Baahubali: Crown of Blood: A Lackluster Animated Adventure That Fails to Capture the Epic Essence of the Original

Nearly nine years have passed since Rajamouli’s epic film series Baahubali, set in the imaginative Mahishmati realm, graced Indian cinemas. Nonetheless, the enthusiasm among fans remains vibrant; the stunning set designs, compelling narrative, remarkable visual effects, layered performances, and catchy music ensured that Rajamouli’s masterpiece is etched in memory.

Thus, when Hotstar revealed its animated offshoot, followers of the franchise, including myself, were understandably thrilled, particularly as the plot hinted at an intriguing change from our typical expectations of beloved characters: Katappa, the steadfast protector of Mahishmati who vowed lifelong allegiance to the royal bloodline, decides to rebel against the kingdom, clashing with the two princes he had previously trained.

The original cast members have returned to voice their characters, making the impact feel familiar. For the Hindi adaptation, the team selected Sharad Kelkar as Baahubali, Samay Thakkar for Kattappa, Mausam for Sivagami, and Manoj Pandey for Bhallaladeva. In the Telugu version, Prabhas and Rana Daggubati contribute their voices as well.

Despite the advantage of having a pre-established blockbuster to draw from, the animated series feels like a watered-down adaptation of the franchise, seemingly designed for a younger audience.

The setting takes place well before a successor to the throne is appointed, during a time when Prince Bhallaldeva envies the affection that Prince Baahubali garners from the people of Mahishmati and fears losing the monarchy to him. A masked adversary appears, prompting Katappa and the two half-brothers to unite for the well-being of Mahishmati.

Although the original Baahubali films also delved into similar plotlines — such as the Kalakeya incursion — they elevated the spectacle and kept viewers engaged. In contrast, the series feels like a simplified version akin to Amar Chitra Katha, lacking the films’ nuanced character arcs and emotional intricacies. It seems the creators opted for a more straightforward narrative to suit its target age group. Furthermore, while the show is rooted in suspense, the excitement of forthcoming events is infrequent. Despite its endearing characters and familiar plots, the series struggles with continuity and fails to maintain viewer engagement.

The series serves as a precursor to the Baahubali films.

What disappointed me the most was the dilution of Baahubali’s character, which is central to the franchise’s identity. In certain moments, he appears akin to a powerless Panchatantra character, attempting to instruct others on morality and easily reprimanded. His mother, Sivagami, also seems distant from Ramya Krishnan’s celebrated interpretation and leans more toward a villainous demeanor. In one instance, she persuades her son to disregard his promise to the slaves and prioritize royal obligations; umm, what? Or perhaps Rajamouli intended to suggest that Sivagami harbored a hidden sinister aspect, and her treatment of Baahubali’s wife, Devasena, in the films was not merely a standalone event!

On a brighter note, the series captures Bijjaladeva’s cunning nature with great effectiveness. He remains the despised character we recognized from the films; his thoughts remain toxic, and he embodies cruelty and selfishness at his core. A significant aspect of the series revolves around Bijjaladeva’s corrupted essence, which brings misfortune to the entire family.

From a technical viewpoint, the animation quality is commendable, with characters resembling the original cast closely. The animators have creatively given each character a unique border and incorporated sunlight or moonlight effects in specific scenes.

However, the same appreciation cannot be extended to the overly simplistic backgrounds. With the exception of a few striking sequences showcasing the royal palace, the settings are largely bland. In some court scenes, the lack of detail results in an eerie rather than regal vibe. The series could have significantly benefited from more intricate background animations.

Considering that the availability of quality Indian animated series is quite limited, I had high expectations for Rajamouli’s latest project. Even though he collaborated with the creators of Legend of Hanuman on Hotstar, a well-received series centered around a Hindu deity, Baahubali does not measure up to his previous efforts in numerous respects. If the goal was to introduce young audiences to Indian superheroes, Rajamouli might have needed to invest more in understanding how to compete with Western counterparts. Nevertheless, that could be a lofty ambition. Baahubali: Crown of Blood may not uphold the caliber of Rajamouli’s finest work, but it offers some variety for children’s viewing options.