THE RETURN OF THE KING
S.S. RAJAMOULI’S LIFE is a case of two halves—BB (Before Bahubali) and AB (After Bahubali). Before the release of Bahubali: The Conclusion, the most successful film in the history of Indian cinema, he could take a casual stroll in KBR (Kasu Brahmanandha Reddy) park in Hyderabad. No longer. Earlier, he could think of making a small Telugu film that would cater to audiences in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh; now it’s expected that he will make a pan-India film dubbed in multiple languages. Before Bahubali, Hindi film producers didn’t think twice about releasing a film on the same date as his. Now they know it’s foolhardy to take on a Rajamouli spectacle at the box office.
Rajamouli is aware of the changed circumstances but is unfazed. At the Annapurna Studios annexe, Seven Acres, in Hyderabad, where last-minute work is under way on his upcoming (Rise, Roar, Revolt), the atmosphere is relaxed, even homely. The director’s German Shepherd, Siddha, lazes on a mattress; son Karthikeya, the film’s line producer, and sister-in-law, M.M. Srivalli, the post-production line producer, ensure things run smoothly.