The next venture from “RRR” director S.S. Rajamouli is Disney+ Hotstar animated series “Baahubali: Crown of Blood,” based on the hugely successful “Baahubali” film franchise. A trailer has been unveiled.
A Graphic India and Arka Mediaworks production, “Baahubali: Crown of Blood” is created by Rajamouli and Sharad Devarajan, produced by Rajamouli, Devarajan and Shobu Yarlagadda and directed and produced by Jeevan J. Kang and Navin John.
Released worldwide between 2015 and 2018, the “Baahubali” films, directed by Rajamouli and produced by Arka, were made on a combined budget of $70 million and collected $370 million globally. Presented in Telugu and Tamil, and several dubbed versions, the films featured South Indian stars Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Ramya Krishnan, Anushka Shetty and Tamannaah Bhatia. In the films Baahubali (Prabhas) and Bhallaladeva (Daggubati) were antagonists. In the series, which takes place before the events of the films, Baahubali and Bhallaladeva join hands to protect the kingdom of Mahishmati and the throne against its greatest threat, the mysterious warlord known only as Raktadeva.
Two seasons of animated series “Baahubali: The Lost Legends,” produced by Arka and Graphic India were released on Amazon Prime Video in 2017 and 2018.
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Rajamouli said: “The world of Baahubali is vast, and the film franchise was the perfect introduction to the same. However, there’s so much more to explore, and that’s where ‘Baahubali: Crown of Blood’ comes into the picture. This story will reveal for the first time many unknown twists in the lives of Baahubali and Bhallaladeva and a dark secret long forgotten as the two brothers must save Mahishmati. We are extremely happy to introduce this new chapter to Baahu’s fans and to bring this story in an animated format, which brings a new, exciting look to the world of Baahubali. Arka Mediaworks and I are delighted to collaborate with Sharad Devarajan, Disney+Hotstar and Graphic India as we reshape Indian animation for a broader audience beyond kids.”
“Baahubali: Crown of Blood” is in keeping with Disney+ Hotstar’s push into animation aimed at adults.
Devarajan said: “S.S. Rajamouli’s epic storytelling and groundbreaking Baahubali films have captivated the imagination of hundreds of millions of fans across India, redefining all of Indian entertainment for a generation. He is one of the greatest creators in the world and it’s a dream come true to collaborate with him and Arka Mediaworks to share these new untold stories. ‘Baahubali: Crown of Blood’ is an animated action-packed adventure filled with political intrigue, drama, betrayal, war, heroism, loyalty and courage. This is my second animation project with Gaurav Banerjee and the amazing team at Disney+Hotstar after ‘The Legend of Hanuman’ franchise and they have been the perfect partners for us at Graphic India to launch these groundbreaking new adult animated shows for the country.”
Gaurav Banerjee, head, content, Disney+ Hotstar, added: “Recognizing animation’s crucial role in contemporary storytelling, we’re committed to bringing enthralling narratives like Baahubali and The Legend of Hanuman to our audience. Our goal is to continuously enrich the animation genre for adults and captivate viewers, all while enhancing our association with Graphic India.”
Prabhas said: “It’s an exciting time that Baahubali and Bhallaladeva are going to come together in this unseen chapter of Baahubali’s journey. ‘Baahubali: Crown of Blood’ is a chapter that takes place before the story in the film franchise. It’s an important chapter in Baahu’s and Bhalla’s life. It’s wonderful that S.S. Rajamouli, Sharad Devarajan, Disney+Hotstar, Arka Mediaworks, and Graphic India are bringing this story to the world through this animated format. I cannot wait to watch this new chapter in Baahuhbali’s journey.”
Dagubatti said: “The film franchise of Baahubali has built its legacy; I am excited to see the legacy being continued with animated storytelling format. This new chapter of Baahubali and Bhallaladeva’s life will unfold many more mysteries of the ‘Baahubali’ world.”
“Baahubali: Crown of Blood” streams from May 17.
Watch the trailer here: