Speaking at the GAMA ceremony in Dubai, Prabhas opened up on what all went before Baahubali was taken forward despite the estimated budget skyrocketing to unviable proportions.

"It would take about 15 days for me to talk about Baahubali and Rajamouli. Since that is not possible, I will say some important things. I have wanted to say these things for long, but I'm opening up in front of the Telugu people in Dubai," Prabhas began saying.

"When Rajamouli first mooted the idea of Baahubali, it was estimated to be done in one part. After making budget estimates, Rajamouli told the producers that the project won't be viable and that he would rather make a film in the backdrop of boxing with me. When the producers asked him what about Prabhas, he told them that I was his friend and that he can convince me. At this time, Shobhu Yarlagadda and Devineni Prasad, who have great passion for cinema, assured him all their help, asking him not to step back. They said, 'Don't worry about the budget. We are with you'. I always wanted to taken an opportunity to thank them in public. I'm doing it now," Prabhas said.