The question on everybody’s minds, and we’re not just talking about fans, is: why did Kattappa kill Baahubali? Such is the frenzy around the release of the epic Telugu film Baahubali: The Conclusion, which hits theatres today, that all of Technopark is abuzz with the anticipation of finally finding out the answer to the dangler that left viewers on the knife-edge when the first part of the film ended. “It’s all that people can talk about during lunch and tea breaks, on social media and especially within the campus’ many film forums. Already many of my friends and colleagues have reserved their seats for one or multiple shows on opening weekend or, like me, have online movie ticket booking sites open on their desktops to get tickets as soon as booking opens for next week,” says Jophin Vargheese, a designer at an MNC in Technopark.
Jophin Vargheese
In fact, before Baahubali, never has a Telugu movie caused this much of a sensation in this part of the world. No, ‘Mallu’ Arjun movies do not count! “Right from when the trailer of the first part was released, Baahubali has been intriguing film buffs. Many of us grew up on a diet of Amar Chitra Katha tales and here is a similar kind of mythological fantasy come alive on screen. The story arch is fantastic as is the technology used to tell the tale. Plus it’s got all the ingredients for a mass entertainer: masala, romance, action, songs, war scenes, sword fights, a superhuman hero [Prabhas as titular character, Baahubali]... It’s a film that appeals across generations,” says Vinu PV, a manager at an open source technology firm on campus and a member of Prathidhwani film club. “I caught the first part on the first day and I am looking forward to watching it in the opening week itself in original 4k projection,” he adds.
Amal J Prasad
However, techies being techies, more than the storyline, most of them seem to be more impressed by director SS Rajamouli’s use of VFX, particularly, CGI technology for the film. “It’s so technically brilliant that it gives Hollywood a run for its money,” says Amal J Prasad, a junior client invoicing executive at another MNC on campus. “Rajamouli has always been a master of integrating technology to his storylines, particularly in Magadheera and Eega , before Baahubali . It’s a refreshing change to see an Indian fantasy film that is not cartoonish. And best of all, it’s not a Bollywood film but one from a regional film industry,” he adds.
Abhilash KP
Abhilash KP, a senior technology analyst, agrees and explains further: “ Baahubali has enough style and substance that it can hold itself up against the best of Hollywood’s fantasies, be it Lord of the Rings , 300 or Game of Thrones . It’s a complete visual and technological package. Recall that famous fighting scene in Baahubali 1, where Bhalladeva (Rana Dagubatti) literally goes head to head with an equally beefy bull. It’s hard to imagine that the bull was created in CGI. Likewise the stunning visuals of Mahishmati kingdom... If that kind of stuff is what’s on offer in the concluding part too, no wonder people are falling over themselves to get tickets for it.” He’s also waiting to get tickets to the show next week. “It’s rumoured that the director spent an extra year to shoot and re-shoot scenes using the latest in movie technology. Part two is going to be bigger and better!” adds Jophin.
So, why do they think loyal-to-a-fault Kattappa plunged his sword into everybody’s favourite prince, Amarendra Baahubali? Jophin has a theory. “Kattapa is shown to be very loyal to Sivagami, the queen mother. We already know that Sivagami sacrificed herself to keep his kid alive. Maybe Kattapa then is just following Sivagami’s orders and the queen saved the younger Baahubali... out of guilt?” ponders Jophin. Or, maybe, Kattappa didn’t really kill Baahubali at all? All eyes on Mahishmati now for the answer.
