MUMBAI: Global streaming giant Netflix has announced a new original series based on the global blockbuster franchise, Baahubali as Baahubali: Before The Beginning, a two season original series that runs as prequels to the blockbuster films Baahubali: The Beginning and Baahubali 2: The Conclusion. Netflix hopes to attract new users in India as it is the highest grossing film franchise from the country.
The prequel series captures queen Sivagami’s journey from a rebellious and vengeful girl to a wise and unequalled queen based on the bestselling Baahubali franchise novel “The Rise of Sivagami” by Anand Neelakantan.
Netflix has partnered with the ace team behind the Baahubali universe, including Arka Media Works and SS Rajamouli. Deva Katta and Praveen Sataru will together direct the series while season one of the series will comprise nine episodes.
“The world of Baahubali is extensive and immersive with strong characters and larger than life kingdoms. The films Baahubali -The Beginning and The Conclusion, are from one story set in this world and more dramatic stories were broadly conceived while building the universe. The Baahubali Series, a prequel to the films, is one such story. I am very excited that this is being adapted as a Netflix Original Series. With Netflix as our partner, we have the opportunity to create a rich and riveting series and take this quintessential Indian epic to the world, which is very gratifying to me as a story-teller,” director SS Rajmouli commented.
“Baahubali is a world-class franchise that epitomises the power of compelling stories that resonate globally. We are excited to work with some of the world's most talented writers and producers on one of India’s most beloved stories. The series is a tremendous opportunity for us to give audiences more of the universe that they have come to love, and welcome millions more into the global Baahubali fandom,” Netflix international originals VP Erik Barmack said.
At a point when Netflix is trying to expand its original library, it is an important move by the company. Its recent Indian original Sacred Games also created a buzz in the market.
