Web Series Review: Mahishmati’s untold story ‘Baahubali: Crown of Blood’ is powerful and funny.

Story of ‘Bahubali: Crown of Blood’

The story of Mahishmati Empire has created a stir on the big screen. We have seen Baahubali and Bhallaldev fighting with each other. But this time both are together and are taking on the enemy of the empire. This animated series takes us on an epic journey, where protecting the great empire and throne of Mahishmati is paramount.

SS Rajamouli and Sharad Devarajan have produced ‘Bahubali: Crown of Blood’ and it is co-directed by Naveen John along with Jeevan J Kang John. The series consists of nine episodes, taking place before the events of ‘Baahubali: The Beginning (2015)’ and ‘Baahubali: The Conclusion (2017)’. This prequel revolves around the young princes Bahubali (voice of Sharad Kelkar) and Bhallaldev (voice of Manoj Pandey). They encounter Raktadev aka Kaaldhoot (voiced by Rajesh Khattar), who poses a major threat to Mahishmati. The entire series explores the building of the empire, its power, and the clash of ideologies with the heroes.

Trailer of ‘Baahubali: Crown of Blood’

‘Baahubali: Crown of Blood’ web series review

Bahubali loves unity. He dreams of keeping the empire together. While Bhallaladeva desires to conquer everything and everyone with his unmatched strength. A new and biggest challenge comes before both of them. The villain of the story is Raktadev, who grew up in slavery in the mines amid hatred and pain. He prepares his army and wants to conquer everything with the help of sword.

‘Baahubali: Crown of Blood’ meets every parameter from the very first episode, considering the success of the previous two films. This action-animation series gets into its plot very quickly, but takes time to reach the drama of the story. However, the story of a character like Bijaldev (voiced by Deepak Sinha) keeps us engaged. Many exciting battles have been shown in the series, including Baahubali and Bhallaldev fighting against Kaaldoot.

While watching the nine-episode series, there are times when one gets the feeling that it is complicated. In such a situation the dramatic effects are reduced. For example, in the final battle scene, Baahubali asks Kaaldoot, ‘Why so much hatred for Mahishmati?’ And he replies, ‘Hate is such a small word.’ What I feel for your family is much more ugly than hatred, much worse.

Obviously, after seeing the grandeur of the ‘Baahubali’ franchise on screen, everyone has high expectations from this animation film, but it does not live up to the grandeur. Yes, the characters, their designs, and their backstories are impressive, but you feel that a live-action film with a similar story would have been more entertaining.

Actor and dubbing artist Sharad Kelkar has also given voice to the lead character in the Hindi version of ‘Baahubali’ films. In such a situation, hearing his voice as Baahubali once again in the series connects us to Kidar. Samay Thakkar’s narration as Kattappa adds to the storytelling experience.

Many new characters have been added to the series. Among them is Raktadev, who is more powerful than any other enemy of Mahishmati. Koteshwar (voiced by Pramod Mathur), an elderly man suffering from Raktadev, seeks the help of Baahubali. The characters of both of them are interesting. Rajesh Khattar’s voice well establishes the horror of the character of Raktadev. Other voice artistes include Mausam as Sivagami and Deepak Sinha as Bijjaaldev who have been average.

The show ends on such a note where there seems to be every possibility of taking the story forward. The scope of Mahishmati has been expanded by including new tenants. All of this creates plenty of room for further chapters in this epic. Overall, ‘Baahubali: Crown of Blood’ may not live up to the high standards of live-action films, but it adds to our understanding of the ‘Baahubali’ universe in an entertaining way.

Why watch- If you are a fan of the ‘Bahubali’ franchise, then ‘Crown of Blood’ is a promising series that gives us more information about your favorite characters.