One of the most popular films of the year, S.S. Rajamouli’s Baahubali: The Beginning, is a definite must see. Rajamouli mentions the comic retelling of Indian folktales, Amar Chitra Katha as a major influence – and it's very evident in the film itself. This immersion into Indian folk-tales and mythology creates an exciting epic tale.
It’s also important to note that this film is not only a success for India, but also for the South Indian film industry. Baahubali was original shot in Telugu and Tamil, and is the first non-Hindi movie to make more than 100 crore ($15 million) at the box office. The special effects, music and acting are all appropriate for this sometimes over-the-top tale [which, for the genre, is okay]. If you want something heavier than a romcom but lighter than a movie like 300, this is it.
First off, about the plot line – it isn't anything new. Shivudu is saved from soldiers as a baby, although his grandmother dies in the process. He is later saved and raised by locals who live near an enormous waterfall. Throughout his childhood, Shivudu is fascinated by the waterfall, and continuously attempts to climb it. The result is that he is ridiculously strong, and after finding a mask at the bottom of the waterfall, he tries and succeeds to climb up once again. Once he reaches the top, he becomes embroiled in a plot to save an imprisoned queen. This leads him to learn about his true parentage, and more importantly, about Baahubali. Unfortunately, until part two is released, you only get the beginning of Baahubali’s story.
There is definitely a hero/chosen-one archetype going on, and there are numerous allusions to the Mahabharata. As this is a Hindu-specific fantasy, this should make sense. The most prominent example is that of a prince who is not given the throne due to a disability. In the Mahabharata, the said prince was blind. In Baahubali, his arm is limp.
While the said plot has been seen before (just like any other plot, I may add), Baahubali is a fresh take. The setting and world is pretty grounded, even if the physics isn't so much. The CGI is amazing and the characters are lively enough. Next, the music isn't overwhelming. There are about seven songs total, but of those, only three or four are dance sequences. Furthermore, the soundtrack is mostly upbeat and enjoyable – the Tamil/Telugu versions even more so than the Hindi ones.
That being said, the movie is 2.5 hours long. However, it’s pretty fast-paced, so it only feels like one and half.
It had its international release several months ago, so there should be English subtitles. I can’t say much for the dialogue, since I watched it without subtitles. Even so, the story is pretty intuitive and immersive enough that even without dialogue, you can understand and enjoy the movie.
Basically, if you like epic fantasy at all, and you want a lighter film, you should definitely watch Baahubali as soon as you can.
You can check out the trailer here:
It’s also important to note that this film is not only a success for India, but also for the South Indian film industry. Baahubali was original shot in Telugu and Tamil, and is the first non-Hindi movie to make more than 100 crore ($15 million) at the box office. The special effects, music and acting are all appropriate for this sometimes over-the-top tale [which, for the genre, is okay]. If you want something heavier than a romcom but lighter than a movie like 300, this is it.
First off, about the plot line – it isn't anything new. Shivudu is saved from soldiers as a baby, although his grandmother dies in the process. He is later saved and raised by locals who live near an enormous waterfall. Throughout his childhood, Shivudu is fascinated by the waterfall, and continuously attempts to climb it. The result is that he is ridiculously strong, and after finding a mask at the bottom of the waterfall, he tries and succeeds to climb up once again. Once he reaches the top, he becomes embroiled in a plot to save an imprisoned queen. This leads him to learn about his true parentage, and more importantly, about Baahubali. Unfortunately, until part two is released, you only get the beginning of Baahubali’s story.There is definitely a hero/chosen-one archetype going on, and there are numerous allusions to the Mahabharata. As this is a Hindu-specific fantasy, this should make sense. The most prominent example is that of a prince who is not given the throne due to a disability. In the Mahabharata, the said prince was blind. In Baahubali, his arm is limp.
While the said plot has been seen before (just like any other plot, I may add), Baahubali is a fresh take. The setting and world is pretty grounded, even if the physics isn't so much. The CGI is amazing and the characters are lively enough. Next, the music isn't overwhelming. There are about seven songs total, but of those, only three or four are dance sequences. Furthermore, the soundtrack is mostly upbeat and enjoyable – the Tamil/Telugu versions even more so than the Hindi ones.
That being said, the movie is 2.5 hours long. However, it’s pretty fast-paced, so it only feels like one and half.
It had its international release several months ago, so there should be English subtitles. I can’t say much for the dialogue, since I watched it without subtitles. Even so, the story is pretty intuitive and immersive enough that even without dialogue, you can understand and enjoy the movie.
Basically, if you like epic fantasy at all, and you want a lighter film, you should definitely watch Baahubali as soon as you can.
You can check out the trailer here:
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