‘Baahubali: The Epic’ Review — A Condensed Revisit That Loses Some of Its Magic
When Baahubali: The Beginning hit theaters in 2015, it revolutionized Indian cinema. It ushered in the era of pan-Indian blockbusters and placed Telugu cinema firmly on the national and global map. Its sequel, Baahubali: The Conclusion (2017), shattered box-office records, cemented S.S. Rajamouli’s name as a visionary filmmaker, and turned Prabhas into a pan-Indian superstar.
Nearly a decade later, the team returns with Baahubali: The Epic — a single, nearly four-hour feature that merges both films into one streamlined narrative.
Why Now?
Why revisit Baahubali when both parts are already streaming worldwide? The simple answer may be commercial, but there’s more to it. With Rajamouli gearing up for his next global adventure starring Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra, Baahubali: The Epic seems like a deliberate reintroduction — a chance for international audiences who discovered him through RRR to experience the roots of his mythological storytelling and visual spectacle.
The original duology ran for about five and a half hours. This version trims it down to 225 minutes (3 hours 45 minutes), removing three songs and several redundant subplots. The essence of the story remains — the drama, the grandeur, and the emotional arcs are all intact. Iconic moments like the royal court beheading, Kattappa’s betrayal, and the breathtaking arrow sequence between Prabhas and Anushka still command attention.
Does the Magic Still Work?
Not entirely. For viewers who value storytelling depth and pacing, this condensed cut feels uneven. Despite the trimming, the nearly four-hour runtime still tests patience. Fans of the franchise may revel in nostalgia, but for others, Baahubali: The Epic often feels like an elaborate recap rather than a revitalized cinematic journey.
While many sequences that once mesmerized audiences still hold visual appeal, some of the film’s technical aspects have aged. The VFX, once considered groundbreaking, now look dated — particularly the avalanche sequence, which unintentionally draws laughter for its poor quality. Rajamouli has wisely removed the “Manohari” song and certain cringe-worthy comedic bits, but a few outdated moments still linger.
Performances and Impact
Prabhas continues to be the film’s towering strength, exuding both grace and heroism. Anushka Shetty delivers a commanding performance that adds emotional weight, while the rest of the ensemble remains effective within their trimmed roles. Yet, the film’s visual and emotional impact doesn’t resonate as powerfully in today’s evolved cinematic landscape — where audiences expect sharper narratives and more refined visual effects.
Bottom Line
Baahubali: The Epic is less a thrilling re-experience and more a nostalgic remembrance. Rajamouli’s storytelling ambition and Prabhas’s presence still shine, but the magic that once defined Baahubali feels dimmed by time. Epic in scale, yes — but not quite in impact.
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