India's most expensive web series cost more than Pathaan, Baahubali, Pushpa; but never released, filming never completed
The streaming medium began in India to tell slice-of-life stories, which were generally told on smaller scales than regular TV and cinema. But over the years, as stars began to enter the fray, OTT platforms began mounting shows on bigger budgets. Soon, many Indian web series rivalled films in opulence and scale. Some even surpassed them. The biggest of them all would have been a spectacle, had it ever released.
In 2018, streaming giant Netflix announced an ambitious show - a multi-season adaptation of Anand Neelakanthan's 2017 and 2020 novels The Rise of Sivagami, Chaturanga, and Queen of Mahishmathi. The series, a prequel to the Baahubali series, was titled Baahubali: Before the Beginning, and was produced by SS Rajamouli. The series chronicled the journey of a young Sivagami and how she came to encounter Katappa and eventually marry Bijjaladeva. Production began in September 2018 with Mrunal Thakur as Sivagami, along with with Deva Katta and Praveen Sattaru as the directors. The initial budget was ₹100 crore.
However, the pandemic stalled the production. In 2021, Bollywood Hungama reported that Netflix and the makers were scrapping the initial version and starting afresh with a new lead. Wamiqa Gabbi came on board and the streamer greenlit the new version with an additional budget of ₹200 crore. The production team was changed too, and a new director - Kunal Deshmukh - was hired.
Before it was shelved by Netflix, Baahubali: Before the Beginning had seen two sets of cast, three directors, and a ballooned-up budget of ₹300 crore. This production budget was ironically even higher than the ₹250-crore spent on Baahubali: The Beginning. It is also more than the production budgets of some of the biggest blockbusters made in Indian cinema recently, including Pathaan and Pushpa: The Rise (both ₹220-250 crore). Yet, after all this money being spent, it was tragic that the show never saw the light of the day.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
40 minutes ago
- Indian Express
Virat Kohli's playbook for life: 3 books that shaped his mindset beyond cricket
Written by Chanakya Chandrupatla Virat Kohli, one of cricket's most celebrated players, made his debut for the Indian Cricket Team on 18th August 2008—the same year he was picked by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League. Known for his explosive batting, unmatched fitness, and aggressive tactics, Kohli has consistently kept opponents on the back foot, challenging their abilities at every turn. Beyond the cricket field, Kohli is also an avid reader who often shares books that have influenced his mindset and personal growth. Here are some of his top recommendations: The 'Autobiography of a Yogi' A spiritual classic published in 1946, this autobiography delves into the teachings of Kriya Yoga and the life of Yogi Paramahansa Yogananda. Kohli has mentioned in interviews that the book had a profound impact on his life, calling it a must-read for those open to challenging their thoughts and ideologies. Yogananda was among the first Indian spiritual teachers to settle in the United States, and his book has sold over four million copies worldwide. Notably, he was also one of the first prominent Indians to be hosted at the White House by President Calvin Coolidge. Detox Your Ego: 7 easy steps to achieving freedom, happiness and success in your life The book speaks about one's ego and how does it stop one from performing at their best. The book takes you on a ride and talks the importance of self-discovery. The author talks bout steps to eliminate ego and the ways to achieve freedom, happiness and success in one's life. Kohli said that the book has helped him to control his emotions and stay grounded. The books talks about how a leader should guide without having ego. The book proposes ' Leadership without ego '. It guides the reader by suggesting seven steps to lead a happier, freer and more enhanced life. A fascinating exploration of cross-cultural inspiration, this book aligns with Kohli's own journey of growth and adaptability. It features 70 prominent Indians and Italians sharing their experiences, highlighting the importance of mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and peak performance. Through personal anecdotes, the book showcases the mutual influence between the two cultures, making it a compelling read for those interested in global perspectives. ( Chanakya Chandrupatla is an intern at the Indian Express )
Time of India
41 minutes ago
- Time of India
Javed Akhtar receives Dostoevsky Award for influence on cultural heritage, literary dialogue
Lyricist was honoured with the prestigious Dostoevsky Star Award for his remarkable influence on cultural heritage and literary dialogue on Friday. Taking to her handle, , wife of Javed Akhtar, shared the snaps from the award ceremony, featuring the renowned lyricist accepting the award from the dignitaries from the Russian House. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now While sharing the photos, the actress wrote, "Another big honour for Javed Akhtar as he receives the Dostoevsky Star Award! This year, the Russian House is deeply honoured to present the Dostoevsky Star Award to the renowned poet, lyricist, and public intellectual Mr. Javed Akhtar, to recognise his remarkable influence on cultural dialogue and literary heritage." Javed Akhtar, considered the legendary screenwriter for the Indian cinema industry, has won numerous awards during his decades-long career. These include the National Award for Best Lyrics, the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 1999, and the Padma Bhushan in 2007. Earlier this year, Javed Akhtar was conferred the Lifetime Achievement award at the convocation ceremony of Whistling Woods International, a renowned film institute. The Whistling Woods International was founded by director Subhash Ghai in 2006. After receiving the awards, Javed Akhtar and imparted some words of wisdom to the students who attended the ceremony. Akhtar , who is known for writing the screenplays of blockbuster films like Zanjeer and Sholay, talked about the importance of self-esteem in achieving excellence in life in his gratitude speech. He said, "The only reason that can make you excellent is your self-esteem. Maybe the world doesn't have to be, and maybe your friends are saying that you are very rude, but I know that I can be better, and it has to be better because I am doing it. If you have high self-esteem then you can reach excellence. Self-esteem demands only yourself and nothing else." Javed Akhtar has written the screenplay for superhit movies like 'Sholay', 'Deewar', 'Zanjeer' and others.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
44 minutes ago
- Business Standard
Kamal Haasan's dual role: DMK views one RS seat as small price to pay
Haasan is a self-proclaimed atheist but on most other political issues, he has been flexible premium Aditi Phadnis Listen to This Article He is more than just an actor. He is a trained Bharatanatyam dancer, an accomplished singer, a choreographer and director, the only one to have got 19 Filmfare awards, the most by any Indian. Seven films starring him have made it to the short list of the Oscars 'foreign films' category. He is fluent in English, French, and six Indian languages, including Kannada. His politics, however, is confusing. His electoral performance in that arena sub-par. Kamal Haasan will shortly become member of the Rajya Sabha with support from the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) although his party, Makkal Neethi Maiam (MNM),
