Rajamouli's Rs 550 Cr Extravaganza

The Bahubali director is ready with his next epic extravaganza—a Rs 550 crore spectacle set in the backdrop of the freedom struggle

- Suhani Singh

S.S. Rajamouli’s Life is a case of two halves—BB (Before Bahubali) and AB (After Bahubali). Before the release of Bahubali: The Conclusion, the most successful film in the history of Indian cinema, he could take a casual stroll in KBR (Kasu Brahmanandha Reddy) park in Hyderabad. No longer. Earlier, he could think of making a small Telugu film that would cater to audiences in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh; now it’s expected that he will make a pan-India film dubbed in multiple languages. Before Bahubali, Hindi film producers didn’t think twice about releasing a film on the same date as his. Now they know it’s foolhardy to take on a Rajamouli spectacle at the box office.

Rajamouli is aware of the changed circumstances but is unfazed. At the Annapurna Studios annexe, Seven Acres, in Hyderabad, where last-minute work is under way on his upcoming film, RRR (Rise, Roar, Revolt), the atmosphere is relaxed, even homely. The director’s German Shepherd, Siddha, lazes on a mattress; son Karthikeya, the film’s line producer, and sister-in-law, M.M. Srivalli, the post-production line producer, ensure things run smoothly.

There are no signs of any nerves given that the film has a budget of Rs 550 crore. Three years after he began work, Rajamouli’s 12th feature arrives in cinemas on January 7, 2022.

MAKING HISTORY

“I want to give everything to a film…my last bit of energy and mindspace,” says Rajamouli. “Once it is done, I need to lie back for some time, let my mind go completely blank and then do whatever excites me next.” The two-part Bahu­ bali franchise, made over a span of five