SS Rajamouli unveiled an animated spinoff called Baahubali: The Eternal War at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival on Thursday. Prabhas will reprise his role in the CGI sequel.
According to Deadline Hollywood, Rajamouli produced the project while director Ishan Shukla directed the CGI sequel. The work-in-progress presentation featured Prabhas's character in animated form, a technical undertaking that required translating his on-screen presence into a new medium.
The spinoff expands on the Telugu-language Baahubali franchise that began with Rajamouli's 2015 blockbuster. The original films became a cultural phenomenon and major box office success.
Rajamouli has shifted toward new formats in recent years. Following the global success of RRR, the director has pursued work in different mediums and storytelling approaches. An animated adaptation of Baahubali represents a departure from his live-action work.
The Annecy presentation signals that Rajamouli is expanding the franchise into new territory. Whether audiences will accept an animated version remains to be seen.
Details on voice cast, release date, and storyline for The Eternal War have not been released. Based on Rajamouli's previous work, the film is likely to feature elaborate action sequences and technical ambition in its animation.
