Baahubali 2: The Conclusion

Whatever you write, about this epic magnum opus, will fall short of its grandeur. It's technically one of the most advanced movies of the country. The movie not just answers one of the biggest questions of our time [Why Kattappa killed Baahubali?], but the script does complete justice to the passion of millions of cine-goers of this country. They have matched and excelled the expectations from the sequel to a massively hit venture of 'Baahubali', the first edition. Two departments that stand out are its exceptional cinematography. It's simply superb. They have used a canvas, with such bright strokes and at such a grand scale, that you cannot but get captivated. And when you realize that it's created majorly in India with Indian technicians, you feel all the more proud. The other department is certainly action. South Indian movies are known for breath-taking action sequences. Baahubali-2 lives up to the reputation quite conveniently. Songs, I felt, were the weak part. Unnecessary and stretched. The lyrics sometimes sounded out of place and forced. The movie is good 2 hours and 47 minutes long and there you feel some scissors could have been used.

Story picks up from where it left in the previous edition and most part of the reel is spent in flashback. We are introduced to the past of Devsena and Amrendra Baahubali. It spends a good amount of time showing how Baahubali woos her over. You may find some of the sequences a little silly, but enjoyable nonetheless. That was probably required to intensify the twist that is given in the later part of the story.

Anushka Shetty playing Devasena, who we saw in 'Baahubali' as the chained old woman breathing anger quietly under her breath, is introduced in her youthful self. She is fiery and attractive, every bit the perfect match for our Baahubali. However, She has a sharp tongue which keeps making her life miserable in a kingdom which has become a bed of conspiracies and deceit. Devasena, and Anushka Shetty, leaves a mark on our minds when we leave our seats.

However, what you learn from her character is this: Speaking arrogantly to your mother-in-law can put you in trouble. Sometimes, you may end up collecting twigs for twenty five years!

Shivgami, played by Ramya Krishnan, finds it tougher and tougher to rule her vast kingdom with her husband and son co-operating ostensibly. Her character becomes arrogant as the story progresses and repents only when the irreparable damage is done. Her falling prey to trivial manoeuvres, which later become fatal, is something one needs to overlook to enjoy this fiction. Ramya embodies Shivgami's persona quite adroitly.

Amrendra Baahubali is the epitome of righteousness and has a large heart. The script does not even attempt to muddle his character into any complications. He is Lord Rama of his age. He does not care to understand the nuances of politics in a place where seizing power runs in the blood. He is innovative and thinks out of the box in difficult situations. However, he does not seek any remuneration for the same.
Wow! He could be the dream of every present day manager. And like every other hard working but politically-stupid mid-level manager, Baahubali suffers at the hands of his most trusted.

Katappa, played by Sathyaraj, is simply superb. The old and loyal guard of Mahishmati also faces hard time keeping his buddy safe. But eventually is the one who kills him.
Why? For that you still have to watch the movie. 
However, if you watch the movie carefully, keeping your logical antennas perfectly tuned, you will find a lot of inconsistencies in the way Katappa's story is weaved. May be I will talk about it after the movie is sufficiently old.

 

Bhalladeva, played by Rana Daggubatti, showed the vast spectrum of his talent. Whether it was the vulnerable prince who was declined the throne or the scheming brother who goes to all depths to get what he wants. However, of the two get-ups that Bhalladeva puts on, the older one is more menacing. One that makes you fear him. But somehow, he is obsessed with Devasena. He wants her back in his palace grounds, collecting twigs.

And before I forget, there's Tamannah, as well. But she has a screen time lesser than this lady.

She is an ordinary citizen of Mahishmati. But is a true front-bencher. You see her in almost every frame where the citizen of Mahismati are shown. Always in the front row!

Three cheers to the director, Mr. S S Rajamouli, who created this wonderful experience at par with the best of the world. The movie has already set records for first day collections in India and abroad. Without a doubt, this will become the highest grosser of the country in no time. Also, the fact that prices of tickets have been jacked up given the strong demand, footfalls matching that of 'Dangal' can give them a gross exceeding the double of what Dangal made. And Dangal made over 700 crores worldwide. A higher proportion of the bounty will find the pockets of the movie distributors and multiplex owners given the present business model of these companies. PVR and INOX LEISURE are the two listed companies that are going to get benefited. Just a long term stock idea.

Do go and watch the movie with your family and friends. Comment on the post and let me know what you think of it. Any suggestion is a welcome suggestion.