Bahubali: The Beginning Tamil Movie

Feature Film | 2015 | UA | Drama, Dubbing, Epic
Critics:
Audience:
Baahubali truly is a visual spectacle and an honest attempt to recreate a tale our granddads enjoyed so much in a manner relatable to the newer generation on a technical level and in a palatable manner, and succeeds too. We are waiting for part 2.
Jul 12, 2015 By S. Sriram


The thing with the Indian brain is that it decides that roses are red, apple is sweet and that closure is a must in cinemas. In that way, Bahubaali let us down. All we get after an incomplete flashback is an epic cliffhanger. The lack of resolution might disappoint us, but it sets us up for a mammoth finish. But up until that point it keeps us engaged and fairly interested in the proceedings. SSR delivers yet again.


The story is reminiscent of 67 movies where our Thalaivar MGR took on the role of an heir out to avenge a monstrous ruler with the aid of democratic rebels and a generous dosing of Momma sentiment that cemented his place in the annals of history more as a Demigod than a superstar. Here again you have a wandering baby in the river raised by a tribe of kind hearted folks. The kid tries and fails in scaling a vertical mountain, but ultimately succeeds aided by some impressive CGI and entirely unbelievable stunts. There he meets Tam, makes her fall for him through a series of the most silly series of unfortunate coincidences.


Then the plot unfolds in spectacular fashion. Be it the rescue of Anushka and the sequence before the flashback, or the highlight of this part- the battle of epic proportions or the climactic cliffhanger... Maybe it was the 5 AP natives that were my company, or maybe the riveting BGM, I really felt my hair stand on its end, especially when Sathyaraj slid down to touch Prabhas' feet. The CGI aided war sequence is truly spectacular, albeit reminiscent of a much better sequences in LoTR. The weapons are cool and some monumental scenes ensure that the pace never lags.


Prabhas essays the dual role to reasonable effect but his performance wasn't as convincing as his physique. Rana, in my humble opinion seemed more comfortable as the tyrant. Veterans Sathyaraj and Nassar leave no room for any qualms while Ramya Krishnan packs a punch. Tamannah is, well, white and walks weirdly and is totally out of place. Songs are passable but the BGM adds to the value of certain scenes. The movie truly a visual spectacle and an honest attempt to recreate a tale our granddads enjoyed so much in a manner relatable to the newer generation on a technical level and in a palatable manner, and succeeds too.


We are waiting for part 2.


S. Sriram

   

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