning for the sequel 'Baahubali: The Conclusion'. Overall, Baahubali: The Beginning is a visual extravaganza firmly rooted in Indian storytelling tradition, successfully offering world-class cinema that captures the imagination of audiences worldwide. It pushes the boundaries of Indian cinema and sets a new standard in terms of visual effects, production design, storytelling, and technical aspects.