10 Years of Baahubali: How Rajamouli’s Epic Redefined Indian Cinema
From box office history to pop culture legend, Baahubali’s legacy stands tall a decade later.
Exactly ten years ago today, on July 10, 2015, Indian cinema witnessed a transformation with the release of Baahubali: The Beginning. Directed by visionary filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli, this historical fantasy not only smashed box office records but also became a cultural phenomenon that laid the groundwork for what we now call “pan-India” cinema.
The Rise of a Pan-India Superstar
At the heart of Baahubali was Prabhas, who devoted five years exclusively to this franchise. His commitment transformed him into a nationwide icon. Rajamouli’s trust in Prabhas paid off as the actor seamlessly embodied both the fierce warrior Baahubali and the humble Sivudu. His physical transformation—from 105 kg to 85 kg—reflected the duality of his roles, while co-star Rana Daggubati bulked up significantly to portray the menacing Bhallaladeva.
Casting What-Ifs and Perfect Choices
While early casting speculations included Jason Momoa, Sridevi, and Sanjay Dutt, the final cast—Ramya Krishna as Shivagami, Satyaraj as Kattappa, and others like Tamannaah, Anushka Shetty, and Nasser—proved to be a masterstroke. The chemistry and performances remain etched in audience memory.
Cinematic Innovation: From Kiliki Language to VFX Mastery
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Kiliki, the fictional language spoken by the Kalakeya tribe, was invented by lyricist Madhan Karky and even came with its grammar and over 800 words—India’s first constructed film language.
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The makers invested over ₹85 crore into VFX, collaborating with 800+ artists across 15 studios globally.
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The Mahishmati Kingdom set, spanning 20 acres and costing ₹25 crore, became a major tourist attraction at Ramoji Film City.
Production Grandeur: Weapons, Budgets, and Dedication
Production Designer Sabu Cyril and his team handcrafted over 20,000 weapons for the film, from detailed armor to bows and swords. The film’s total budget stood at ₹200 crore, while its worldwide box office collection soared beyond ₹650 crore, making it the second-highest grosser in Indian cinema at the time.
Mixed Start, Meteoric Rise
Interestingly, Baahubali opened to mixed reviews in Telugu states, but a glowing reception in North India helped shift momentum rapidly. Within days, positive word-of-mouth turned the tide across regions.
“Why Kattappa Killed Baahubali?” – A Cultural Moment
The cliffhanger ending turned into one of India’s biggest pop culture moments. The question “Why did Kattappa kill Baahubali?” ranked among Google India’s top 10 searches in 2015, building enormous anticipation for Baahubali 2: The Conclusion.
Global Recognition & Records
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Baahubali became the first non-English film screened at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
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A massive poster spanning 50,000 square feet in Kerala entered the Guinness World Records.
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It received two National Awards, including Best Feature Film and Best Special Effects, and won 14 Nandi Awards.
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The film was released in five Indian languages and dubbed into English, Mandarin, and Thai, with Rajamouli trimming 20 minutes for the international version.
A Legacy That Shaped the Future
Baahubali didn’t just change careers—it rewrote the rules of Indian filmmaking. It redefined scale, introduced global storytelling techniques, and united Indian audiences across languages and regions.
Even a decade later, the legacy of Baahubali remains unchallenged. And as the trend of pan-India films continues, it’s clear that this film didn’t just set the bar—it became the bar.
