Baahubali: The Beginning

Baahubali: The Beginning is a 2015 Indian epic action film directed by S. S. Rajamouli, starring Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty, Tamannaah Bhatia, Ramya Krishnan, and Sathyaraj. The movie is the first of a two-part epic saga, with the second part Baahubali: The Conclusion released in 2017.

Set in the ancient Indian kingdom of Mahishmati, the story follows the journey of Shivudu, a young, adventurous boy who learns about his past and identity as Baahubali, the prince of the kingdom. Shivudu is captivated by a hidden waterfall where he finds a mask of a warrior, and soon becomes determined to uncover the secret behind the mask. He sets out on an adventurous journey that takes him to the kingdom and through a series of testing trials and tribulations including rescuing the royal princess Devasena from the clutches of an evil king, Bhallaladeva.

The movie starts off with Shivudu, portrayed by Prabhas, living with his mother and stepfather in a small village at the foot of a huge waterfall. He has an insatiable curiosity about the world outside his village and often tries to climb the waterfall to reach the top. One day, he succeeds in climbing the waterfall and discovers a hidden cave behind it where he finds the mask of a warrior which gives him an inexplicable feeling.

Shivudu is determined to find out the story behind the mask, and learns that it leads to the kingdom of Mahishmati. With the help of his friends, Kattappa and Sanga, they embark on a journey to learn about the history of the kingdom and the legend of Baahubali, who was said to have been the greatest warrior and ruler the kingdom had ever seen. As Shivudu unravels the mystery, he discovers that he is the son of Baahubali and his mother was the queen of Mahishmati.

The story takes a dramatic turn when Bhallaladeva, the cousin of Baahubali, has his sights set on the throne and executes a coup against the king, killing him in the process. Bhallaladeva eliminates anyone who stands in his way and rules Mahishmati with an iron fist. Devasena, the princess and wife of Baahubali, is taken prisoner and tortured by Bhallaladeva. Shivudu falls in love with Devasena and is determined to save her and take revenge on Bhallaladeva.

The film is a visual spectacle showcasing the grandeur and glory of ancient India with lavish sets and stunning visual effects. The battle scenes are especially noteworthy, with massive armies battling it out on huge sets. The performances are impressive, with Prabhas essaying the titular role with ease and Rana Daggubati stealing the show as the menacing villain. Anushka Shetty is brilliant as the fierce Devasena, who refuses to bow down to her captors.

The music, composed by M. M. Keeravani, is another highlight of the film, with the songs and background score adding to the overall impact of the story. The song "Dhivara" is particularly popular for its catchy tune and fantastic choreography.

Baahubali: The Beginning was a massive hit at the box office, breaking many records and becoming one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time. The film received critical acclaim for its cinematography, visual effects, and screenplay.

Overall, Baahubali: The Beginning is an epic saga that transports the viewer to a different era and immerses them in a world of fantasy and adventure. The film sets up the stage for the next chapter of the story and leaves the viewer eagerly anticipating what comes next.