Popular online streaming platform Netflix has announced that a prequel to the popular Baahubali franchise, Baahubali: Before the Beginning, will soon be aired. With this, the tale of intrigue, deception and loyalty in the Mahishmati Empire makes a return to our lives.
You witnessed the Mahishmati Empire in all its glory. Now witness its rise. Baahubali: Before the Beginning coming soon. pic.twitter.com/csPODOcXdt
— Netflix India (@NetflixIndia) August 2, 2018
This series will be a part-adaptation of Anand Neelakantan’s The Rise of Sivagami, a prequel novel to the 2015 film Baahubali: The Beginning. The novel is the first of a proposed trilogy called Baahubali – Before the Beginning. According to a report in NDTV, the show has been given a two-season order, and it will be jointly produced by film’s director SS Rajamouli and the original production house Arka Media Works.
The series will have nine episodes in the first season. Deva Katta and Praveen Sataru will co-direct the series.
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An official statement from Netflix said that the series shares the same rich backdrop and drama of the Baahubali franchise. It added that the series promises to build on the “incredible narrative style of the franchise – including its high production values, spectacular visuals and connective-epic story-telling”.
Earlier, speaking about the project, co-director Deva Katta said: “The Baahubali series made a huge impact with its unique storytelling. This prequel promises to amp up the excitement of all the Baahubali fans. I am really honoured to be part of this project and be able to work with Rajamouli sir.”
Baahubali producer Shobu Yarlagadda responded to the Netflix tweet and said the team has its work cut out.
Super excited to the sharing this news! We have work cut out for us! To deliver an original series which once again lives up to and exceeds all expectations! https://t.co/cdfZK611qq
— Shobu Yarlagadda (@Shobu_) August 2, 2018
The series marks the second online venture of the franchise. An animated series Baahubali: The Lost Legends was aired on Amazon Prime last year. Erik Barmack, Netflix’s VP for International Originals, told NDTV, “We have been working for over a year now in developing this story, a prequel to the films, as an Netflix original series. The series is a tremendous opportunity for us to give audiences more of the universe that they have come to love, and welcome millions more into the global Baahubali fandom.”
Prasad Devineni of Arka Media Works said they have been working for over a year to develop the story, and added that the partnership with Netflix gave them the reach and creative freedom to bring out the full potential of the series.
This is the third Indian original series for Netflix following gritty crime drama Sacred Games and horror series Ghoul.