‘Baahubali The Epic’ Review: A condensed revisit with faded magic

When “Baahubali: The Beginning” hit theaters in 2015, it transformed Indian cinema forever. It ushered in the era of pan-Indian spectacles and brought Telugu cinema to the forefront. The sequel, “Baahubali: The Conclusion” (2017), smashed box office records and established Rajamouli as a brand across India, while turning Prabhas into a pan-Indian superstar.

Now, a decade later, the team brings “Baahubali The Epic”. This is a single, nearly four-hour feature that combines both parts into one condensed cinematic journey.

Why release “Baahubali The Epic” when both movies are already available on streaming platforms? The obvious answer is commercial gain. Yet, there seems to be a larger intent. Rajamouli, before releasing his next global adventure film with Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra, likely wants international audiences, especially those who discovered him through RRR, to experience his earlier magnum opus. This version acts as a bridge for the global market to appreciate his mythological storytelling and visual ambition.

The combined runtime of the two original parts was about five and a half hours. Rajamouli, along with his editor, has now streamlined it to 225 minutes aka 3 hours 45 minutes by trimming three songs and redundant episodes. The core story and emotional foundation remain intact. Key moments such as the royal court beheading, Kattappa’s betrayal, and the arrow sequence featuring Prabhas and Anushka still deliver excitement.

However, as someone who values storytelling longevity, this condensed cut did not entirely work for me. Sitting through nearly four hours, even with an intermission, felt like a real test of patience. Perhaps ardent fans of the franchise will enjoy reliving its glory, but for discerning viewers or critics, the film feels like an overstretched recap.

Does “Baahubali The Epic” still hold up on the big screen? The answer is mixed. Many sequences that once left audiences in awe no longer carry the same magic. The visual effects, which were groundbreaking in 2015, appear dated today. The avalanche visuals appear provide comedy for its poor quality. I would have been more forgiving if Rajamouli had also removed the outdated comedy portions involving Subbaraju. Thankfully, he trimmed out the cringe-worthy song “Manohari.” Despite the trimming, some stretches feel long.

Prabhas’s majestic presence continues to be the film’s strongest asset, and Anushka Shetty’s commanding performance adds gravitas. Yet, the film’s visual grandeur and emotional impact do not resonate as powerfully in today’s evolved cinematic landscape.

Bottom-line: “Baahubali The Epic” is a nostalgic trip rather than a thrilling cinematic experience. Prabhas still shines, and Rajamouli’s narration and vision remains admirable. But the visuals and emotions no longer strike with the same force. Epic in name, but not quite in impact.

Rating: NA

By Jalapathy Gudelli

Movie: Baahubali The Epic
Cast: Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty, Tamannaah Bhatia, Ramya Krishna, Sathyaraj, Nasser, and others
Story: V. Vijayendra Prasad
Music: MM Keeravani
DOP: K. K. Senthil Kumar
Editor: Tammiraju
Produced by: Sobhu Yarlagadda, Prasad Devineni
Screenplay and Directed by: SS Rajamouli
Release Date: October 31, 2025