Netflix has announced a new original series based on SS Rajamouli’s Baahubali series, titled Baahubali: Before The Beginning. The series will be a prequel and has been ordered for two seasons. The first season will adapt the book The Rise of Sivagami by Anand Neelakantan and will contain nine episodes. Mrunal Thakur and Rahul Bose would star in the series, it has been announced Netflix’s See What Next event in Asia.
Mrunal Thakur would headline the series as a young Sivagami, while Rahul Bose would star as Skandadasa. The show, to be directed by Deva Katta (Prasthanam, Autonagar Surya) and Praveen Sataru (PSV Garuda Vega, Guntur Talkies), will also star Atul Kulkarni, Vaquar Shaikh, Jameel Khan, Siddharth Arora and Anup Soni.
Netflix earlier shared this teaser on Twitter.
Last year Netflix bought the exclusive worldwide streaming rights for Baahubali: The Beginning and Baahubali: The Conclusion in an major deal. Mrunal Thakur said in an interview with Hindustan Times:
“I knew I wanted to play Sivagami because she’s a strong girl. I don’t know if I’ll ever be a hero in real life, but this gave me the opportunity to play one on screen. I have played a victim in the past, but this character is something else. She is so confident, fierce and I’m so fortunate.”Mrunal Thakur
The series will explore life on the streets of the fictional city of Mahishmati.
“The aim is to please the Baahubali fanbase and the huge audience Netflix has across the world.”Prasad Devineni, Producer
The streaming giant had this to say, “This (prequel) series captures Queen Sivagami’s journey from a rebellious and vengeful girl to a wise and unequalled queen. Power, politics and intrigue find themselves juxtaposed against the rise of Mahishmati - from being a city-state to an empire. This is the rich backdrop and drama where the Baahubali franchise is set. The series promises to build on the incredible narrative style of the franchise - including its high production values, spectacular visuals and connective-epic story-telling.”
“The Baahubali series made a huge impact with its unique way of storytelling. This prequel promises to amp up the excitement of all the Baahubali fans. I am really honoured to be part of this project and be able to work with Rajamouli sir,” Deva Katta told The News Minute.
(Inputs: Hindustan Times)
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