Carry momentum of Baahubali 2 to greater heights

Released on April 28, in four languages (Telugu, Tamil, Hindi and Malayalam) in over 9,000 screens worldwide, it is heading to earn the highest ever at the box office, which may be challenging to overtake for a few years. Baahubali 2 has become a case study, pride of Indian cinema and truly a gamechanger. The magic behind the film’s success can be attributed to a few factors. 

World-class making: The film’s VFX, grand sets and making, left the audience wondering how this film was ever made. Many have equated the film’s spectacular making with Hollywood biggies like The Lord of the Rings and the Game of Thrones. 

No threat of substitutes: Most big budget films suffer from substitutes like online piracy, pirated DVDs and cable piracy, which affect box office revenues. However, Baahubali 2 is a visual splendour, great cinematic experience and pure magic on screen, which cannot be enjoyed in any small screen. Hence, audience are ignoring pirated versions and thronging the theatres.

Story rooted in Indian culture: Baahubali 2 is completely rooted in Indian culture and is not a fantasy story. Hence, audiences are able to easily connect with its narration. 

A complete entertainer: Unlike many historical films, Baahubali 2 has all essential emotions inbuilt; bravery, anger, fear, comedy, love, sorrow, betrayal, wonder and peace and hence audience are totally entertained, engaged, and emotionally connected throughout. 

Pan-India appeal: Till date, no Indian film has appealed to pan-India audience like Baahubali 2 . It crossed barriers and appealed to north, west, east and south Indian people living across the globe. The film established that in order to create history at the box office, a film needs to have a pan-India appeal.

Sustained marketing: Baahubali series is one of the best marketed in the last five years. Right from announcement in 2011 and commencement of shooting in July 2013, the film was in constant news. Baa hubali 2 remained on top of people’s minds with huge expectations. Its marketing will be a case study, including the offering of the first part freely through YouTube and releasing it in theatres before the second part’s release, to keep the excitement alive on the film. 

Film exceeding expectations: Creating high expectations is easy for a big budget film. However, delivering is important. That is where Baahubali 2 scored. The film exceeded expectations in terms of story-telling, presentation, grandeur, screen beauty, performances, music, action, cinematography, editing, production design and other technical aspects. Attention to minute details, several goose bump moments created a wow feeling among audience. The film is certainly a benchmark for surpassing audience expectations in its delivery. 

Baahubali 2 may end up creating never- before-seen box office history in Indian cinema. This film’s records may be challenged by Shankar’s 2.0 with Rajinikanth and Akshay Kumar in 2018, which has the potential to appeal to pan-India audience. 

Indian cinema must take this momentum forward and try new and grandeur efforts. Mahabhara ta in four languages at a budget of Rs.1,000 crore is already announced. The audience and the film industry is looking for bigger and better films in future, to make the world recognise the strength of the Indian film industry. — The writer is Founder-Dean, BOFTA Film Institute, Chennai