SS Rajamouli has made what is India's answer to Hollywood mythological epics. This film is on the same level as a Troy or Alexander, only Rajamouli's vision far exceeds anything ever tried even in Hollywood. But to limit the appraisal of Bahubali to just studio blockbusters from the West would be unfair. In truth, this film is unlike any other Indian movie. Its level of grandeur is only rivalled by its sense of achievement. Watching this film is an exhilarating experience. It makes you believe that anything is possible.
The story, like any Indian mythology, deals with a rightoeus king. You're introduced to Shivudu (Prabhas) at the very beginning when he's just a few days old. Sivagami (Ramya Krishnan) is on the run, trying to protect Shivudu from the King's guards. In what is reminiscent of Lord Krishna's story, she gives her own life but surrenders the young child to a caretaker family. As Shivudu grows up some unknown calling drives him to climb a treacherous water fall. When he eventually scales the mountain face, his true lineage, the love of his life and the very purpose of his existence is revealed to him. Bahubali's tagline is called 'The Beginning', naturally this is supposed to be the introduction to the lead character and his story. There's a second part coming soon, which will reveal the climax of Shivudu's story. But Rajamouli should've just released the two parts together, in one long but epic film. Because the open ending in Bahubali does have a bitter after taste. The story just stops abruptly. Leaving the viewer with a high and dry feeling. It would've been better to wade through to the end.
Much before the anti-climactic end, you have a whole saga that explains who Shivudu is and the awesome back story of his father Amrendra Bahubali, a great warrior and king. There are epic battles, there are mind blowing scenes of CGI. There are locations that mesmerise you with the surreal beauty of nature. But it's all held together by a run-of-the-mill reincarnation and revenge drama. The exact story we've all heard of a million times since the Mahabharata. That is really the Achilles's heel of Bahubali.
But what the story lacks in originality, the director makes up for with his audacity. Rajamouli's vision and execution is beyond brilliant. He may have a stellar cast, but Rajamouli is the actual hero of this movie. The man with a vision to show our culture's history in all its glory. The visuals and the ideas at work in Bahubali are truly herculean. You will have never seen such striking scenes. The action choreography, the sets, the locations, the characters, the fights and the settings are all magnanimous. They'll sweep you off your feet. The man who thought all that up deserves a standing ovation.
The CGI allows Rajamouli to execute his ideas. Some of which are really far fetched and creative. Scenes of Prabhas climbing the mountains, or of Tamannaah running through the woods, or that of the action packed avalanche or even the stunning battle scenes with Rana Daggubati are a pure delight to watch. Yet on occasions, the CGI leaves a little room for improvement. The CGI recreated animals like the bull or an elephant don't quite look authentic. But those are just momentary glitches. Rest of the way, this 2.5 hours CGI fiesta impresses you beyond measure.
Just as swashbuckling are the performances by the cast. Prabhas and Rana Daggubati as the hero and anti-hero lead the charge. Their hulking demeanour and larger-than-life screen presence holds your attention. Tamannaah, Anushka Shetty and Ramya Krishnan all lend able to support to the two leading men. Veterans Sathyaraj and Nasser showcase the best of their talents too. Their combined efforts infuse the wizardry of Rajamouli with actual human emotions.
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