Movie Review - Baahubali 2: The Conclusion by Suhel Johar

Baahubali 2: The Conclusion Is One Of The Most Technically Efficient Indian Film To Grace The Indian Cinemas. A Near Perfect Film.

Two years ago, director SS Rajamouli did not just make a film but a world of its own. Baahubali 2: The Conclusion has received huge appreciations from everyone. Almost every section of the audience seems curious to want to see the film including those who have not yet seen Baahubali 1: The Beginning. Such is the hysteria for the film that where ever you go, there is only topic and that is Baahubali 2: The Conclusion. Keeping these huge expectations in mind, the magnum opus has been released in over 8000 screens across the world. Well, the euphoria and curiosity that has been created for the film amongst the filmgoers is to be seen to be believed. Don’t know about the authenticity of the other wave but there definitely is a Baahubali 2: The Conclusion wave for everyone to see. You don’t remember any Indian other Indian including a Hindi film, irrespective of whether it starred a Bachchan or a Kumar or a Khanna or a Kapoor or a Khan, that has managed to achieve that. Incidentally, Baahubali 2: The Conclusion is the first Indian film to be released in 4K High Definition format. It is estimated that close to 200 screens were upgraded to 4K projectors before the release date of the film.

The story of the film goes something like this. As shown in the first part, Shivdhu alias Amarendra Baahubali (Prabhas) is declared as the king of Mahishmati. As part of the kingdom’s ancestral ritual, the would-be king needs to visit the countryside to know what problems the people in his kingdom are facing. In this process, Baahubali visits a small kingdom called Kuntala and falls in love with its princess Devasena (Anushka Shetty).

He woos Devasena with his charm and brings her to Mahishmati. But to his shock, Baahubali’s mother, Shivagami (Ramya Krishna) changes her decision suddenly and announces Bhallaladeva (Rana Daggubati) as the king. Why did Shivagami suddenly announce Bhallaladeva as the king? What is the back story behind her decision? Why did Kattappa kill Baahubali?. These are some of the questions that add drama to the story. Basically, the story is about how sibling rivalry affects a royal empire. The way Rajamouli has induced a terrific conflict between the two brothers is a major asset of the film. The story on the whole though is simple but what makes the film interesting is its larger than life narrative and gigantic mounting.

Why did Kattappa kill Baahubali is a question for which all Baahubali fans have waited for two years to find an answer to this question. Many wondered how Rajamouli would maintain this mystery throughout the film and continue to hold its audience’s attention, A section of its audiences might get disappointed with the way Rajamouli has answered why Katappa killed Baahubali. Even though, the twist gels well with the script, it might not meet the expectations of some. Once the twist is revealed, the film becomes a bit predictable.

Still Vijayendra Prasad along with Rajamouli has managed to keep the audience engrossed with their powerful screenplay. In fact the screenplay can be said to be totally engaging and entertaining right from the beginning till end. Every visual of the film is filled with surprises either in terms of graphics or the extravagant sets that have been created using VFX.

The VFX and visualization of the movie is tremendous and is never seen before on Indian screen. The entire team of Makuta should be appreciated for taking the film to another level with their VFX work. The first half of the film is much better than Baahubali 1: The Beginning. But the second half becomes a little predictable. Most of the war scenes have been conceptualised and executed marvellously though there are some unrealistic and indigestible fight scenes too in the film. Baahubali as a great king rules the empire superbly. Baahubali and Devasena's chemistry had worked very well. The climax though fantastic looks a bit rushed upon as things happen way too quickly.

Dialogues by Manoj Muntashir are decent. Senthil Kumar’s cinematography work is amazing to look on the big screen. Editing by Venkateswara Rao Kotagiri and Bikkina Thammiraju is excellent. PM Satheesh, the sound designer has done a good job. Peter Hein is responsible for the action sequences and he has played a major part in the way Baahubali 2: The Conclusion has turned out. Sabu Cyril who has been credited with Production Design is another hero of the film. The weaponry created and props used look quite lethal. Costumes by Rama Rajamouli done for every character looks top class. What takes the film to its peak is the stunning background score of M M Keeravani. Even though his songs are not that effective as the first part, the way he elevates the proceedings with his background score is impressive.

Coming to the director Rajamouli, he has surely done India and the film fraternity proud with Baahubali 2: The Conclusion. Credit should go to Rajamouli for taking Indian cinema to another level with his mind blowing story telling. He has dreamt of something out of the box and has also succeeded in bringing life to India’s biggest motion picture. There is more depth in the proceedings and every character has been given complete justification. At times, you just wonder how did he perceive all this in his mind and execute it in such a convincing manner.

Baahubali 2: The Conclusion is also a performance driven film. Prabhas and Rana Daggubati have delivered outstanding performances and the battle between the two is the highlight of the movie. In fact, it is their show all the way. Prabhas and Rana Daggubai’s performances deserve a big round of applause. Anushka Shetty, who did not have much scope in the first installment, has got more screen presence in part 2 and she makes the most of it.

Unlike the part 1, Tamannaah Bhatia has less screen presence, but she impresses you with her stunts in the climax of the film. Ramya Krishnan, Sathyaraj and Nassar have got decent well etched roles and they have delivered brilliant performances.

On the whole, Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, is a magnificent cinematic experience not just visually but for all the aspects of good story telling. The hard work of the team is clearly evident on screen.