Baahubali: The Crown of Blood, the latest animated series in the iconic franchise, is now streaming on Hotstar. Despite some highlights, it struggles to meet the high expectations set by its predecessors.
“Baahubali: The Crown of Blood,” the latest animated series from the celebrated Baahubali franchise, is now available for streaming on Hotstar. Directed by Jeevan J Kang and Navin John, this series dives deep into the backstory of Mahishmati, exploring events that occurred before Bhallaladeva’s infamous plot against Baahubali. Produced by Shobu Yarlagadda, Prasad Devineni, Jeevan J. Kang, SS Rajamouli, Sharad Devarajan, and Shaik Maqbool, with music by Kaala Bhairava, the series promises a fresh perspective on the epic saga but struggles to live up to the high expectations set by its predecessors.
The narrative centers on Baahubali and Bhallaladeva, who unite to defend Mahishmati from the formidable warlord Raktadev. However, their path is fraught with challenges, including facing their mentor, Kattappa, now the commander of the enemy forces. The series delves into why Kattappa is perceived as a traitor, who Raktadev is, and his motives for wanting to destroy Mahishmati. This conflict forms the crux of “Baahubali: The Crown of Blood.”
One of the series’ standout elements is the depiction of the villain, Raktadev. His ideology and malevolence are intricately portrayed, making the series engaging as it progresses towards its climax. Notable scenes include Baahubali’s interactions with Raktadev and moments where Baahubali faces moral dilemmas. These interactions are well-executed, adding depth to the story.
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For fans of the Baahubali franchise, there’s a surprise element in the final four episodes, which feature captivating battle scenes. The creators have introduced innovative concepts in warfare, making the series visually appealing. Baahubali’s distinctive style and characteristics are preserved, adding a familiar touch for fans.
However, the series is not without its flaws. The music by Kaala Bhairava is decent, but it doesn’t capture the magic that M.M. Keeravani brought to the original films. The direction by Jeevan J Kang and Navin John falls short, lacking the emotional depth that the Baahubali films are known for. The writing could have been stronger, and the animation, particularly for Baahubali’s character, does not do justice to Prabhas’s iconic portrayal. While other characters are animated well, the protagonist’s animation is disappointing.
A significant drawback is the poor quality of the Telugu dubbing, which may frustrate hardcore fans of the franchise. Unlike the Hindi version, which features the original voice artists, the Telugu version lacks authenticity and attention to detail. This disparity can affect the overall viewing experience for Telugu audiences.
Despite these issues, the series does have its moments. The villain’s character is well-crafted, and the twists involving him add intrigue. However, predictable plot points and a lack of emotional depth make the initial episodes less engaging. The series only picks up momentum towards the end, leaving viewers with a mixed experience.
In conclusion, “Baahubali: The Crown of Blood” offers a partially engaging but overall underwhelming experience. The initial episodes are slow, but the series gains traction in the final episodes. The poor Telugu dubbing and lack of emotional resonance are significant drawbacks. While the series might appeal more to younger audiences, it may not meet the expectations of long-time fans of the Baahubali franchise.
