The first mind-blowing teaser for Baahubali: The Eternal War Part 1 has dropped, promising an epic animated journey for our legendary hero.
TL;DR: Quick Takes on the New Baahubali Chapter!
- • The teaser for Baahubali: The Eternal War Part 1 is out, revealing a stunning 'painterly 3D' animation style that's already turning heads.
- • Iconic stars Prabhas and Ramya Krishna are back to voice their beloved characters, with acclaimed director Ishan Shukla helming this ambitious new project.
- • Set for a theatrical release in 2027, this two-part animated saga will dive into Amarendra Baahubali's afterlife, exploring cosmic realms and ancient wars.
Alright, folks, buckle up! If you thought the epic saga of Baahubali was over, think again. S.S. Rajamouli, the visionary behind the groundbreaking live-action films, is ready to take us back to Mahishmati and beyond, but this time, with a stunning animated twist. The first teaser for Baahubali: The Eternal War Part 1 just dropped, and trust us, it's everything fans could hope for and more, promising a spectacular, larger-than-life return for Amarendra Baahubali!
Remember that mind-blowing moment in Baahubali: The Beginning that left us all screaming "Why did Kattappa kill Baahubali?!" Well, get ready for a whole new chapter. Rajamouli had hinted at more adventures in the Baahubali universe, and now we're seeing it come to life, not in live-action, but in a breathtaking animated epic. This isn't just a side story; it's a massive expansion set to redefine animated storytelling in India, and honestly, it looks incredible.
What Happens After Death? Amarendra Baahubali's New Adventure UnfoldsSo, the big question: what’s The Eternal War actually about? The animated film courageously picks up right after the devastating cliffhanger of Baahubali: The Beginning, where our hero Amarendra Baahubali meets his untimely end. But as Rajamouli himself powerfully stated, "Amarendra Baahubali's death wasn't his end... it was the beginning of something eternal."
The synopsis reveals that Amarendra Baahubali, his heart still aching for his loved ones, finds himself thrust into an ancient cosmic war. This isn't just any war; it’s a grand battle between devas (gods) and asuras (demons), unfolding across a staggering 14 realms of existence. Imagine the possibilities! Baahubali will have to navigate these different dimensions, forge unlikely alliances, and confront divine forces beyond mortal comprehension, all while fighting to restore balance to the cosmos. It's a deep dive into Indian and Vedic cosmology, promising a narrative rich with spiritual and mythological depth that few films dare to explore.
We even got a glimpse in the teaser of Baahubali intercepting a battle between two gods on a flying carriage drawn by majestic elephants. It's the kind of physics-defying, grand-scale action that the Baahubali franchise is famous for, now amplified by the boundless creativity of animation. This journey through the afterlife isn't just about spectacle; it’s about his soul's continued adherence to dharma and the profound impact of his choices.
The Dream Team Behind This Groundbreaking Animated Spectacle
Bringing such an ambitious vision to life requires a stellar team, and The Eternal War certainly has one. While S.S. Rajamouli is presenting and producing, he's handed the directorial reins to the immensely talented Ishan Shukla. Shukla is no stranger to innovative animation, having directed "The Bandits of Golak" for Disney+'s Star Wars: Visions Season 2 and the festival hit animated feature Schirkoa: In Lies We Trust. His background suggests a fresh, stylized approach that's perfect for expanding the Baahubali universe.
But here’s a surprise for many Western film buffs: the screenplay is penned by Scott Mosier! You might know him as the longtime producer and collaborator on Kevin Smith's early films like Clerks and Dogma, or as the co-director of Illumination’s 2018 animated hit The Grinch. Mosier, along with Shukla and Sowmya Sharma who conceived the story and co-wrote the script, brings a unique blend of indie sensibility and mainstream animation experience to the project. Deva Katta and Madhan Karky are handling the dialogue, ensuring the essence of the franchise's powerful exchanges remains intact.
And what's Baahubali without its iconic music? The score for The Eternal War is being composed by none other than the Academy Award-winning M. M. Keeravaani, who gave us the unforgettable tunes of the live-action films and the global sensation RRR. His return guarantees that the animated epic will have a soundscape as grand and emotional as its visuals.
Familiar Voices Return to the Beloved Baahubali Universe
One of the biggest questions for any spin-off, especially an animated one, is whether the original cast will be involved. We're thrilled to confirm that Telugu superstar Prabhas is returning to voice Amarendra Baahubali, reprising his iconic role. His powerful presence and familiar voice will undoubtedly add a layer of authenticity and nostalgia for long-time fans.
Joining him is the formidable Ramya Krishna, who will once again lend her voice to the indomitable Sivagami. Her portrayal of the fierce queen was a highlight of the original films, and her return ensures that the animated saga maintains strong ties to its roots. Beyond these beloved characters, the story will introduce a host of new figures, including Indra, the king of the devas, and Vishasur, the king of the asuras, along with other "surprising gods." This promises to enrich the mythological landscape and offer plenty of fresh faces to complement the returning heroes.
"When Ishan brought us the idea of expanding the Baahubali universe into a stylized animated epic, it clicked instantly. It feels like a seamless, organic extension of the world we built, one that will thrill long-time fans and invite new audiences in. I am excited to bring these two films to the big screen." — S.S. Rajamouli, ProducerAnimation That Looks to Redefine Indian Cinema on a Grand Scale
What really sets The Eternal War Part 1 apart is its visual ambition. The teaser has been widely praised for its stunning animation, with many comparing its stylized aesthetic to global hits like Sony's Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and Netflix's Arcane. Director Ishan Shukla describes it as "painterly 3D animation," designed to look hand-painted while offering the dynamic camera movement and flexibility of 3D. He emphasizes that the goal was not to rehash existing styles but to create something "completely new," with an aggressive movement style and a rich, painterly color palette that adapts as Baahubali travels through different Lokas (dimensions), including the Patal Loka seen in the teaser.
This commitment to visual innovation is backed by an impressive international collaboration of animation studios, including Mihira Visual Labs (India), Aniventure (U.K.), Zaratan (Scotland), Alcyde (France), and Les Androids Associes (France), all partnering with India’s Arka Mediaworks. Alcyde is leading the animation under Antoine Charreyron, with production designer Florent Auguy and CG supervisor Dorian Marchesin shaping the film's distinct aesthetic. This global expertise, combined with local Indian talent, is poised to create a visual benchmark for Indian animation.
The film is being made on a massive budget of Rs. 120 crore (over $14 million USD), signaling a serious commitment to quality and scale that has rarely been seen in Indian animation. In a country where animated features haven't always lit up the box office, the success of recent films like Ashwin Kumar's Mahavatar Narsimha has shown a growing appetite. The Eternal War, with its franchise power and technical prowess, is expected to not only meet but far exceed expectations, potentially breaking box office records and establishing a new standard for the industry. The initial reaction to the teaser, with phone-recorded leaks spreading rapidly and fans "going nuts" over the animation quality, suggests this film is already resonating hugely.
Carrying Forward a Legendary Legacy and Rajamouli's Vision
The Baahubali franchise has been a game-changer for Indian cinema, redefining pan-India storytelling and setting new benchmarks for epic fantasy. Rajamouli's original films, Baahubali: The Beginning and Baahubali: The Conclusion, became cultural phenomena, compiling their essence into the recently re-released Baahubali: The Epic, which served as a perfect lead-in to this new animated chapter. This animated saga is not just a spin-off; it's an organic extension of a world that captivated millions.
The legacy of Baahubali extends even beyond cinema. Rajamouli proudly shared how ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) fondly nicknamed one of its heaviest communication satellites, CMS-03, a "Baahubali" rocket. This speaks volumes about the cultural impact and resonance of the story, even inspiring national achievements!
Director Ishan Shukla mentioned in an exclusive interview that Rajamouli and producer Shobu Yarlagadda's trust and creative freedom were instrumental. He was encouraged to delve deep into Indian scriptures and Vedic cosmology, bringing on board a mythology consultant, Vinay Varanasi, to ensure accuracy and depth. This isn't just an action film; it's an exploration of profound philosophical themes woven into an exhilarating adventure.
Ultimately, Baahubali: The Eternal War Part 1 is more than just a movie; it’s a statement. It’s a testament to the power of Indian storytelling, the limitless potential of animation, and the enduring appeal of a hero who stands for valor, legacy, and destiny. The wait for 2027 feels long, but if this teaser is anything to go by, it will be absolutely worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baahubali: The Eternal War Part 1
Got questions about this exciting new animated adventure? We've got you covered!
When is Baahubali: The Eternal War Part 1 coming out?The first part of the animated saga is slated for a theatrical release sometime in 2027, with some sources hinting at late 2027.
Is this a live-action film like the originals, or something different?This is a major departure! Baahubali: The Eternal War Part 1 is a fully 3D animated epic, embracing a unique "painterly 3D" visual style.
Who is directing The Eternal War?The film is directed by the acclaimed Ishan Shukla, known for his work on Star Wars: Visions and Schirkoa: In Lies We Trust.
Will Prabhas and Ramya Krishna be in it?Yes! Both Telugu superstar Prabhas and Ramya Krishna are reprising their iconic roles by lending their voices to Amarendra Baahubali and Sivagami, respectively.
Sources
- TOI Entertainment Desk
- Polygon
- /Film
- Cartoon Brew
- The Hollywood Reporter India
- UPI
- CineJosh
- Collider
- ScreenRant
- Punch Drunk Critics