Bāhubali: The Epic (2025) Movie: Rajamouli’s Re-Edit Still Delivers Despite the Cuts
S.S. Rajamouli brings back his epic saga a decade later with a combined, polished version that merges both films. Prabhas plays dual roles as father and son, with Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty, Ramya Krishnan, and Sathyaraj rounding out the cast. This action drama clocks in at nearly four hours.
Released on October 31, 2025 in IMAX, 4DX, and Dolby Cinema, the film returns viewers to Mahishmati. Produced by Arka Media Works with music by M.M. Keeravani, this version features upgraded visuals and improved sound design.
The Story
Shivudu grows up in a tribal village, unaware of his royal blood. When he discovers his true identity, he must free his imprisoned mother and avenge his father’s death.
Through Kattappa’s narration, we learn about Amarendra Baahubali, a prince loved by his people but envied by his cousin Bhallaladeva. His love for Devasena, his banishment, and his murder by Kattappa form the heart of the story.
The second part shows Mahendra confronting Bhallaladeva to reclaim his throne. The film blends mythology with action but cuts roughly 80 minutes from the original runtime. Some romantic moments got trimmed, tightening the pace but losing texture.
Performances
Prabhas commands attention in both roles, moving between youthful fire and mature authority. His presence holds everything together. Rana Daggubati makes Bhallaladeva genuinely threatening, balancing physical power with calculated cruelty.
Anushka Shetty’s Devasena refuses to break despite decades of imprisonment. Ramya Krishnan’s Sivagami wields authority as the queen whose choices seal everyone’s fate.
Sathyaraj brings complexity to Kattappa, showing a warrior torn between duty and conscience. I appreciated how he conveys guilt and loyalty without overdoing either. His scenes with Prabhas carry real weight.
Tamannaah Bhatia barely registers in this cut. Nassar plays the scheming father figure effectively, though the character stays one-dimensional. The supporting cast adds color but several storylines feel rushed.
What Works
The action sequences still impress. Battle choreography mixes creativity with scale, from the opening waterfall climb to the final war. Everything feels built for theatrical viewing.
Keeravani’s remastered score enhances every scene. The Dolby Atmos mix makes battles feel immersive. Rajamouli hits his stride after intermission, letting the story breathe.
The core themes of loyalty and sacrifice land properly. Relationships between characters drive the drama. I felt invested in Amarendra’s tragedy and Mahendra’s quest for justice.
Watching this as one continuous film strengthens the mythological feel. The improved color grading makes Mahishmati more striking than before.
Where It Stumbles
Missing scenes hurt character development. Mahendra’s relationships with his adoptive mother and Avanthika get shortchanged. Plot points that need setup arrive without proper foundation.
Sivagami’s arc loses nuance in the edit. Her complex choices now seem simpler. Scenes establishing why people loved Amarendra are gone, weakening his eventual fall.
Some visual effects show their age, particularly during large-scale destruction. The first half rushes through material that needs more time to develop properly.
This version plays like a greatest hits collection. It delivers spectacle but sacrifices the breathing room that gave the originals their power. I missed the quieter moments that built up the world.
Reception
Critics gave the film a 79 out of 100 on Metacritic. Reviews acknowledged that trimming the story weakens some elements but praised the action and visuals. IMDB audiences rated it 8.7, mostly positive reactions from fans.
Some noted the condensed version loses emotional depth, especially in romantic subplots. Box office performance met expectations based on franchise popularity. Audiences enjoyed revisiting Mahishmati on the big screen.
The Verdict
This is pure spectacle that reminds you why Rajamouli changed Indian cinema. The edit trades emotional depth for pace, but the strengths stay intact. Action, scale, and performances all deliver.
Fans get a theatrical experience worth having. Newcomers get an accessible entry point, though the full versions offer richer character work and better pacing.
Rating: 4.5/5
