'Baahubali' Celebrates 10 Years: How a Telugu Epic Transformed Indian Cinema

As 'Baahubali' returns to theaters in 2025 for its 10th anniversary, it brings a tidal wave of nostalgia for a time when Indian cinema was discovering its own voice, scale, and mythology. The film, directed by SS Rajamouli, was a game-changer, transforming the industry with its ambitious spectacle and universal human emotions.

When 'Baahubali: The Beginning' released in 2015, it irreversibly changed the landscape of Indian cinema. The film broke barriers, redefining expectations for regional and national films, and inspired a wave of pan-Indian blockbusters that followed its example. 'Baahubali' proved that a humble Telugu production could match Hollywood's scale and connect with audiences across state boundaries.

The success of 'Baahubali' served as a viable model for other pan-India hits, such as 'KGF', 'Pushpa', and 'Ponniyin Selvan'. It empowered a new generation of auteur directors, making their names bigger than any attached stars. The film's influence set a new standard, merging technical excellence with accessible themes and birthing a trend of cliffhanger sagas and cinematic universes.

As audiences revisit 'Baahubali' in 2025, they'll be reminded of the moment Indian cinema learned to dream without permission, when a simple question, "Why did Kattappa kill Baahubali?", captivated the nation and the world.