'Baahubali Will Be The Biggest…': Rana Daggubati On Why He Feels Lucky With No Film This Year | Exclusive

It’s been a decade since the release of Baahubali: The Beginning in 2015, a film that redefined Indian cinema with its grandeur and storytelling. Directed by S.S. Rajamouli, the film introduced audiences to the fictional kingdom of Mahishmati, setting the stage for a saga of power, betrayal, and legacy.

To commemorate the 10th anniversary of Baahubali: The Beginning, S.S. Rajamouli has announced the re-release of the film as a single, re-edited version titled Baahubali: The Epic. This new version combines both films into a seamless cinematic experience, featuring remastered visuals and audio, along with some new content. The re-release is set to premiere in U.S. theaters on October 31, 2025.

In an exclusive chat with News18 Showsha, Rana Daggubati,

who portrayed the formidable antagonist Bhallaladeva in the film opened up on how it changed his life. “I think it’s not just me. I think Baahubali changed the life of every filmmaker in this country and every film audience in this country. The audience too – the way they watch things, make things. Everything changed, and now it’s a decade since the first film’s release, and it’s coming back,” said Rana.

When asked if he is feeling old, Rana laughed and said, “I’m not feeling old. I’m actually feeling lucky because I didn’t do any film this year, but I still know Baahubali will release and still become one of the biggest phenomenal things that happened, and it’s coming in a form that you never saw before. Both the films are coming together as one in a remastered, re-edited version and we are really excited and can’t wait for that film to come out again.”

Interestingly, Rana was not the first choice for the role. Director S.S. Rajamouli had initially considered an international star for Bhallaladeva, but Rana’s audition convinced him that the character needed someone with a strong presence and intensity, qualities that Rana brought to the screen.

The Baahubali series is celebrated for its monumental scale, intricate storytelling, and groundbreaking visuals. The first film, Baahubali: The Beginning, was released worldwide on July 10, 2015, and was followed by its sequel, Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, on April 28, 2017. Together, the films amassed a staggering Rs 1,810.60 crore (approximately US$275 million) at the global box office, with Baahubali 2 alone grossing Rs 1,796.59 crore (US$275.43 million).