Director: SS Rajamouli
Cast: Prabhas, Rana Dagguabti, Ramya Krishnan, Anushka Shetty, Sathyaraj, Tamannaah Bhatia,
Ratings: ****
Touted as biggest pan-Indian film, 'Baahubali' is a sheer madness. It is an experience that needs to be lived. SS Rajamouli's art of storytelling is magical and you get swayed by it.
'Baahubali 2: The Conclusion' has everything which should be in a franchise with such a popularity. Visual grandeur, costumes, direction, drama, war sequences, all are par excellence. Rajamouli also skillfully answers the question which sent whole nation into a frenzy: "Why Kattappa killed Baahubali?".
'Baahubali 2' portrays myriad of emotions of its characters. Love, revenge, conspiracy and jealousy- the epic saga has all of them. And wait, the epic tale also has a pinch of humour. If you think it is just the question which is driving people into theaters, then you might be wrong. After an hour it becomes predictable why faithful Kattappa killed his favourite Baahubali but it is the screenplay which keeps the audience hooked; due credit goes to Rajamouli.
Movie begins right from where it left you craving for more in 'Baahubali: The Beginning'. Making you recall moments from first part of Baahubali in an artful manner, the story starts with Mahishmati kindgom gearing up for the coronation of Amrendra Baahubali (Prabhas). During the course, he falls in love with the princess Devasena (Anushka Shetty) of another imaginary ancient city which is minuscule before giant Mahishmati kingdom. Baahubali tries to woo Devasena by concealing his identity. Pre-interval, the story primarily establishes love story of Baahubali-Devasena and has beautiful moments of their courtship. First half of the film is a bit comical, even the first fight scene has humour packed in it.
Both Prabhas and Devasena's entry trigger whistles and applause from the spectators. (Anushka Shetty) Devasena who was mostly in chains in 'Baahubali 1' is shown as warrior princess and looks gorgeous in every frame. The war in the moonlight, oxen running wild with fire on their horns, Disney-inspired ship are few scenes among others which are awe-inspiring. The scene where Devasena and Baahubali fight against infiltrators, showing their archery skill is purely magical.
The story becomes tighter only when Devasena rejects marriage proposal of Bhallaldeva sent by Sivagami. Second half of the movie proceeds with Bhallaldeva's conspiracies to get rid of Amrendra Baahubali and the fight between good vs evil.
The second part also quench your thirst for the answer what led Sivagami to sacrifice her life for Amrendra Baahubali's newborn. After Kattappa kills Baahubali, the film then takes the form of revenge drama. You already know now Mahendra Baahubali will avenge his father's death but still wait for it with bated breath and the credit goes to amazingly choreographed fight sequence. There is no grand war sequence like that with Kalakeyas in the earlier one but you will hardly miss it.
ACTING
Prabhas is still lifting logs and chariot to save people. Besides showing warrior avatar, he portrays range of emotions. From princess to wife and then mother, Anushka Shetty plays different phases of life. She as an outspoken and fiery princess looks brilliant on the screen. (Ramya Krishnan) Rajmata Sivagami Devi is another powerful woman of the movie, who steals the show with her expressive eyes. You'll get to see another side of Sathyaraj who dons the avatar of a funny sidekick of Baahubali in the first half of the film. He is equally the hero of the movie. Rana Daggubati in a tyrant, looks like an epitome of all evil forces. Tamannaah only has couple of scenes and that too at the end.
DIRECTION
Apart from direction, SS Rajamouli has also taken the responsibility of screenplay on his shoulders. No one can beat Rajamouli when it comes to storytelling. He has worked with each frame of the movie and is evident. Rajamouli has finely crafted characters of its leading ladies-Anushka Shetty and Ramya Krishnan. They spark fire whenever they come on the screen together. Viewers hail the entry of each character be it Baahubali, Devasena, Bhallaldeva or Sivagami.
VISUAL EFFECTS AND OTHER
Hats off to visual effects team which steals the show once again. VFX is so breathtaking that you would not like to even blink your eyes. M M Keeravani's background score is powerful. K K Senthil Kumar's cinematography is a delight. Such a splendid movie couldn't have been possible without production designer Sabu Cyril.
'Baahubali 2' is a cinematic treat which will mesmerize you.