Baahubali: The Beginning (2015)

Baahubali: The Beginning is a sweeping Indian epic directed by S. S. Rajamouli, blending mythological grandeur, stunning visuals, and powerful drama. It’s the first part of a two-part saga that took Indian cinema to global heights. Here’s a detailed look at this cinematic powerhouse, covering everything from plot to trivia.

Detailed Summary

A Child, a River, and a Destiny

The film begins with an unforgettable sequence: a woman clutching an infant braves the raging waters of a river while fending off attackers. She dies but saves the child. He is adopted by villagers and grows up as Shivudu, a man with superhuman strength and an unquenchable curiosity about the mysterious waterfall near his village.

Shivudu’s repeated attempts to climb the waterfall—and his eventual success—symbolize his desire to understand his true origins. It’s not just a physical climb, but a spiritual awakening.

The Mask and the Warrior Woman

Shivudu discovers a wooden mask that washes down from the waterfall, which leads him to Avantika, a fierce rebel warrior. She belongs to a group fighting to rescue Devasena, a queen held captive by the tyrannical Bhallaladeva. Shivudu becomes infatuated with Avantika, and after earning her trust, he takes on her mission as his own.

This is where the film really kicks into high gear: Shivudu rescues Devasena from a heavily guarded palace in an explosive sequence that showcases both his power and purpose.

Enter Kattappa: The Loyal Slave Warrior

Back in the kingdom of Mahishmati, Shivudu confronts palace guards and meets Kattappa, a loyal warrior and slave to the royal family. Kattappa is shocked to see Shivudu and immediately kneels, calling him “Baahubali.”

Confused, Shivudu demands answers. This leads us into a massive flashback—essentially the second act of the film—where Kattappa narrates the rise of Amarendra Baahubali (Shivudu’s real father).

The Legend of Amarendra Baahubali

Raised alongside Bhallaladeva as princes of Mahishmati, Baahubali is shown as noble, just, and beloved by the people. In contrast, Bhallaladeva is power-hungry and brutal. When a war breaks out against the savage Kalakeya tribe, both princes lead armies. Baahubali wins the battle with courage and strategy, saving countless lives and securing the hearts of the people.

Following the victory, Queen Mother Sivagami declares Bhallaladeva as king, betraying everyone’s expectations and setting up a betrayal that would tear the kingdom apart.

Movie Ending

The film ends on an earth-shattering cliffhanger. After Shivudu learns of his father’s glory and the injustice committed, he prepares to reclaim his rightful place. But just before the screen fades to black, the film delivers its most shocking twist:

Shivudu asks Kattappa a question:
“Who killed my father?”

Kattappa replies with agony:
“I did.”

This revelation stunned audiences. Kattappa, shown as the embodiment of loyalty and honor, admits to killing Baahubali. Why did he do it? Was he forced? Betrayed? The movie ends here, launching one of the biggest cliffhangers in Indian film history and ensuring Baahubali: The Conclusion would become a must-watch event.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, there are no post-credits scenes in Baahubali: The Beginning. The film concludes with the explosive cliffhanger and the credits roll immediately afterward. That final line is the ultimate hook.

Type of Movie

This is a mythological fantasy epic with strong elements of action, drama, romance, and historical grandeur. It’s heavily inspired by Indian mythology and classical storytelling traditions, with a modern cinematic treatment.

Cast

• Prabhas as Shivudu / Amarendra Baahubali
• Rana Daggubati as Bhallaladeva
• Anushka Shetty as Devasena
• Tamannaah Bhatia as Avantika
• Sathyaraj as Kattappa
• Ramya Krishnan as Sivagami
• Nassar as Bijjaladeva

Film Music and Composer

Music for the film was composed by M. M. Keeravani (also known as M. M. Kreem in Hindi). The soundtrack includes powerful orchestral scores and emotionally charged songs like “Dheevara” and “Manohari”. The music perfectly complements the epic scale of the narrative.

Filming Locations

• Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad – The film’s grand sets (like the palace of Mahishmati) were constructed here.
• Athirappilly Falls, Kerala – The iconic waterfall scenes where Shivudu climbs were shot here.
• Bulgaria – Used for some forest and battle sequences.

These locations were chosen for their grandeur and mythic qualities, helping immerse viewers in a fantasy world that still feels tactile and real.

Awards and Nominations

• National Film Award for Best Feature Film
• National Award for Best Special Effects
• Numerous Filmfare Awards (South) and IIFA Utsavam Awards for acting, direction, and music

The film set box office records and received critical acclaim for its VFX, direction, and storytelling.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• The waterfall climbing sequence took over 100 days to shoot.
• Prabhas dedicated 5 years of his career to the Baahubali franchise and didn’t sign any other films during that time.
• Director S. S. Rajamouli used miniatures and massive green screen setups to build Mahishmati.
• The crew created a 3D model of the entire kingdom before shooting began.
• An entire language, Kiliki, was invented for the Kalakeya tribe.

Inspirations and References

• Loosely inspired by Indian mythology, particularly epics like the Mahabharata.
• The sibling rivalry mirrors mythological tales of succession and dharma.
• Director Rajamouli took cues from Hollywood epics like Gladiator and Braveheart, especially in terms of battle choreography.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

There are no widely known alternate endings, but some deleted scenes include:

• Extended sequences between Baahubali and the people of Mahishmati, reinforcing his bond with the kingdom.
• More footage of Avantika’s life before meeting Shivudu.

These scenes were later released online or included in extended editions.

Book Adaptations and Differences

Baahubali is not directly based on a book, but it has since spawned a series of novel prequels, such as The Rise of Sivagami. These explore the backstories of major characters, adding rich lore to the cinematic universe.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Shivudu climbing the waterfall in a visually stunning sequence
• The rescue of Devasena by Shivudu
• The Kalakeya war battle, especially Baahubali’s chariot and the flaming cow shield
• Kattappa’s shocking confession

Iconic Quotes

• Kattappa: “Mahishmati ki sena kisi se nahi darti.” (The army of Mahishmati fears no one.)
• Sivagami: “Aarambh hai prachand.” (The beginning is fierce.)
• Baahubali: “Jab tak tum mere saath ho, mujhe koi hara nahi sakta.” (As long as you’re with me, no one can defeat me.)

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• The Mahishmati royal seal appears subtly throughout the film—on armor, scrolls, and architecture.
• The language of the Kalakeya tribe was fully constructed for authenticity and has its own grammar.
• The baby in the beginning is wearing a necklace with the royal insignia—hinting at his identity early on.

Trivia

• Baahubali: The Beginning was the most expensive Indian film at the time of its release.
• It grossed over ₹600 crore (approx. $90 million) worldwide.
• The film was dubbed into multiple languages, including Japanese, Russian, and Chinese.
• Prabhas gained and lost weight several times to differentiate between Shivudu and Baahubali.

Why Watch?

Watch Baahubali: The Beginning for:

• Its grand visuals and imaginative world-building
• The mystery and drama of royal intrigue
• The stunning battle sequences
• The mythic feel, reminiscent of ancient epics
• And of course, to finally answer the question: Why did Kattappa kill Baahubali?

Director’s Other Movies

• Baahubali: The Conclusion (2017)
• RRR (2022)
• Eega (2012)
• Magadheera (2009)
• Maryada Ramanna (2010)

Recommended Films for Fans

• Baahubali: The Conclusion (2017) – obviously, for closure
• RRR (2022) – another Rajamouli epic with larger-than-life action
• Magadheera (2009) – reincarnation, romance, and battles
• Padmaavat (2018) – another Indian period epic with royal conflict
• Gladiator (2000) – for fans of royal betrayal and vengeance