Baahubali: The Conclusion is the current hot topic of discussion for various reasons. Technically, the discussion started back in 2015 when SS Rajamouli introduced the world of Mahishmati to us with its various characters. Back then, the film made everyone sit up because it was a concept no one had attempted before, down South. it was not only a daring concept, but also a job well done. With the first film ending on a cliff hanger, the question - Why Kattappa Killed Baahubali became a rage! Fans were coming up with theories, even those who hadn't watched knew about this question. The movie already had a huge talking point. The movie's powerful characters further became a subject for discussion. To add to it, Part 1 stormed the box office and became one of the biggest hits of 2015. Now how was the team to beat this kind of success? How was Part 2 going to be better than Part 1? Well, SS Rajamouli had it all planned. He made sure the first part was just about laying the groundwork and then let Part 2 do the real talking! Also Read: 7 facts about Baahubali’s Devasena aka Anushka Shetty that prove she was born to rule hearts
The film set an example of a game changer that could boast of exemplary VFX, a compelling story, powerful play of the characters, perfectly synced perfect groundscore and the perfect answer to the question - Why Kattappa Killed Bahaubali. Needless to say, the film is roaring at the box office. As of today, it has grossed Rs 785 crores worldwide. This is officially the biggest blockbuster of all time! But let us tell you, this is NOT why Baahubali is the nationwide sensation as fans claim it to be. As you dig deeper, you start to notice the elements that make this film extra special. If you haven't known already known, this is the first South film that has opened to a PAN India response! This film is breaking records in its original language and its dubbed version. This is a movie that has its characters written out in details. Fans are floored by Amarendra Baahubali and the lead antagonist - BhallalaDeva - both have left a lasting impression. But as you dig deeper, there is another aspect that stands out in this magnum opus, in both 1&2. We are talking about the powerful role of the women in this drama.
In cliched Telugu films, women are usually a part of movies only to add to the glamour quotient. They are kind of a walking-talking prop that lends to the visual appeal, but adds nothing to the substance of the film. But of course, this narrow mindset has seen a evolution with time. Film makers now are making sure women have an important role to play. And Baahubali is one such grand example. Apart from Prabhas, Rana, the other two characters fans have caught notice of are Sivagami and Devasena.
Let's take a look at Sivagami - She is the Queen of Mahishmati who makes the final decision. No orders can be passed without her consent. In Part 1, when Baahubali lost his mother, she was the one who made sure Baahubali and Bhallaladeva were treated equally, were trained equally and provided with resources. She was the catalyst in Baahubali's rise. Her intimidating demeanor, her formidable gaze, her no-nonsense approach easily made her one of the most dynamic characters. Here was a woman who was gentle yet stern, vulnerable yet hard-hearted, fair yet emotional. Ramya Krishnan played it to perfection. She was truly a force to reckon with. There was no character who stood up to her untiL Devasena came along in Part 2....
Devasena played by Anushka Shetty seemed like what Sivagami would have been in her younger days - Feisty, aggressive, a skilled warrior, and brutally up front. She had a mind of her own and was no damsel in distress. You couldn't fool Devasena easily. She was unapologetic about who she was and continued to be so, even when she left her own Kingdom - Kuntala and became a part of Mahishmati. The princess didn't have a delicate bone in her. She believed in the 'an eye for an eye' approach.
Avanthika played by Tamannaah Bhatia - She was another character who was brave, independent and powerful.
While they might have been powerful in their approach, their beauty wasn't compromised. Clearly, SS Rajamouli was reiterating the fact - You can be as feminine as you want even if you are a powerful lady. Furthermore, both characters expressed their vulnerabilities freely - When Sivagami lost her son, When Devasena fell in love with Baahubali are two such instances. Who said powerful women don't have a weak moment? Who said they can't be beautiful just as they are successful? Yes, we are all aware of that but to have established that in a film set in an early era was what made a difference. It felt like SS Rajamouli was trying to say - this is how women have always been and always will be.
SS Rajamouli and his father, through their film have send out a powerful message - If you showcase a woman's potential at its fullest, if you make her as important as she ought to be, she becomes one of the most powerful elements in your story.
Everyone will always remember Baahubali but nobody will forget that it was Sivagami who gave the orders to have the undefeatable king, killed. She might have been Queen, but her last word was check mate; Very Kingly, we say!
