10 years of Baahubali: How a colloquial title gave Rajamouli pan India blockbuster

India Today

10-07-2025

Director SS Rajamouli's epic action-fantasy 'Baahubali: The Beginning' (2015) created a pan-India cinematic wave with its star-studded cast, high-octane action, grand VFX, visually-appealing set design and costumes. Apart from its commercial success, the film also shaped the approach of Indian storytelling.While inspirations and adaptations are not new to cinema, the film, starring Prabhas, Rana Daggubati and Anushka Shetty, had a long-lasting impact on filmmakers to recreate the spectacle for an enriching theatrical experience. The Rajamouli-directorial also sparked debate which continues till date about catering to audiences across geographical boundaries.advertisementHowever, one often gets curious about what could be the secret sauce to making a true-blue blockbuster.
There were many films from the South industry, be it Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam, that did well in their Hindi-dubbed satellite premieres. But never did a Tollywood film achieve such a milestone that even shook up the Hindi film industry.Apart from the universal story of good vs evil, obedient son and ideal leader, what else amplified the mammoth success of 'Baahubali: The Beginning'? As the film completes 10 years, here's a glimpse into what may have led to the origins of the cinematic epic.What does Baahubali mean?If one heard about 'Baahubali' in the pre-2015 era, there is a different perception regarding the term. One would often associate with a muscleman linked to the politics and power play in the Hindi belt, especially Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.For a significant period of time, movies like 'Gangaajal', 'Apaharan' and 'Omkara' often referred to political gangsters as Baahubali. Rajamouli's film redefined the rather grey expression into a heroic image.The sudden shift among movie-goers in North India during the release of 'Baahubali: The Beginning', could possibly be attributed to their familiarity with the title.While an intriguing trailer and promotions play an equal role in perception building, it cannot be denied how much buzz the film created pan-India. The reception of the sequel 'Baahubali: The Conclusion', which was released two years later indicates the story's connection with the audiences.Watch trailer here: Is Baahubali based on a monk?Even though pop-culture may have its own references, the colloquial term is not just limited to politics or musclemen. In the 9th-century Sanskrit poem, 'Adipurana' about the first tirthankara (a saviour and supreme preacher in Jainism), Rishabhanatha, his two sons are named Bharata and Bahubali. It was composed by the Digambara monk Jinasena.Baahubali is a revered figure in Jainism who is said to have meditated motionless for 12 years in a standing posture, with climbing plants having grown around his legs. After the completion of his meditation, he is said to have attained kevala jnana (omniscience).advertisementWhile the two mentions of terms in connection to politics and Jainsim may vary, it has a unique connection to Northern India. Baahubali, the son of Rishabhanatha got the city of Taxila and the kingdom of Gandhara (as per the vetmbara tradition) or Podanapur (as per the Digambara tradition).Baahubali later became a monk in Siddharta-garden, in the outskirts of Ayodhya, under Ashoka tree on the ninth day of the month of Chaitra Krishna (Hindu calendar).Baahubali: A warrior monk?Although the visual imagery of statues shown in Rajamouli's film has references to the monk Baahubali, the overall narrative linked to the protagonist may have a different interpretation. The physique, demeanour and towering presence of both Sivudu and Amarendra Baahubali (both played by Prabhas) reflect their chivalry, strength, heroism and fearlessness.The messaging of the film reflects on the invincible persona of Sivudu and Amarendra by showing their physical toughness as valiant warriors. Although the protagonists do have a softer side to themselves and are always empathetic to the underprivileged, the machismo is the essence of 'Baahubali' franchise.The blend of a selfless leader who cares for his people, a man who risks his life for the woman he loves, a son who defies tradition for his mother and a worthy crown prince resonated with audiences. The spiritual side of a monk and the valiant aspect of a muscleman, commonly associated with UP-Bihar politics, makes for a decent metaphor in a film rooted in Indian culture.advertisementWhether the term was used intentionally by director, screenplay writer Rajamouli and story writer V Vijayendra Prasad doesn't make a difference. What matters is how India's diverse landscape and cultural uniqueness helped in elevating the grand success of one of the most ambitious Tollywood projects.Watch video here: The success of 'Baahubali: The Beginning' created a benchmark for aspiring filmmakers and actors. The film fared well even though it was released a week before Salman Khan's 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan'. It gave a reality check of the changing patterns of movie viewership in India.Contrary to Hindi and Bhojpuri films, which often depict a Baahubali as an anti-hero or a villain, Prabhas's portrayal brought back the soul of Indian culture. Rajamouli's vision re-introduced a hero whose ethics and values resonated with Lord Ram, Lord Krishna and Lord Hanuman. A protagonist who showcased the valour of Arjun and Bheem from Ved Vyas's 'Mahabharat'.advertisement'Baahubali: The Beginning,' living up to its title, ushered in a new era in Indian filmmaking, with grand narratives akin to those in 'Chandamama' and other ancient or medieval folklore finding immense resonance among audiences.Irrespective of its influences on storytelling and movie productions, the film remains a testament to envisioning independent ideas and culturally-rooted cinema.- Ends