BAAHUBALI: THE RISE OF SIVAGAMI Gets A Two-Season Prequel Series Order At Netflix
You’ve probably seen S.S. Rajamouli’s Baahubali films memefied at some point in recent history. If you have, then you might have an idea as to the degree of combined ridiculousness, awesome moments of stuntwork and battle scenery the two back-to-back films offer, and as silly as they are, you would be completely forgiven for enjoying the hell out of those movies.
Conceived originally by Rajamouli’s father, K. V. Vijayendra Prasad, both were box office hits starring actors Prahbas and Rana Daggubati in the epic tale of self-discovery for a long lost son, legendary warrior and born leader as he battles to claim his birthright and save the kingdom of from a tyrannical government that has usurped itself to power. Preamble within the concurrent film story, actress Ramya Krishnan coveted the role of warrior queen Sivagami, the most powerful female character of the films as Queen Mother of Mahishmati and adapted mother to rivaling sons Amarendra and Bhallaladeva, and ultimately the central figure of the Baahubali saga whose hand seen above a bustling river carrying that of her newborn adopted grandson is displayed front and center on one of the teaser for Rajamouli’s 2015 film.
Both films still have me releasing endorphins from time to time just thinking about them, and I’m hoping not too much more time will pass before I see them again. They’re both awesomely available on Netflix in multiple Indian languages and as of Wednesday, it appears the streaming giant is now adding to their Baahubali catalogue with a two-season series order for Baahubali: The Rise Of Sivagami, adapting Anand Neelakantan’s 2017 novel.
I immediately predict that this is going to be one of the best shows to it the streaming service as it continues to ramp up Indian content with shows like Sacred Games, and upcoming series such as Bard Of Blood and actress Radhika Apte’s starring role in Ghoul. If you’re not already familiar with the Baahubali films, I highly recommend you take a weekend and schedule at least six hours of your time and immerse yourself into the sprawling wonder that is Baahubali: The Beginning and Baahubali: The Conclusion, as a necessary preamble to this series.
Why? Because they are both two of the best damn movies you will ever see – a fact I would stake my life on – and there is only so damn much these trailers alone can do for you after this.
Baahubali: The Rise of Sivagami
NETFLIX ANNOUNCES PREQUEL TO THE BLOCKBUSTER BAAHUBALI FRANCHISEMumbai, India, August 2nd – Netflix Inc., the world’s leading internet entertainment service, today announced a new Netflix original series based on the global blockbuster franchise, Baahubali. The two season order, Baahubali: Before the Beginning, will be a prequel to Baahubali: the Beginning and Baahubali: the Conclusion (both of which are currently available on Netflix to audiences around the world). Baahubali: the Conclusion grossed US$ 270 million at the global gross box office (including US$ 20 million at the US box office), and is the the highest grossing film franchise from India.
Season one of the series will comprise nine episodes and is based on Anand Neelakantan’s book, The Rise of Sivagami. This (prequel) series captures Queen Sivagami’s journey from a rebellious and vengeful girl to a wise and unequalled queen. Power, politics and intrigue find themselves juxtaposed against the rise of Mahishmati – from being a city-state to an empire. This is the rich backdrop and drama where the Baahubali franchise is set. The series promises to build on the incredible narrative style of the franchise – including its high production values, spectacular visuals and connective-epic story-telling.
Netflix has partnered with the ace team behind the Baahubali universe, including Arka Media Works and SS Rajamouli. Deva Katta and Praveen Sataru will together direct the series.
SS Rajamouli, Director said, “The World of Baahubali is extensive and immersive with strong characters and larger than life kingdoms. The films Baahubali -The Beginning and The Conclusion, are from one story set in this world and more dramatic stories were broadly conceived while building the Universe. The Baahubali Series, a prequel to the films, is one such story. I am very excited that this is being adapted as a Netflix Original Series. With Netflix as our partner, we have the opportunity to create a rich and riveting series and take this quintessential Indian epic to the world, which is very gratifying to me as a story-teller.”
Prasad Devineni, Producer, Arka Media Works, said “We have been working for over a year now in developing this story, a prequel to the films as an Netflix original series. We are happy to be partnering with Netflix to produce this amazing story. This partnership gives us the reach and the creative freedom to bring to life the full potential of the series in all its grandeur and exceed the high expectations set by both our films.”
Erik Barmack, VP, International Originals, Netflix, said, “Baahubali is a world-class franchise that epitomizes the power of compelling stories that resonate globally. We are excited to work with some of the world’s most talented writers and producers on one of India’s most beloved stories. The series is a tremendous opportunity for us to give audiences more of the universe that they have come to love, and welcome millions more into the global Baahubali fandom.”
Native New Yorker. Lover of all things pizza, chocolate, pets, and good friends. Karaoke hero. Left of center. Survivor. Fond supporter of cult, obscure and independent cinema - especially fond of Asian movies and global action cinema. Author of the bi-weekly Hit List. Founder and editor of Film Combat Syndicate. Still, very much, only human.
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