Jul 10, 2015 11:55 AM
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One of the most ambitious films of Indian Cinema, Baahubali: The Beginning, is finally here. The trailers have been excellent and it makes it clear that this is a film that is at par with global standards. Moreover, it has been shot simultaneously in Telegu and Tamil and dubbed in Malayalam and Hindi and this will make sure that the film reaches to as many people Indians as possible. And sure enough, Baahubali: The Beginning is a film that deserves to be seen by Indian audiences in hordes. It boasts of a great story, performances, technical finesse and would definitely be remembered as one of the most significant films of Indian Cinema ever!
The story of the movie: Shiva(Prabhas) is from the royal family of Mahishmati but circumstances are such that he gets raised by a different tribe residing outside the royal kingdom. The village of the tribe is located next to a giant tall waterfall. Nobody has scaled it yet but Shiva dreams of doing so. Once successful, he comes across the seductive but menacing Avantika(Tamannaah Bhatia) and gets sucked into her world and also that of Mahishmati, which is now being ruled by the ruthless King Bhallala Deva(Rana Dagubatti).
Baahubali: The Beginning is epic from the word ‘go’. The scale and grandeur of the film is never-before-seen and the makers have tried their best to make the film look as grand as possible. The waterfall shown in the beginning of the film itself takes away your breath. Shiva’s numerous attempts in reaching the top are jaw-dropping. Avantika’s entry is quite unexpected and adds value to the film. However, the romantic portions of the film tend to go a bit over the top and might put off a section of audiences. It is entertaining for sure but it looks a bit out of place in the film and also unreal, considering the fact that the movie is more of a serious war drama. The other glitch in the first half is the avalanche scene. It is unnecessary and the VFX in this sequence is the weakest as it just doesn’t look real. Thirdly, the dubbed Hindi version could have been a bit better in terms of the dialogues and accents. Few characters are shown speaking in UP accent which is just not done. In one scene, Sivagami calls the river ‘Ganga maiyya’ which is not justified as it is clear that the story is set somewhere in South India.
However, the blemishes end here. The intermission scene is terrific and exhilarating. The second half starts on a rocking note. Suddenly, the film gets into a totally different zone and one wonders at first what’s going on. But in no time, one gets used to the new turn that the film has taken as it’s equally awesome. In fact, the last 30-35 minutes are highly engrossing. The novel techniques used by the two brothers in killing the enemies in the war are seen to be believed. And the best part is the last scene – it is shocking and makes one very curious about what happens next, which will be revealed in the part 2 of the series called Baahubali: The Conclusion.
Every actor has put forward their best. Prabhas is in top form and very, very apt for the role of Shiva and Baahubali. The way he is exhibited as this brave, adamant funny person will be loved. In fact, I haven’t seen any of Prabhas film but I can safely say that Prabhas fans are in for a treat! He dances, he oozes awe, fights baddies, helps the poor and downtrodden – it’s going to be loved and appreciated! Tamannaah Bhatia as always looks like a million bucks but rocks even in the action scenes. The manner in which her body has been exhibited isn’t cheap – it is aesthetically done. And this could have been done only with Tamannaah Bhatia. Rana Daggubati too puts his best foot forward, right from his clapworthy entry scene. He does have a late entry but once he enters the narrative, he dominates the film, with Prabhas of course. Anushka Shetty’s(Devasena) make up is quite something and he plays her role with aplomb. Her conversation with Kattappa at night is superb. Sathyaraj(Kattappa; he played Deepika Padukone’s father in Chennai Express) has a very significant role to play in the film and he gives a splendid performance. Ramya Krishnan(Sivagami) makes a very huge impact in the small role. Nassar(Bijala Deva) leaves a mark with his role of a handicapped royal family member. Sudeep(Aslam Khan) is excellent in the cameo and I hope we get to see him more in part 2. The actor playing the enemy in the war looks quite scary.
M M Kreem’s music does full justice to the epic scale of the film. Khoya Hain is well composed and shot. Panchhi Boley also is quite fun to watch. The dreamland-like landscape shown in the song makes for a great viewing. Manohari, the item song, is wasted. Background score is splendid, especially in the intermission point. Sabu Cyril’s production design is award worthy. What amazing detailing! Same goes for VFX and CGI. The kingdom of Mahishmati is brilliantly visualized and exhibited. Costumes are royal and stylish. Special mention should also go to Tamannaah Bhatia’s costumes. Action is splendid and anything but routine. Story is excellent – it is in a way a revenge drama and a tale of warring brothers. But the writers brought something new to the table because of which the story works big time. Screenplay is exceptional, despite some timepass and over the top moments. As for S S Rajamouli’s direction, well, he should take a bow! He has effectively added the commercial massy elements and at the same time, ensured that the film will appeal to all section of audiences. And the way he ends the first part, one is shocked and extremely curious and desperate to watch the sequel. Needless to say, Baahubali: The Conclusion is eagerly awaited!
Some of the best scenes:
The first scene
Shiva lifts the shivling(whistle worthy!)
The songs Khoya Hain and Panchhi Boley
Shiva paints Avantika’s hands
Shiva ‘strips’ Avantika
Aslam Khan meets Kattappa
The intermission point
Shiva faces Kattappa
The final 30-35 minutes
On the whole, Baahubali: The Beginning is an epic period drama that deserves to be seen for its tehnical finesse(matching international standards) and the whistle and clap worthy moments. The performances are excellent and the dramatic and action moments in the movie are well written and executed. The first half however is a bit over the top(especially the romantic moments) but it’s the second half where the film goes on to another level altogether. It’s a blockbuster in Telegu and Tamil markets but here’s hoping that Hindi speaking audiences give this film a chance!
