As Prabhas celebrates his 45th birthday on October 23, 2024, fans are buzzing with excitement over the confirmation of Baahubali 3. This announcement comes as the latest installment in a franchise that has not only transformed Indian cinema but also set a new benchmark for Pan-India films. Directed by the visionary SS Rajamouli, the Baahubali series has already captivated audiences worldwide, and the anticipation for a third film is at an all-time high.
The Impact of Baahubali
The Baahubali franchise has changed the landscape of Indian cinema. The first film, Baahubali: The Beginning, grossed an impressive Rs 650 crore, while its sequel, Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, skyrocketed to Rs 1,800 crore at the global box office, making it the second highest-grossing Indian film of all time, only behind Aamir Khan’s Dangal. This monumental success not only showcased the potential of Indian cinema on a global scale but also popularized the concept of Pan-India films, where a single movie appeals to diverse regional audiences.
Fans’ Longing for Baahubali 3
Despite the seven-year gap since the last installment, fans continue to yearn for a return to the world of Mahishmati. The character Mahendra Baahubali, played by Prabhas, remains a beloved figure among moviegoers. Recently, whispers about Baahubali 3 have reignited hope for a continuation of this epic saga.
Recent Updates from KE Gnanavel Raja
In a recent discussion about a potential sequel to Kanguva, producer KE Gnanavel Raja provided an intriguing update on Baahubali 3. He revealed, “Baahubali 3 is in the planning stages. I found out while discussing with filmmakers last week.” This statement has added fuel to the speculation surrounding the third installment. Raja, who was the distributor for the Tamil version of Baahubali: The Beginning, emphasized that while the first two films were made back-to-back, the third will be approached differently, given the time gap.
Insights from SS Rajamouli
While promoting the animated series Baahubali: Crown of Blood in May 2024, SS Rajamouli expressed the need for filmmakers to explore various mediums. He remarked, “As filmmakers, we must step it up and explore all mediums… Yet, look at us. We are still talking about the cliffhanger of Baahubali: The Beginning and how the film was effective when told in two parts.” His comments suggest a broader vision for the Baahubali universe, hinting at potential expansion beyond traditional filmmaking.
Prabhas’s Perspective
Prabhas himself has a sentimental connection to the Baahubali franchise. In 2022, he stated, “Baahubali is a film I will always hold very close to my heart… Whether Baahubali 3 will happen or not is something I don’t know.” He acknowledged the significance of the film in his career but mentioned that any continuation would depend on SS Rajamouli’s vision and timing.
Looking Ahead
Despite the excitement surrounding Baahubali 3, fans may have to wait a few years before an official storyline and release date are announced. Both SS Rajamouli and Prabhas have packed schedules, with Rajamouli working on an action-adventure film with Mahesh Babu (SSMB29) still in pre-production, while Prabhas is currently engaged in a cop film titled Spirit, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga.