**Baahubali's Triumphant Return: "The Epic" Dominates Box Office, New Animated Film Announced!**
The majestic world of Mahishmati, brought to life by visionary director S.S. Rajamouli, is once again capturing the global imagination. A decade after *Baahubali: The Beginning* redefined Indian cinema, the combined, re-edited cinematic experience, "Baahubali: The Epic", has made a sensational return to theatres worldwide on October 31, 2025. This grand re-release, commemorating the 10th anniversary of the first installment, has not just thrilled fans but has also shattered box office records for re-released Indian films. In just four days, "Baahubali: The Epic" reportedly grossed an astounding ₹41.95 crore worldwide, marking the highest collection ever for an Indian re-release. Its opening day alone saw collections ranging between ₹17-20 crore globally.
The fervor around the franchise doesn't stop there. Adding to the expanding "Baahubali" universe, S.S. Rajamouli has excitingly announced a brand new, full-length 3D animated film titled "Baahubali: The Eternal War Part-I". This ambitious project boasts a budget of approximately ₹120 crore, a significant investment that promises to further enrich the Mahishmati saga. A teaser for "The Eternal War Part-I" was exclusively showcased during the interval of "Baahubali: The Epic", offering a tantalizing glimpse into this new venture. Reports suggest that lead actor Prabhas and the iconic Ramya Krishna are expected to lend their voices to characters in this 3D animation. Rajamouli clarified that this new animated film is distinct from a potential "Baahubali 3," emphasizing a broader expansion of the universe.
Meanwhile, fans have already been immersed in new tales from Mahishmati through the animated series "Baahubali: Crown of Blood", which premiered on Disney+ Hotstar on May 17, 2024. Co-created by S.S. Rajamouli and Sharad Devarajan, this prequel series delves into untold adventures, showcasing Baahubali and Bhallaladeva uniting to defend their kingdom against the formidable Raktadeva. The series quickly climbed the charts, becoming the number one Hindi show on Disney+ Hotstar by May 20, 2024, highlighting the enduring appeal of the franchise across various mediums.
The original *Baahubali* films, *Baahubali: The Beginning* (2015) and *Baahubali 2: The Conclusion* (2017), carved an indelible mark in cinematic history. Directed by S.S. Rajamouli and produced by Shobu Yarlagadda and Prasad Devineni under Arka Media Works, these films collectively grossed over ₹2,400 crore worldwide, with *Baahubali 2* becoming the highest-grossing Indian film of all time. The ensemble cast, featuring Prabhas in his iconic dual role of Amarendra and Mahendra Baahubali, along with Rana Daggubati as the formidable Bhallaladeva, Anushka Shetty as Devasena, Tamannaah Bhatia as Avantika, Ramya Krishna as Sivagami, Sathyaraj as Kattappa, and Nassar as Bijjaladeva, delivered unforgettable performances that resonated deeply with audiences.
"Baahubali" transcended linguistic barriers, becoming the pioneer of the "pan-Indian film" phenomenon. Its grand visuals, intricate storytelling inspired by epics like the Mahabharata, and the iconic cliffhanger "Why did Kattappa kill Baahubali?" became a national obsession, proving the immense potential of regional cinema on a global stage. As producer Shobu Yarlagadda stated, "Baahubali: The Epic is not just a re-release project but the beginning of 'Phase 2' of Baahubali," confirming the makers' long-term vision for the universe. While a direct "Baahubali 3" announcement isn't immediate, the continuous expansion across films, animated series, and other ventures ensures that the saga of Mahishmati will continue to enthrall generations to come.
