BAHUBALI: THE BEGINNING (2015)

Summary:

Bahubali: The Beginning is an epic Indian historical fiction action film directed by S. S. Rajamouli. It is the first of two cinematic parts, establishing the grand saga of Mahishmati and its royal lineage. The narrative centers on Shivudu, a young man with superhuman strength and an insatiable curiosity, who grows up in a remote tribal village at the base of a towering waterfall. His destiny is set in motion when he scales the waterfall and encounters Avantika, a fierce rebel warrior.

As Shivudu becomes entangled in Avantika's mission to rescue the imprisoned queen Devasena, he uncovers fragments of his own forgotten past and a connection to the majestic kingdom of Mahishmati. The film masterfully blends breathtaking action sequences, intricate mythology, and a compelling storyline of power, betrayal, and the struggle for justice, culminating in a shocking revelation that sets the stage for the highly anticipated conclusion.

Keywords: Bahubali: The Beginning, 2015, Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Ramya Krishna, S. S. Rajamouli, Epic, Historical Fiction, Action, Fantasy, Indian Cinema.

Plot:

The film opens with a harrowing scene: a gravely wounded woman, Sivagami, escaping through a forest, clutching a baby. She is pursued by soldiers from Mahishmati. Reaching a sacred river, she sacrifices her own life to save the infant, holding him aloft above the surging waters before succumbing to her wounds. The baby is discovered by a tribal couple, Sanga and her husband, who adopt him and name him Shivudu. Growing up in their remote village at the base of a massive waterfall, Shivudu exhibits extraordinary strength and an innate, unyielding desire to climb the seemingly insurmountable cascade, a yearning that hints at his royal blood and destiny.

Years pass, and Shivudu, now a powerful young man, repeatedly attempts to scale the waterfall, driven by visions of a beautiful woman he believes resides at its summit. His foster mother, Sanga, tries to dissuade him, fearing for his life, but his resolve is unbreakable. One day, he finally succeeds, reaching the top to find not the woman of his dreams, but a mask. Following clues, he stumbles upon a group of rebel warriors from the kingdom of Kuntala, led by the fierce and enigmatic Avantika. They are engaged in a guerrilla war against the tyrannical king of Mahishmati, Bhallaladeva, whose rule has brought suffering and oppression to the land.

Shivudu is instantly captivated by Avantika. Initially, she resists his advances, focused solely on her mission: to rescue Devasena, the former queen of Kuntala and the rightful queen of Mahishmati, who has been imprisoned by Bhallaladeva for 25 years. Shivudu, smitten and eager to help, takes on Avantika's mission himself, promising to bring Devasena back. He infiltrates Mahishmati, a sprawling, magnificent city now under Bhallaladeva's iron fist. Within the city, he witnesses the stark contrast between the city's grandeur and the suffering of its people. He encounters a massive statue being erected in honor of Bhallaladeva's father, Bijjaladeva, but when the people see Shivudu, they instinctively lift him onto the pedestal, recognizing a striking resemblance to a legendary figure, the great warrior Amarendra Bahubali, whose statue once stood there.

Shivudu successfully locates Devasena, who is held captive in a cage in the palace courtyard, enduring humiliation and torture. He orchestrates a daring rescue, fighting off numerous guards. During their escape, he confronts Bhallaladeva's ruthless son, Bhadra, and after a brutal battle, Shivudu kills him. The escape is fraught with danger, leading to a climactic confrontation where Shivudu is cornered by Kattappa, the loyal general of Mahishmati and a legendary warrior himself. Kattappa, bound by an oath to the throne, prepares to strike Shivudu down. However, Devasena, upon seeing Shivudu's face, immediately recognizes him as her son. Kattappa, witnessing Devasena's reaction and observing Shivudu's fighting style and distinct facial features, realizes with dawning horror that Shivudu is Mahendra Bahubali, the son of the revered Amarendra Bahubali.

Overwhelmed by this revelation, Kattappa falls to his knees, confessing his loyalty and seeking forgiveness. He then begins to recount the epic tale of Amarendra Bahubali, Shivudu's father, and the true history of Mahishmati. The narrative flashes back in time, revealing the kingdom under the benevolent rule of King Vikramadeva, who dies young, leaving behind his pregnant wife and his brother-in-law, Bijjaladeva, a cunning and manipulative man with a crippled arm, unfit to rule. Sivagami, Bijjaladeva's wife and the queen mother, takes control of the kingdom, promising to raise both her own son, Bhallaladeva, and Vikramadeva's posthumous son, Amarendra Bahubali, as equals, eventually choosing the more worthy heir.

Both princes are raised and trained in all aspects of warfare, statesmanship, and justice. When the ferocious Kalakeya tribe declares war on Mahishmati, Sivagami announces that the prince who demonstrates true leadership and brings back the head of the Kalakeya king will be crowned the new ruler. During the brutal battle, Amarendra Bahubali displays immense compassion, prioritizing the lives of his soldiers and the innocent people of Mahishmati, even risking his own life to protect them. He inspires his troops and fights with strategic brilliance. Bhallaladeva, on the other hand, fights with ruthless efficiency, focused solely on killing and glory, disregarding collateral damage. Though Bhallaladeva manages to kill the Kalakeya king, it is Amarendra Bahubali's selfless valor and his ability to protect his people that truly shines. Sivagami, recognizing Amarendra's inherent kingly qualities, declares him the rightful king of Mahishmati, much to the bitter resentment of Bhallaladeva and his father, Bijjaladeva. Bhallaladeva is appointed commander-in-chief, a position he accepts with simmering rage and a heart full of jealousy.

The flashback concludes abruptly, leaving Mahendra Bahubali (Shivudu) and the audience in suspense. Kattappa, with tears in his eyes, reveals the shocking and tragic truth that serves as the film's climactic cliffhanger: "The one you call Bahubali... he was killed by me." This revelation sets the stage for the second part, promising to unravel the mystery of Amarendra Bahubali's death and the full extent of Bhallaladeva's treachery, as Mahendra Bahubali prepares to reclaim his rightful heritage.

Cast (Lead Roles):

• Prabhas as Shivudu / Mahendra Bahubali and Amarendra Bahubali
• Rana Daggubati as Bhallaladeva
• Anushka Shetty as Devasena
• Tamannaah as Avantika
• Ramya Krishna as Sivagami
• Sathyaraj as Kattappa
• Nassar as Bijjaladeva

Crew:

• Director: S. S. Rajamouli
• Producers: Shobu Yarlagadda, Prasad Devineni
• Story: K. V. Vijayendra Prasad
• Screenplay: S. S. Rajamouli
• Music: M. M. Keeravani
• Cinematography: K. K. Senthil Kumar
• Editor: Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao
• Production Company: Arka Media Works

Release Info:

• Original Release Date: July 10, 2015
• Language: Telugu, Tamil (simultaneously shot), dubbed into Hindi, Malayalam
• Genre: Epic Historical Fiction, Action, Fantasy
• Running Time: 159 minutes (Telugu version)
• Accolades: National Film Award for Best Feature Film, National Film Award for Best Special Effects, Filmfare Awards South (multiple), SIIMA Awards (multiple)