‘We’re taking Baahubali beyond death and into the cosmos’: Director Ishan Shukla

When Amarendra Baahubali (Prabhas) met his tragic end at the hands of Kattappa in SS Rajamouli’s 'Baahubali: The Beginning', fans thought the saga had reached its conclusion.

However, nearly a decade later, the story of the beloved warrior is set to continue — not in the mortal realm, but across the cosmic planes of existence.

The upcoming two-part animated film, 'Baahubali: The Eternal War', directed by acclaimed animator Ishan Shukla, will reimagine Baahubali’s journey through the afterlife in a war between devas and asuras.

Speaking exclusively to The Hollywood Reporter India, Shukla revealed that animation offered the only true canvas vast enough to explore the metaphysical grandeur of Baahubali’s world. “Animation is the perfect medium to tell something of this scale,” said the filmmaker.

“We are showing the journey of Baahubali through different realms — the 14 Lokas described in Indian cosmology. Each dimension has its own physical and visual rules. You can’t achieve that kind of freedom in live-action cinema.”

The film, co-produced by Baahubali creator SS Rajamouli along with Shobu Yarlagadda and Prasad Devineni, will bring back the voices of Prabhas and Ramya Krishnan as Baahubali and Sivagami, with music by Academy Award-winning composer MM Keeravani.

Shukla, known for his visually experimental works such as ‘Schirkoa: In Lies We Trust’ (2024) and an episode of ‘Star Wars: Visions’ (), promises a distinctive painterly 3D animation style that blends movement and emotion in a way “that feels alive but timeless.”

However, beneath its breathtaking visuals lies a deeply philosophical core. “We think Baahubali’s story ends with his death, but according to Indian scriptures, it never really ends there,” Shukla explained. He also said that they are exploring what happens to his soul — where he goes, what choices he makes, and how he continues to uphold dharma in the afterlife.

The film also introduces new mythic characters, including Indra, the king of devas, and Vishvasur, ruler of the asuras. “We’re not just making it bigger in scale but going deeper — into Indian and Vedic cosmology, into ideas of destiny, morality, and cosmic balance,” he added.

With a projected ₹120 crore budget and a late-2027 theatrical release, 'Baahubali: The Eternal War' marks a significant milestone in India’s animation landscape. “It’s a great time for Indian animation,” Shukla said. “The audience is ready for stories that are both deeply Indian and universally resonant.”