When Baahubali: The Beginning first thundered onto screens in 2015, it didn’t just set box office records—it rewrote what Indian cinema could achieve. A decade later, the epic franchise continues to resonate with audiences, as demonstrated by the recent re-release of Baahubali: The Epic, a combined version of both films. For Rana Daggubati, who portrayed the formidable antagonist Bhallaladeva, the enduring appeal speaks volumes about the film’s cultural impact.
“It’s not every day that a film gets celebrated like this after ten years,” Daggubati remarked during the promotional events leading up to the re-release. His observation captures a fundamental truth about Rajamouli’s masterpiece—it transcended being merely successful to become something timeless in Indian cinema .
The Runtime Rumors and Rana’s Reaction
In the months leading to the October 31, 2025 re-release, speculation swirled around just how long the combined epic would run. Early reports suggested an astonishing 5 hours and 27 minutes, which would have made it one of the longest Indian theatrical releases in history .
When pressed for details about the film’s length, Rana Daggubati remained characteristically cryptic, telling reporters at a special premiere event in Hyderabad, “Only Rajamouli knows it. He will not share anything until it is locked” .
As it turned out, the actual runtime was significantly shorter—3 hours and 44 minutes—proving that even in post-production, Rajamouli understood the importance of pacing and audience engagement .
Box Office Reception: A Different Story
Despite the massive anticipation, Baahubali: The Epic faced surprising headwinds at the box office. The re-release collected approximately Rs 40 crore gross worldwide in its first four days, with India nett collections showing a concerning decline after opening day :
- Day 0 (Paid premiere shows): Rs 1.15 crore
- Day 1: Rs 9.65 crore
- Day 2: Rs 7.25 crore
- Day 3: Rs 6.3 crore
- Day 4: Rs 1.65 crore
Trade analysts pointed to several factors for this underperformance. Girish Wankhede noted that “people are over-exposed to Baahubali on all platforms,” highlighting how the film’s availability across digital and satellite platforms had diminished the urgency for theatrical viewing .
Ramesh Bala added that “the long runtime came as a huge roadblock” and observed that makers might have overestimated the pulling power of the Baahubali brand alone without substantial promotion .
Behind the Scenes: The Digital Restoration Process
What many viewers might not realize is the tremendous technical effort that went into preparing Baahubali: The Epic for its re-release. Producer Shobu Yarlagadda and cinematographer KK Senthil Kumar oversaw a meticulous digital remastering process that took advantage of the original decision to shoot with digital cameras rather than film .
Senthil Kumar explained that during the original production, he pushed for digital filming specifically because of the greater control it offered. “With digital, I felt we could be rest assured that what we shoot is what will be visible on screen,” he noted .
The restoration team worked for two months on color grading and subtle VFX enhancements. They improved the depth of Mahishmati kingdom scenes, retouched Devasena’s makeup coloring, and added layers to pivotal sequences like Sivudu beheading Bhadra .
The Baahubali Reunion: A Trip Down Memory Lane
In late October, as anticipation built for the re-release, director SS Rajamouli gathered with Prabhas and Rana Daggubati for a heartfelt reunion conversation about their experiences making the landmark films .
The trio revisited their favorite scenes from the franchise, with Rajamouli highlighting the emotional weight of Kattappa preparing to kill Baahubali. Prabhas recalled the iconic statue scene from the first film and the heroic horse sequence, while Rana Daggubati pointed to his character’s silent oath-taking ceremony with blood dripping on the crown as particularly memorable .
The reunion underscored the genuine camaraderie that developed among the filmmakers—a bond that clearly contributed to the authentic storytelling that resonated with audiences worldwide .
The Bigger Picture: Why Re-releases Matter
The mixed response to Baahubali: The Epic raises interesting questions about film preservation and the cultural lifecycle of cinema. Shobu Yarlagadda reflected that “the characters, the story, the emotional depth and the payoffs for every small trait or move resonated with audiences. That emotion remains fresh” .
This re-release also serves as a case study in how blockbuster franchises navigate anniversary celebrations in an era where content is constantly available. The film industry globally has seen increasing reliance on familiar IP, with 2025 alone featuring numerous reboots and sequels including new Jurassic World, Naked Gun, and 28 Years Later films .
Yet Baahubali occupies a unique space—it’s not just a successful film but a cultural touchstone that expanded the global perception of Indian cinema. The original Baahubali 2 attracted approximately 110-112 million viewers in theatres, giving it the second highest footfall ever for an Indian film, only behind Sholay .
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Baahubali: The Epic?
The combined version runs for 3 hours and 44 minutes, significantly shorter than the speculated 5 hours and 27 minutes that circulated before release .
Why did the re-release underperform compared to expectations?
Trade analysts cite several factors: audience fatigue from overexposure across digital platforms, limited promotional efforts, and the challenging runtime for modern viewers who prefer shorter theatrical experiences .
What technical improvements were made for the re-release?
The team performed digital remastering with enhanced color grading, added depth to Mahishmati scenes, improved Devasena’s makeup coloring, and upgraded the audio for premium formats like IMAX and Dolby Vision .
Will there be a Baahubali 3?
Prabhas previously mentioned that Rajamouli had developed material for potentially 10-14 scripts but only used about 60% of the existing story ideas. However, there has been no official confirmation about a third installment .
In which formats was the re-release available?
Baahubali: The Epic was released in IMAX, 4DX, D-Box, Dolby Cinema, and EPIQ formats, across multiple languages including Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, and Malayalam .
Conclusion
A decade after its initial release, Baahubali continues to spark conversations—whether about its technical achievements, cultural impact, or the business of film re-releases. For Rana Daggubati and the entire team, the ongoing celebration of their work represents something rare in the fast-moving world of cinema: enduring resonance.
As Daggubati implied, when a film still captivates audiences ten years later, it means something beyond box office numbers or critical acclaim—it means it has carved its place in the cultural consciousness.
Did you watch Baahubali: The Epic in theaters? Share your memories of first seeing the film and whether the re-release recaptured that original magic for you.
