Director SS Rajamouli, known for his groundbreaking work in Indian cinema, recently shared his insights during the promotion of the Disney+ Hotstar animated series Baahubali: Crown of Blood in Hyderabad. Expressing his views to the press, Rajamouli emphasized the need for Indian filmmakers to broaden their perception of animation as a storytelling medium.Rajamouli lamented the prevailing perception in India, particularly among filmmakers, that animation is primarily intended for children. He contrasted this with other Asian countries, like Japan, where animation transcends age boundaries. Rajamouli found it surprising that in a vibrant country like India, animation is predominantly associated with childrens cartoons.Exploring diverse mediumsThe acclaimed director urged filmmakers to explore diverse mediums for storytelling, acknowledging the potential of animation to reach wider audiences. He highlighted the existence of an animation audience in Hyderabad and emphasized the importance of adapting storytelling to suit different mediums, including books, novels, games, and anime.Baahubali as a franchiseReflecting on the Baahubali phenomenon, Rajamouli envisioned the franchise extending beyond films to encompass multiple media platforms. He acknowledged the challenges of transitioning the franchise into other formats but expressed optimism about its potential to become a comprehensive multimedia experience.Shobu Yarlagadda, the producer of the Baahubali films, echoed Rajamoulis sentiments, emphasizing the franchises potential for expansion. He underscored that Baahubali is not limited to films but aspires to be a tentpole franchise catering to a diverse audience beyond children.Baahubali: Crown of BloodThe upcoming animated series, Baahubali: Crown of Blood, set to premiere on Disney+ Hotstar from May 17, promises to delve into the darker aspects of the Mahishmati kingdoms history. Rajamouli revealed that the series explores events concurrent with those depicted in the Baahubali films, offering audiences a deeper insight into the epic saga.
