In an event that marks a significant expansion of the celebrated Baahubali franchise, Disney+ Hotstar has announced the release date of the much-awaited animation web series, ‘Baahubali: Crown of Blood’. Commencing on May 17, the series will unfold new chapters in the lives of iconic characters such as Baahubali, Bhallaladeva, Sivagami, and Kattappa as they encounter fresh obstacles and adventures.
This animated continuation arrives nine years after the groundbreaking release of ‘Baahubali: The Beginning’ in 2015 and seven years following the sequel ‘Baahubali: The Conclusion’ in 2017. Both films, headlined by stars including Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty, Tamannaah Bhatia, and Ramya Krishnan, not only captivated audiences but also shattered box office records in Indian cinema, becoming a cultural phenomenon.
Helmed by directors Jeevan J Kang and Naveen John, ‘Baahubali: Crown of Blood’ is a labor of love, conjured into existence by the imaginative minds of SS Rajamouli and Sharad Devarajan. Gaurav Banerjee, who leads the content division at Disney Plus Hotstar, expressed his confidence at the launch event, stating the series promises to redefine the animation genre, catering not just to children but to adults as well, thereby challenging prevailing perceptions.
The project has embraced digital innovation, visually narrating untold stories within the Baahubali universe. Illustrating on the depth of this new venture, Rajamouli shared insights into the creative process: “While scripting the Baahubali films, we meticulously crafted extensive backstories, character arcs, and envisioned the aftermath for each individual in our saga. We believed this richness needed to be shared with our audience. In Western cinema, a successful movie often evolves into an extensive brand. It was our desire to see Baahubali burgeon into a franchise encompassing animation series, graphic novels, and gaming ventures. The quest for the right partners led us to this juncture.”
Adding to Rajamouli’s sentiments, producer Shobhu Yarlagadda emphasized the films were merely the beginning of a much grander narrative, one that intends to branch out through cartoons, gaming, and further animation-based explorations.
Adding an element of continuity for followers of the Hindi adaptations, actor Sharad Kelkar, who lent his voice for Baahubali in the Hindi versions, resumes his role in the animated series. The unfolding story will present how the central figures of Baahubali and Bhallaladeva strive to shield their realm, the kingdom of Mahishmati, from looming threats – likely to invigorate fans with fresh lore and action-packed sequences.
As the world of ‘Baahubali: Crown of Blood’ is poised to become accessible to millions on Disney+ Hotstar, anticipation is at an all-time high. The animated series aims to not only preserve the essence of the original films but to also expand its mythos, bringing forth a grand tapestry of storytelling that is bound to enchant a new generation of viewers as well as appease the loyal fans who have been yearning for more content from this groundbreaking cinematic universe.
