Movie Review: Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (Telugu)

When the one with strong arms (you know who!) was knifed by his trusted aide, the cliffhanger of an ending brought with it all sorts of intriguing questions: why on earth would Kattappa want to kill Amarendra Baahubali, who was 'god' incarnate (for the citizens of Mahishmati kingdom)? Who is Devasena, what is her story and why is she kept chained, left to the mercy of Bhallaladeva? The much anticipated sequel to the blockbuster historical fantasy drama is more or less an answer to these whos and whys. Even if director S. S. Rajamouli takes his own sweet time to reach there, making the audience impatiently wait for the big reveal. Yet I must confess there is not one dull moment to speak of.

As a contemporary retelling of epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana that unfurls in an epic, grandiose scale, not only is it thoroughly entertaining, but is also packed with strong characters that makes us care and root for them. Be it Bhallaladeva's insatiable greed for power and his lust for Devasena (he is like Ravana, who despite imprisoning 'Sita', wants her so much yet doesn't want to touch her without her full consent), or Devasena herself, who doesn't hesitate to point out a mistake when she sees one, or the fascinating contrast between Amarendra and his son Mahendra Baahubali (Amarendra is Rama, the perfect man anyone could wish for, one who is brave, kind, thoughtful and in complete control of his self, but Mahendra is uncouth and reckless, which perhaps explains why he went chasing after Avantika to the point of even disrobing her!), writer K. V. Vijayendra Prasad imbues the story with one memorable event after the other, all leading to a conclusion that is satisfying and thrilling.