Shocking! Netflix shelves Bahubali: Before the beginning’ after spending 150 crores – Is this the reason?

After the success of Bahubali: The Beginning and Bahubali: The Conclusion, Netflix along with SS Rajamouli announced a prequel to the franchise, Bahubali: Before The Beginning. But the latest report states that the streaming giant has shelved the project.

A few months ago, director Deva Katta who was supposed to helm the project had walked out in between. Reportedly, the makers hadn’t liked quite a bit of the stuff that he had planned, and then, Mrunal Thakur who was roped in for a lead role walked out of the project too.

With an estimated budget of over 100 crores, Deva Katta had also flagged off the pre-production work, with massive sets being constructed in Hyderabad, after which the makers revamped the series with new directors Kunal Deshmukh and Ribhu Dasgupta. The duo also began the prep work in July 2021.

“The entire amount invested in Bahubali: Before The Beginning was put in the cans as the team decided to revamp the series with a new director. Kunal Deshmukh and Ribhu Dasgupta had replaced Deva Katta and the prep work also began in the month of July 2021,” revealed a source. The approx. figure invested in Bahubali: Before The Beginning was Rs 150 crore. The team apparently felt that it’s better to stop the project even before the shoot, instead of investing another Rs 200 crore on a product that’s substandard.

“Bahubali is a cult in today’s time and they didn’t want to take the risk of meddling with something that has an iconic status. They may revisit it again, but this time around, only when the material on paper is strong enough to justify the legacy” the source added.  Apart from Mrunal Thakur, actress Wamiqa Gabbi and South superstar Nayanthara too was roped in for her digital debut. While there is no clarity on Wamiqa Gabbi to continue, Nayanthara will remain part of the series.