'Baahubali: The Epic' movie review: Re-edited ‘Baahubali’ weak on rhythm

It is a great disservice to the audience to produce a below par remake of a successful film, as in the case of ‘Ek Choti Si Prem Kahaani’ which was a remake of ‘A Short Film About Love’. Feeling compelled to make a sequel / prequel to ride on the success of the first instalment is also an oft repeated disservice. Now, a new format has emerged - the makers of the Baahubali franchise have released ‘Baahubali — The Epic’, an abridged version of the two-part film.

‘The Epic’ feels like hopping on milestones instead of walking on the road. Since it touches on the main plot-points, the story gets communicated as information, but it does not stir the gut; something that the two-part film did. What gets compromised because of this is the rhythmic experience, and hence the film’s emotional journey.

In the abridged version, Kattappa appears conflicted between duty and affection, which is a very simplistic portrayal of a character who in the two-part film is caught between loyalty to the throne and commitment to the kingdom’s welfare. Even the central conflict of the film comes across as a mere battle between two individuals for power. This shows how ‘The Epic’ has lost its nuances, complexities and depth!

While the two-part film was a narrative of the characters and the world, ‘The Epic’ turns out to be a PR video of Baahubali, the King; dedicated to glorifying a character’s role as the king. The world becomes merely a stage. The re-edited background score is not seamless, it is patchy. It spoils one’s memories of the two-part film.

The abridged version holds on to some theatricalities, sentimentality, spectacle and nostalgia. However, it misses the drama which was the strength of the two-parts, and the reason why the audience connected with them.