Common Mistakes in 'Bahubali': A Critical Analysis

The film 'Bahubali' has garnered global acclaim, yet it is not without its flaws. This article explores some of the common mistakes in the film and how they affect the viewer's experience.

Continuity Errors

In any film, continuity is crucial, especially in action-heavy films like 'Bahubali.' Here are some of the notable continuity errors:

Characters' clothing or hairstyles often change between shots without adequate explanation, which can be disorienting to the viewer. Certain scenes display inconsistencies in the physical appearance of characters, such as injuries that appear and disappear without clear reason.

These errors can disrupt the immersion and decrease the overall quality of the viewing experience.

Historical Inaccuracies

The film 'Bahubali' presents a mix of myth and history, which often leads to anachronisms and inaccuracies. For instance:

The architecture and technology depicted in the film may not align with the historical context of the setting, such as the presence of advanced technology in a period historically known for simpler living. The portrayal of certain characters and events may be exaggerated for dramatic effect, leading to a disconnect with historical accuracy.

These historical inaccuracies can alienate viewers who seek historical authenticity and are seeking a more historically accurate portrayal of the period.

Visual Effects Flaws

While 'Bahubali' invests heavily in visual effects (CGI), certain elements do not reach the same level of polish and realism as others. Specifically, in scenes involving large crowds or animals:

Some CGI elements may appear less polished or lacking in detail, which can detract from the overall viewing experience. The blend between practical effects and CGI may not be seamless, leading to inconsistencies in the portrayal of the film's action sequences.

To achieve a more cohesive and believable visual experience, the film could have further refined these elements.

Character Development Issues

While several characters play pivotal roles in the plot, some lack a sufficient backstory or development, leaving audiences wanting more depth. This is particularly noticeable in some of the supporting characters:

The depth and complexity of characters’ backgrounds could have been explored more fully to enrich the narrative and provide greater emotional investment. Lack of character development often results in one-dimensional portrayals that may not resonate as strongly with viewers.

Improving character development would enhance audience engagement and make the plot more compelling.

Plot Holes

There are moments in the storyline where actions or decisions made by characters seem illogical or unsupported by prior events, leading to confusion and inconsistencies. These plot holes can disrupt the flow of the narrative and make the viewing experience less enjoyable:

Actions and decisions by characters that do not align with their established traits or motivations can leave viewers confused. Lack of clear exposition for certain plot points can lead to a disconnect between the viewer and the narrative.

Addressing these plot holes through better storytelling would enhance the coherence of the film.

Exaggerated Physics

The film features numerous action sequences that defy the laws of physics, such as characters performing feats that would be impossible in reality. This can be jarring and unrealistic for many viewers:

Action sequences that do not adhere to physical laws may feel forced and less believable. Realism is important for building a sense of immersion, and exaggerated physics can detract from this immersion.

Improving the physics in action sequences would make the film more relatable and engaging for a wider audience.

Dialogue and Subtitles

There have been instances where the translations in subtitles may not accurately convey the original dialogue's tone or meaning, which can be frustrating for viewers:

Inaccurate translations can detract from the emotional impact of the dialogue and mislead the viewer's interpretation of the characters' intentions. Ensuring proper translations is crucial for maintaining the film's tone and delivering the intended message to the audience.

Investing in more accurate translations could enhance the viewer's experience and understanding of the film.

Marathi Complaints and Context

The Marathi audience has raised several complaints about the storyline and presentation of their region in 'Bahubali.' Some of the specific issues highlighted include:

Flawed Storytelling: The Marathi storyline was presented in a way that felt like 'Bollywood masala' filled with pinga songs, which were out of context. This led to a disconnect with Marathi cultural references. Characterization: The film's portrayal of the nobility and their coming close in Bundelkhand misrepresented the traditional values and social norms of the region, particularly the role of women and the courtesan lifestyle. Cultural Sensitivity: The film's depiction of historical events and cultural practices did not align with contemporary understanding and accuracy, leading to criticism from the Marathi community.

These complaints highlight the importance of cultural sensitivity and authenticity in the portrayal of historical events and regional cultures in films.

Conclusion

While 'Bahubali' has achieved significant success and critical acclaim, addressing the specific mistakes and issues highlighted can lead to a more engaging and authentic viewing experience. Improving continuity, historical accuracy, visual effects, character development, and the handling of cultural references can enhance the overall quality of the film, making it more relatable and enjoyable for a broader audience.