Bahubali: The Epic (2025) Movie: Rajamouli’s Remastered Vision Hits IMAX With Mixed Results
Director S.S. Rajamouli has taken both Bahubali films and merged them into one massive cinematic journey. Released on October 31, 2025, this remastered version runs close to four hours. Prabhas plays both father and son, Amarendra and Mahendra Baahubali, while Rana Daggubati returns as the villain Bhallaladeva. Anushka Shetty and Ramya Krishnan complete the main cast.
This version comes with upgraded visuals and better sound quality. Some fresh scenes have been added while others got trimmed. The film hit theaters in IMAX, 4DX, and Dolby Cinema formats across five Indian languages.
The Story
A young man named Sivudu grows up in a tribal village, completely unaware he’s royalty. When he learns the truth, he becomes Mahendra Baahubali and sets out to solve the mystery of his father’s death. His mother has been locked away for 25 years.
The film jumps between two timelines. One shows Amarendra’s life as a beloved prince and how betrayal destroyed him. The other follows his son’s quest for justice. The story pulls from ancient Indian mythology, mixing family drama with large-scale warfare.
How the Cast Performed
Prabhas owns every scene he’s in. Whether climbing waterfalls or leading armies into battle, his screen presence is undeniable. I’ve watched many action films, but few actors carry themselves with this much confidence. His portrayal of both father and son feels distinct yet connected.
Rana Daggubati makes his villain interesting rather than just evil. You understand his jealousy and hunger for power. Anushka Shetty brings quiet strength to Devasena, especially in her prison scenes. Ramya Krishnan as the queen mother commands attention whenever she speaks. Sathyaraj’s Kattappa serves as the film’s emotional center.
What Worked Well
The visual upgrade is noticeable throughout. Battle sequences look sharper, and the kingdom of Mahishmati feels more real. I watched it in IMAX, and that format truly does justice to Rajamouli’s scale. The waterfall sequence still takes your breath away.
Watching both stories unfold together creates better flow. You don’t have to wait for a sequel to see how things connect. The past and present mirror each other nicely. M.M. Keeravani’s background score lifts the action scenes to another level. Songs like Dheevara remain powerful.
The action choreography deserves special mention. Each battle feels unique, from one-on-one sword fights to massive army clashes. The film never repeats itself visually. I found myself leaning forward during these sequences despite knowing how they’d end.
What Could Have Been Better
Four hours is a big ask. My back started hurting around the three-hour mark. While the editor cut some romantic scenes and songs, more trimming would’ve helped. Sitting through this length works if you’re watching at home with pause breaks, but theaters don’t offer that luxury.
Several character moments got removed that I actually missed. Mahendra’s romance with Avanthika barely exists now, just a quick montage that feels rushed. Some deleted scenes helped explain why characters make certain choices. Without them, a few emotional moments lose their punch.
The song Kannaa Nidurinchara is gone completely. I understand the need to reduce runtime, but these musical moments gave breathing space between intense action. The pacing now feels relentless.
What Critics and Audiences Said
Variety called it a successful condensation that keeps Rajamouli’s vision intact. Roger Ebert’s website praised the technical aspects but noted that cut scenes hurt emotional depth. India TV gave it 3.5 stars, saying the visuals impress but the length challenges modern attention spans.
GreatAndhra took a harsher view, suggesting this re-release exists mainly for commercial reasons rather than artistic ones. Still, audience response tells a different story. Social media exploded with praise, especially from IMAX screenings. Many theaters reported standing ovations when credits rolled.
Final Thoughts
Bahubali: The Epic delivers what it promises, a grand retelling of two films in one sitting. The length tests your patience, and some missing scenes affect the storytelling. But Rajamouli’s craftsmanship shines through, and Prabhas reminds you why he became such a phenomenon. Premium formats make the biggest difference here.
Rating: 4.5/5
