Two-part Bollywood blockbuster has got a prequel series which is coming very soon to Netflix as Netflix’s original series. The series is named Baahubali: Before the Beginning and the story will focus on Sivagami.
Netflix has given a two-season order, however, according to Deva Katta, co-director of the series, it could be extended to the third season if the series is a success. The series is based on The Rise of Sivagami which is a prequel novel to the 2015 movie Baahubali, written by Anand Neelakantan and its first season will feature nine episodes. It is also the first of a proposed novel trilogy.
Netflix described the upcoming series as follows:
This (prequel) series captures Queen Sivagami’s journey from a rebellious and vengeful girl to a wise and unequalled queen. Power, politics, and intrigue find themselves juxtaposed against the rise of Mahishmati – from being a city-state to an empire. This is the rich backdrop and drama where the Baahubali franchise is set. 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.
The show is currently in development and being directed by Deva Katta and Praveen Sattaru. For the production of the new series, Netflix has partnered with S.S. Rajamouli and the original production house of the film- Arka Media Works.
To recall, Amazon aired the animated series called Baahubali: The Lost Legends last year which was set before the Kalkeya invasion depicted in the movie and when the two princes- Baahubali and Bhallaladeva were still young. There are a total of three seasons available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
The two-part Bollywood movie- Baahubali: The Beginning and Baahubali 2: The Conclusion– was a great success with over Rs. 24 billion global ticket sales.
“Baahubali is a world-class franchise that epitomizes the power of compelling stories that resonate globally. We are excited to work with some of the world’s most talented writers and producers on one of India’s most beloved stories,” said Erik Barmack, Netflix’s VP for international originals.
“I am very excited that this (Baahubali series) is being adapted as a Netflix Original Series. With Netflix as our partner, we have the opportunity to create a rich and riveting series and take this quintessential Indian epic to the world, which is very gratifying to me as a story-teller,” stated S.S. Rajamouli.
