Baahubali 2 - The Conclusion

Movie: Baahubali 2 : The Conclusion
Cast: Prabhas, Rana, Anushka, Ramya Krishna, Tamanna, Sathya Raj and others
Story: V Vijayendra Prasad
Dialogues: C H Vijay Kumar, Ajay Kumar
Music: M M Keeravani
Cinematography: K K Senthil Kumar
Editor: Kotagiri Venkateshwara Rao
Production Design: Sabu Cyril
VFX Supervision: Kamal Kannan
Producers: Prasad Devineni, Shobu Yarlagadda
Screenplay and Direction:  S S Rajamouli
Banner: Arka Media Works
Release Date: 27 April 2017

Finally, Rajamouli’s biggest budget adventure, 'Baahubali 2: The Conclusion', comes alive in its colossal and ambitious imagination to complete the unfinished story of 'Baahubali'. This magnum opus has released in over 8000 screens all over the world. Off late, where ever you go, there is only topic and that is how 'Baahubali 2' is going to be. Let’s see whether the film reaches the expectations or not.

STORY:
The movie begins seamlessly just where it left in the first movie with Kattappa narrating the story of Mahishmati. Rajamata Sivagami (Ramya Krishna) asks Amarendra Baahubali (Prabhas) to tour entire country before swearing in as emperor. In this process, Baahubali visits a small kingdom called Kuntala and falls in love with its princess Devasena (Anushka). He woos Devasena with his charm and brings her to Mahishmati. Due to some incidents, Sivagami makes Bhallala the emperor and Baahubali as chief of army staff. Why did Shivagami suddenly announce Bhallaladeva as the king? What is the back story behind her decision? and why did Kattappa kill Baahubali? To know answers to these questions, you need to watch the film on the big screen.

ARTISTES PERFORMANCE:
Prabhas unleashes his beastly side in the second part and takes away your senses with his striking performance. From the first scene, his screen presence is top notch and the way he takes Bhallaladeva head on is just terrific. Anushka does her bit well, but she was far better in the first part, where she would be the only one hissing at Bhallaladeva. Rana Daggubati as the scheming villain is a perfect foil to Prabhas.

The moments of levity that one experiences invariably have Sathyaraj in them as Kattappa, the trusted commander of both Baahubalis. While the suspense of why Kattappa betrayed Baahubali might have been a cop out, Sathyaraj's intense tumult in the whole sequence is brilliant. Ramya Krishna showcases superb emotions and brings a lot of depth to the film. Tamannah has nothing much to do except to flash in few shots in climax war episode. Nasser as kind of Sakuni is excellent. He steals the show actually. In other roles, Subbaraju gets noticed.

TECHNICAL ASPECTS:
'Baahubali 2' is one of the most technically efficient films made in India. If part one surprised you with its scale, then second part will leave you speechless with excellent visual effects and emotions. The kingdoms are shown and set created look top notch on screen. The imaginary city of Mahishmati now comes across richer and more fantastic with a new waterside view. There is a lot more in this fairytale world: A new city where Baahubali meets his future wife Devsena, splendid views of a moonlit war there where cattle with fire in their horns fight the enemy, eagles carry messages and Disneyesque palatial ships that fly. There is an anthem for Mahishmati as well.

Except for the VFX supervisor, the same team has worked for "Baahubali: The Conclusion", hence the technical standards are exceptionally good in all terms. Senthil's cinematography is beyond words to describe. He has achieved command in handling such massive movies. What takes 'Baahubali 2' to its peak is the stunning background score of M M Keeravani. Even though his songs are not that effective as the first part, the way he elevates the proceedings with his score is impressive. Dialogues are decent and so were the lyrics. Costumes done for every character looks top class. Editing is sharp. The action stunts are of international standards, the film has many fights including a lengthy climax episode.

Coming to the director Rajamouli, he has surely done India and the film fraternity proud with 'Baahubali'. He has dreamt of something out of the box and has also succeeded in bringing life to India’s biggest motion picture. The way he has continued the story in the second part and made the drama even more intense is superb. There is more depth in the proceedings and every character has been given complete justification. At times, you just wonder how did he perceive all this in his mind and execute it in such a convincing manner. Telugu folks should be proud that our own director has gone ahead and proved that nothing is impossible.

VERDICT:
On the whole, 'Baahubali 2' is a delight for all those who enjoy cinema as a visual medium, there is not much else, though. Just ignore the simple story line and do yourself a favor by taking your entire family to watch this magnum opus called 'Baahubali', as wonders like these only happen very rarely.