A jewel in the crown

Undoubtedly, much-awaited epic fantasy Bahubali2 is the pride of Telugu cinema since no other Telugu film triggered so much hype and frenzy across the world, in more than eight decades-old Telugu cinema history. Ace director S S Rajamouli’s war drama has become most -talked-about film since the first part Bahubali stormed all over India and in USA, Arab and other countries to become the first Telugu cinema to garner more than Rs 250 core.

Apparently, Rajamouli was hailed as one of the best craftsman in Indian cinema and made national stars out of Prabhas, Rana and showcased the potential and stamina of Telugu cinema. “Why Katappa killed Bahubali’? almost became a national anthem among viewers and sustained the interest for the Bahubali-The Conclusion. The magnum opus is set to break the jinx of Telugu films sequels, since already the craze has touched the skies and will also go down as first Telugu film to get released with ‘zero budget for publicity’ since the film took social media by storm world over.

Production house Arka Media have spent lavishly on the film and are planning to release in 7000 screens by dubbing in foreign languages like Chinese, Japanese and French to catapult Telugu cinema on to the world stage. The protoganist, Prabhas has become the darling of the masses across the world and the macho star is swarmed by fans whenever he make a street appearance and now his 10-year-struggle to attain superstardom has finally paid off. Nevertheless, director S S Rajamouli has become the sought-after director from south after talented Manirathnam, Shankar and Priyadarshan.

Even top Bollywood filmmakers who always brand Telugu films as ‘mindless potboilers’ are hailing Bahubali as desi superhero (like Spiderman) who is upright, invisible and good samaritan- all rolled-into-one. In fact, Rajamouli will keep the craze alive by releasing video games, comic books and other merchandise to substation the Bahubali for at least next 10 years. However, like a black spot on a white cloth, a bunch of Kannadiga’s sent shivers down the spine of the producer and director by seeking a ban on release on April 28.

Finally, the tempers cooled down, as Tamil actor Satyaraj apologised for his comments made nine years ago during Cauvery row and now all decks are cleared for drama to hit screens across the world. Superstar Prabhas and Rana are to set to meet fans in Dubai and other foreign countries to push the pre-release frenzy to the edge and draw sensational openings. Meanwhile, B-town filmmakers Karan Johar released Bahubali 1 across India, to keep up the momentum and frenzy till D-day.

With more than Rs 700-crore riding on Bahubali2, the stakes are high and distributors all over the world, are banking on Rajamouli’s visual splendor and eye-pleasing action sequences to spin box-office magic once again. Audience are awaiting to watch the muscular-Bahubali to wield his sword and romance Anuskha and big clash between upright Prabhas and menacing Rana in the climax are touted to be the hallmarks of the second version and going to be paisa vasool for viewers who are were awe-struck with elegant battle sequences in Bahubali 1 and panting for more.