Baahubali , more than a movie, I would call that as an experience. Totally enthralled by the scale and opulence of the director's vision, it wouldn't be an exaggeration if I say that I stayed open mouthed during major part of the movie. Creativity is a blessing not everybody has, and to push the envelope in any art to this scale is indeed an inspiration.
Every element is explored and detailed to the smallest atom possible..be it the waterfalls that occupies a good half an hour when the movie canvas unfolds or the war scenes in the climax . The characterization of each protagonist needs special applause. I always have a soft corner for movies with strong female characters. Remya Krishnan stands out in her feisty maharani role,so does Anushka shetty though meaty parts of her role might come out only in the next installment. Just a little pinch of disappointment with the casting of Tamannah, she is too demure and frail and looks out of place in the role of a female warrior.
The hero and villain of this movie have set new benchmarks for what people will look forward in epic dramas. I haven't seen such a charismatic hero with an amazing screen presence on the big screen in a long long time. Prabhas is a revelation, and he carries the magnum opus on his broad shoulders with much elan. On the other hand Daggubati with his beefy frame and steely stares exudes pure evil, rightly so as expected by his character. Last but not the least, the surprise element..the one character who leaves the spectators in turmoil- Kattappa . Satyaraj, as the trusted warrior slave emotes effortlessly as only a veteran of his stature could.
The beauty of the movie is not just in its characterization, but also in the way the story unfolds keeping the viewer on the edge of the seat. Only weak link could be the superficial romance between the lead pair in the beginning, but we tend to forgive it on the sight of the magnificent feast that awaits us later on. At the end of the day, the question remains unanswered - Why did Kattappa kill Baahubali? Is Baahubali really dead? The nation wants to know :) Whatever be the answer , I would still watch the second part, because S.S Rajamouli is one wizard who knows his craft well. Take a bow sir, we are confident that the magic would continue..
PS: On being asked if his new movie "Loham" can be called an action thriller, director Renjith made a very relevant statement. He said that we are living in an era of movies like Baahubali, so there is no point in making action movies anymore..whatever actions can be shown on screen, people have already seen it.Well said, couldn't agree more to this!!
