Baahubali 2: The Conclusion

Baahubali 2: The Conclusion is a 2017 Indian Telugu-language epic action film directed by S. S. Rajamouli, who also co-wrote the screenplay with V. Vijayendra Prasad. The film was produced by Shobu Yarlagadda and Prasad Devineni under the banner of Arka Media Works.

The movie features Prabhas in a dual lead role, supported by an ensemble cast including Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty, Tamannaah Bhatia, Ramya Krishna, Sathyaraj, Nassar, and Subbaraju. It serves as both a sequel and a prequel to Baahubali: The Beginning, completing the two-part Baahubali film series.

Baahubali 2: The Conclusion

Field	Details
Movie Name	Baahubali 2: The Conclusion
Directed By	S. S. Rajamouli
Screenplay	S. S. Rajamouli
Story By	V. Vijayendra Prasad
Dialogues	C. H. Vijay Kumar
Produced By	Shobu Yarlagadda, Prasad Devineni
Starring	Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty, Tamannaah Bhatia, Ramya Krishna, Sathyaraj, Nassar, Subbaraju
Cinematography	K. K. Senthil Kumar
Edited By	Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao, Tammiraju
Music By	M. M. Keeravani
Production Company	Arka Media Works
Release Date	28 April 2017
Running Time	171 minutes
Country	India
Language	Telugu
Budget	₹250 crore (approx.)
Box Office Collection	₹1,810+ crore (estimated worldwide)

Box Office Performance

Baahubali 2: The Conclusion recorded a historic theatrical run and became one of the highest-grossing Indian films ever. The movie opened with extraordinary collections across all major language markets and maintained strong momentum for several weeks.

Opening Week Performance

The film started with a massive Day 1 collection of ₹121 crore, driven mainly by strong Telugu and Hindi market performance. Over the opening weekend, collections remained extremely strong, with the film crossing huge milestones quickly.

By the end of its first week, the movie collected around ₹539 crore India net, establishing new records across multiple regions and languages.

Weekly Collection Trend

• Week 1: ₹539.00 Cr
• Week 2: ₹264.00 Cr
• Week 3: ₹127.00 Cr
• Week 4: ₹56.00 Cr
• Week 5: ₹24.50 Cr
• Week 6: ₹11.00 Cr
• Week 7: ₹5.00 Cr
• Week 8 onwards: Collections gradually slowed but remained steady with long theatrical sustainability.

The film showed excellent hold after the initial weeks, proving strong word-of-mouth and repeat audience support.

Language-Wise India Net Collection

• Hindi: ₹510.99 Cr
• Telugu: ₹338.80 Cr
• Tamil: ₹125.85 Cr
• Malayalam: ₹54.78 Cr

This performance made the film a true pan-India success, with Hindi and Telugu markets contributing the highest share.

Box Office Verdict

Baahubali 2 achieved record-breaking numbers and became one of the biggest blockbusters in Indian cinema history. Its strong opening, consistent weekly hold, and exceptional worldwide performance established it as a landmark film in the pan-Indian market.

Plot

The story continues directly from the events of the first film, where Kattappa narrates the past of Amarendra Baahubali. After defeating the Kalakeyas, Amarendra is declared the heir to the throne of Mahishmati, while Bhallaladeva is appointed as the commander. Queen Sivagami sends Baahubali on a journey across the kingdom in disguise along with Kattappa so he can understand his people better before becoming king.

During this journey, Baahubali meets Princess Devasena of Kunthala, who impresses him with her courage and fighting skills. Disguised as an ordinary man, he enters her kingdom and becomes a guard in her palace. As their bond grows stronger, Baahubali falls in love with her.

Meanwhile, Bhallaladeva becomes interested in Devasena after seeing her portrait, and Sivagami promises their marriage. However, Devasena rejects the proposal. Through manipulation by Bijjaladeva, Sivagami mistakenly orders Baahubali to bring Devasena to Mahishmati. During an attack on Kunthala, Baahubali and Kattappa help defend the kingdom, and Baahubali eventually reveals his true identity and proposes to Devasena, who accepts.

When the misunderstanding is revealed, Sivagami forces Baahubali to choose between the throne and Devasena. Baahubali chooses love over power, leading to Bhallaladeva being crowned king while Baahubali serves as commander. Despite losing the crown, Baahubali remains deeply loved by the people.

As Devasena becomes pregnant, Bhallaladeva removes Baahubali from his position and appoints a new official. Tensions rise when Devasena publicly opposes the decision. Later, Baahubali kills a court officer who insults Devasena, resulting in his exile along with her.

Fearing Baahubali’s popularity, Bhallaladeva and Bijjaladeva plot against him. Through deception, they convince Sivagami that Baahubali is involved in a conspiracy. Believing this false story, Sivagami secretly orders Kattappa to kill Baahubali. Heartbroken but loyal to the throne, Kattappa carries out the order. Before dying, Baahubali forgives him and asks him to take care of the kingdom.

After the truth is revealed, Sivagami regrets her decision and declares Baahubali’s newborn son Mahendra as the rightful king. However, Bhallaladeva seizes power, forcing Sivagami to escape with the child while Devasena is imprisoned. Bhallaladeva then rules Mahishmati as a cruel king for twenty-five years.

In the present timeline, after hearing the full story, Mahendra Baahubali decides to challenge Bhallaladeva. He unites tribal warriors, rebels, and former slaves to attack Mahishmati. A massive battle follows, leading to a final confrontation between Mahendra and Bhallaladeva.

In the climax, Bhallaladeva is defeated and tied to a funeral pyre prepared by Devasena. She sets it ablaze, ending his reign. Mahendra is crowned the new king of Mahishmati and vows to rule with justice and peace, bringing closure to the legacy of Baahubali.

Cast

• Prabhas appears in a dual role as Amarendra Baahubali and Mahendra Baahubali (Sivudu), the son who continues his father’s legacy.
• Rana Daggubati plays Bhallaladeva, the powerful and ruthless ruler of Mahishmati.
• Anushka Shetty portrays Devasena, a brave princess and Amarendra Baahubali’s wife (voice by Sowmya Sharma).
• Tamannaah Bhatia appears as Avanthika, a skilled warrior and ally of Mahendra.
• Ramya Krishna plays Sivagami Devi, the strong and influential queen regent.
• Nassar takes the role of Bijjaladeva, the cunning father of Bhallaladeva.
• Sathyaraj portrays Karikala Kattappa, the loyal warrior bound by duty (voice by P. Ravi Shankar).
• Subbaraju plays Kumara Varma, connected to the royal family of Kunthala.
• Prudhvi Raj appears as the Prime Minister of the Kunthala kingdom.
• Rohini Molleti plays Sanga, Mahendra Baahubali’s adoptive mother.
• Meka Ramakrishna portrays Jaya Varma, Devasena’s brother and former king of Kunthala.
• Rakesh Varre appears as Sethupathi, a supporter of Bhallaladeva who later becomes army commander.
• IMAX Venkat plays Sivudu’s foster father.
• Shatru appears as the leader of the Pindari tribe.
• Charandeep plays the brother of the Kalakeya king and later their chief.
• Abhinaya Krishna appears as Kumara Varma’s assistant.
• Kalpa Latha plays a resident of Mahishmathi.
• Sri Simha Koduri appears as a Kunthala rebel.
• Rayala Harishchandra plays a citizen of Mahishmathi.
• Ajay Ghosh appears as a dacoit in deleted scenes.
• Ayyappa P. Sharma portrays the Royal Priest.
• Supporting appearances include Ashok Kumar, Ramaraju, Danny Kuttappa, Kosaraju Adithya, CVB Subrahmanyam, Madhu Prakash, Lavi Pajni, Bharani Shankar, and Pramila Rani.

Production

Overview

Baahubali 2: The Conclusion was produced in the Telugu film industry and mainly filmed in Telugu. Unlike the first part, only selected close-up and dialogue scenes — especially those involving Ramya Krishna, Nassar, and Sathyaraj — were additionally shot in Tamil to ensure better lip synchronization for the Tamil version. At the time of production, the Baahubali series was considered one of the most expensive film projects in Indian cinema.

The story was written by V. Vijayendra Prasad, who had previously collaborated with director S. S. Rajamouli on several films. The movie was produced by Shobu Yarlagadda and Prasad Devineni under Arka Media Works. The technical team included R. C. Kamalakannan as VFX supervisor, Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao as editor, P. M. Satheesh as sound designer, and stunt choreography handled by King Solomon, Lee Whittaker, and Kecha Khamphakdee. Costume design was managed by Rama Rajamouli and Prasanthi Tripuraneni, while M. M. Srivalli served as line producer.

Casting

Prabhas returned as the main lead, continuing his role from the first film. Anushka Shetty was cast as the female lead, marking another collaboration with Rajamouli after Mirchi. Rana Daggubati played the primary antagonist, while veteran actor Nassar joined in a strong supporting role. Tamannaah Bhatia was officially confirmed to play the warrior character Avanthika, and Meka Ramakrishna was selected to portray the leader of the Kunthala rebels.

Character Preparation and Looks

Several actors underwent physical transformation for their roles. Rana Daggubati trained extensively and worked on his physique to match the intensity of his character. Prabhas followed a strict training routine and diet plan, reportedly building a personal gym at home and using advanced equipment to maintain his body for the dual roles. He also met WWE athletes to understand their workout routines.

Tamannaah Bhatia trained specially for her warrior role, including costume trials, physical preparation, and a unique diet plan to match the character’s appearance. Sathyaraj adopted a distinctive tonsured look for his role as Kattappa. Reports also suggested that Anushka Shetty appeared in scenes requiring a different physical portrayal, adding variety to her character arc.

Language and Style

To maintain realism while dubbing in multiple languages, the filmmakers intentionally reduced dialogue-heavy scenes and focused more on visual storytelling and action. The movie also introduced a fictional language called Kiliki, which added depth to the film’s world-building.

Piracy Issues

During production, parts of the film were leaked online. A short war sequence surfaced on social media, leading to the arrest of a video editor accused of uploading the footage. Later, another unfinished action sequence without visual effects also leaked, creating discussion among fans and media.

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Themes and Influences

Director S. S. Rajamouli has stated that the film draws inspiration from the Indian epic Mahabharata. The story explores themes of power, loyalty, betrayal, and destiny. According to the filmmakers, characters like Sivagami and Devasena were inspired by strong figures from mythology and folklore.

The film’s visual design used different colour palettes to represent various kingdoms and emotional tones — warm shades for Mahishmati and cooler tones for Kunthala. Critics also noticed influences from global cinema and epic storytelling traditions, comparing certain narrative elements to well-known mythological and historical dramas.

Music

The music and background score were composed by M. M. Keeravani. The soundtrack was released in multiple languages before the film’s release, with separate launch events for Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, and Malayalam versions. The music played a major role in building the epic tone of the film and supporting its large-scale action sequences.

Release

Baahubali 2: The Conclusion was originally planned for release in the summer of 2016. However, the release was postponed to November 2016 due to preparations for the international expansion of the first film. The date was later finalized as 28 April 2017.

Initially, the combined budget for both films in the franchise was estimated at around ₹250 crore, but it later increased significantly. The total budget eventually reached approximately ₹430 crore, with around ₹180 crore spent on Baahubali: The Beginning and ₹250 crore allocated for Baahubali 2. Notably, the climax sequence alone reportedly cost about ₹30 crore, making it one of the most expensive action sequences in Indian cinema at the time.

Screenings and Statistics

The film had an early limited release in several Gulf countries, including the UAE, on 27 April 2017, followed by its official release in India on 28 April 2017. It was screened at prestigious venues and film events such as the British Film Institute, the Moscow International Film Festival, and the International Film Festival of India under the Indian Panorama section.

During certification, the Telugu version received a U/A certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification with minor cuts. Different countries issued varied ratings, including a “G” rating in Japan and an adult certificate in Singapore due to its intense action scenes.

Baahubali 2 released on a massive scale across more than 9,000 screens worldwide, including about 6,500 screens in India, setting a new record for the widest release of an Indian film at the time. The movie was released in standard 2D as well as IMAX format, becoming one of the early Indian films to adopt IMAX presentation.

The film released in Telugu and Tamil, along with dubbed versions in Hindi and Malayalam. Region-wise, it saw wide distribution across India and overseas markets including North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Asia. The movie also became the first Telugu film to be released in 4K high-definition format, with nearly 200 theatres upgraded with 4K projectors before release.

Later, the film expanded to additional markets, including Japan, Russia, and China, where dubbed versions were released. Despite strict anti-piracy measures, pirated copies surfaced online shortly after release.

Distribution

Marketing

The marketing campaign for Baahubali 2: The Conclusion was handled by a dedicated 25-member team from Arka Media Works. The promotion strategy focused on creating massive anticipation among audiences even before the film’s release.

The official logo was unveiled on 30 September 2016 along with the popular tagline “Why Kattappa Killed Baahubali,” which instantly attracted public curiosity. Later, the first-look poster featuring Prabhas was released on his birthday, showing him in a powerful warrior pose. Posters introducing other key characters, including Rana Daggubati as Bhallaladeva and Anushka Shetty as Devasena, were released gradually to build excitement. A virtual reality teaser was also launched, giving fans a new way to experience the film’s world.

The film’s trailer was released on 17 March 2017 and became a major promotional milestone. Apart from traditional marketing, the makers used social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to engage different audience groups. The marketing strategy aimed to attract technology lovers, gamers, and readers through innovative promotions.

Several tie-in products were introduced as part of the campaign. A digital graphic novel titled Baahubali – The Battle of the Bold was launched, followed by a novel series called Before the Beginning, with the first book The Rise of Sivagami released in March 2017. A themed clothing line inspired by the film was also showcased at a fashion event attended by cast members. Additionally, an online multiplayer game named Baahubali – The Game was released to expand audience engagement.

The cast also participated in international promotional events, including a grand launch event in Dubai shortly before the film’s release.

Rights and Sales

The distribution and broadcasting rights of Baahubali 2 were sold across multiple regions and languages. Different distributors handled the film in various territories, while major media companies acquired television and streaming rights.

The Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam satellite rights were purchased by Star India, while Sony acquired the Hindi satellite rights. Streaming rights were later secured by Netflix. Even before its theatrical release, the film reportedly generated massive revenue through theatrical, satellite, and digital rights, setting new pre-release business records for Indian cinema.

Advance bookings broke several records, with around ten lakh tickets sold within the first 24 hours. Tickets for multiple days sold out quickly, and booking websites faced heavy traffic due to overwhelming demand. In international markets like the UAE, pre-release ticket sales reached record levels for an Indian film.

By the end of its theatrical run in India, the film was estimated to have sold nearly 10 crore tickets, making it one of the highest footfall films in Indian cinema history.

Complications

Despite its massive success, the film faced a few challenges during release. Morning shows in some theatres across Tamil Nadu were temporarily halted due to financial disputes, which were later resolved by the production company.

A few scenes from the film were leaked online shortly before release, causing concerns about piracy. Additionally, protests emerged in Karnataka over comments made by actor Sathyaraj regarding the Cauvery river issue, leading to threats of blocking the film’s release until an apology was issued.

There were also reports of ticketing and taxation issues related to unaccounted ticket sales in certain regions. However, these challenges did not significantly impact the film’s overall success.

Reception

Critical Response

Baahubali 2: The Conclusion received largely positive reviews from critics and audiences worldwide. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a strong approval rating, with most reviewers praising its scale, visual storytelling, and emotional impact. The film was widely appreciated for delivering a grand cinematic experience that matched the massive expectations created by the first installment.

🇮🇳 Reviews in India

Indian critics mostly praised the film for its visual grandeur, performances, and direction. Many reviewers highlighted S. S. Rajamouli’s ability to create a large-scale epic that blends action, emotion, and mythology-inspired storytelling.

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Filmfare described the movie as one of the biggest spectacles produced by Indian cinema, applauding its scale and execution while noting only minor technical flaws. The Hindu appreciated the film’s immersive storytelling and described it as a cinematic celebration best enjoyed on the big screen.

Some critics, however, pointed out weaknesses in the narrative structure. Deccan Chronicle appreciated the performances but felt the storyline lacked depth in certain portions. A few reviewers also mentioned that parts of the screenplay felt predictable.

Other reviews praised the film’s visual effects, cinematography, and cast performances. Times of India and Firstpost called it a visual extravaganza and commended the dual performance of Prabhas. Rediff noted that the film successfully continued the grandeur of the first part while maintaining strong emotional drama.

Not all feedback was positive — a few critics felt the pacing was uneven or that the dialogues were overly dramatic. Some reviews also suggested that certain female characters could have been written with more strength and consistency.

Overall, Indian critics agreed that despite minor flaws, the film delivered a powerful theatrical experience and stood out as a landmark in Indian commercial cinema.

International Response

International reviewers also responded positively to the film, praising its ambitious scale and action choreography. The movie was included in several international lists highlighting notable global films of the year.

The Guardian described it as an emotionally driven blockbuster that combines large-scale action with heart, appreciating its creative staging of battle sequences. Gulf News praised the epic visuals and mythological style, although it noted that heavy CGI occasionally overshadowed the narrative.

Reuters highlighted the film’s fast pace and ability to maintain audience engagement throughout its long runtime. Critics from Screen Anarchy and RogerEbert.com praised the creativity of the action scenes and the emotional investment created around the characters.

Many international reviewers admired how the film blended Indian storytelling traditions with modern blockbuster filmmaking, making it appealing to global audiences as well.

Awards

Baahubali 2: The Conclusion received wide recognition and won several major awards across Indian and international platforms. The film won the Telstra People’s Choice Award at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, sharing the honour with Dangal. Tamannaah Bhatia and writer K.V. Vijayendra Prasad were also honoured with the Global Indian Impact Icon Award at the NRI of the Year Awards.

The team behind the film received the CNN-IBN Indian of the Year Award (2017) for Outstanding Achievement in Entertainment, recognizing the film’s massive cultural impact. At the Zee Telugu Golden Awards, several members of the cast and crew received nominations, including Prabhas, Anushka Shetty, M.M. Keeravani, and director S.S. Rajamouli, while both the film and the song “Saahore Baahubali” were nominated in major categories.

Internationally, the film achieved recognition by winning the Saturn Award for Best International Film at the 44th Saturn Awards. At India’s prestigious 65th National Film Awards, the movie secured wins for Best Stunt Choreography, Best Special Effects, and Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.

At the 65th Filmfare Awards South, Baahubali 2 earned nominations in almost every category and went on to win most of them, except a few acting and playback singing categories. In addition, the film also received nominations at the 10th Mirchi Music Awards, further highlighting its strong musical impact.

Legacy and Impact

Baahubali 2: The Conclusion left a major impact on Indian cinema and is widely regarded as one of the most influential films in modern Indian film history. The movie redefined the scale of filmmaking in India by proving that regional cinema could achieve massive nationwide and global success. Its record-breaking box office performance encouraged filmmakers to create large-scale, multilingual projects aimed at pan-Indian audiences.

The film also played a significant role in strengthening the concept of the pan-India film movement, where movies are produced and marketed beyond language barriers. Following its success, many big-budget films from different industries adopted similar release strategies with simultaneous dubbing and nationwide promotions.

From a technical perspective, the film set new benchmarks in visual effects, production design, and large-scale action storytelling. Its grand cinematic presentation inspired several filmmakers to invest more heavily in high-quality VFX and world-building in Indian cinema.

Culturally, Baahubali 2 became a phenomenon, with dialogues, characters, and scenes entering popular culture. The question “Why did Kattappa kill Baahubali?” became one of the most talked-about topics in Indian entertainment, creating massive anticipation and marketing buzz before release.

The success of the film also expanded the Baahubali franchise beyond cinema, leading to novels, games, merchandise, and streaming content. Overall, the film’s legacy lies in transforming audience expectations and proving that Indian cinema can deliver epic storytelling on a global scale.

EXTERNAL LINKS

WIKIPEDIA :- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baahubali_2:_The_Conclusion#

IMDB :- https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4849438

INTERNAL LINKS

Baahubali : The Conclusion :- https://cinemaatlas.com/baahubali-the-beginning-baahubali-the-beginning-collections/

S.S.RAJAMOULI :- https://cinemaatlas.com/ss-rajamouli-all-movies-list/