Netflix Sets Prequel Series for Baahubali Indian Movie Franchise

Netflix has ordered an original series based on the Indian movie franchise Baahubali, giving an initial two-season commitment.

Baahubali: Before the Beginning will be a prequel to Baahubali: The Beginning and Baahubali: The Conclusion, both of which are currently available on Netflix to audiences around the world. Baahubali: The Conclusion garnered $270 million at the global box office and is the highest-grossing film franchise from India.

Season one of the series will comprise nine episodes and is based on Anand Neelakantan’s book The Rise of Sivagami. Netflix has partnered with the team behind the Baahubali universe, including Arka Media Works and SS Rajamouli. Deva Katta and Praveen Sataru will direct the series.

SS Rajamoul said, “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 storyteller.”

Prasad Devineni, producer at Arka Media Works, said, “We have been working for over a year now in developing this story, a prequel to the films as a Netflix original series. We are happy to be partnering with Netflix to produce this amazing story. This partnership gives us the reach and the creative freedom to bring to life the full potential of the series in all its grandeur and exceed the high expectations set by both our films.”

Erik Barmack, VP of international originals at Netflix, said, “Baahubali is a world-class franchise that epitomizes 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.”