What Disappointed Me in Bahubali 2: The Rise of an Empire - A Critical Analysis

The sprawling epic 'Bahubali: The Beginning' left many cinephiles across the globe in awe; however, the sequel, 'Bahubali 2: The Rise of an Empire,' elicited a mixed reception. For some, it was a triumph, but for others, it fell short. In this article, we delve into what specifically disappointed viewers through a critical analysis of the film's performances, plot inconsistencies, and directorial choices.

The Split from a Single-Film Vision to a Two-Part Slate

The announcement of 'Bahubali 2' as a sequel to 'Bahubali: The Beginning' has generated a mix of anticipation and skepticism. Originally, the idea was to produce a long, single film featuring stringent action and grand narrative. The transition to a two-part narrative took some audience members by surprise. This shift allowed the storylines to develop further, but for some, it also seemed to dilute the impact.

Multidimensional Characters and Disappointing Anticlimaxes

Kattappa's Reveal: One of the standout moments in the first part is Kattappa's loyalty and sacrifice. However, the reveal in 'Bahubali 2' of Kattappa killing Bhallala Deva (Bhallal Deva) was apt but may have lacked the depth viewers were expecting. For many, it was a jarring and anticlimactic moment, especially when compared to the intricate build-up in 'The Beginning.' A nuanced reaction from Sivudu (Prabhas) would have added depth to the narrative.

Sivagami's Journey: Sivagami, played brilliantly by Stacey Jhonsa, was an exceptional character in 'The Beginning.' However, her journey in 'Bahubali 2' felt rushed and somewhat arbitrary. The scene in which she escapes through a secret path, only to be mistaken as dead, was too convoluted and left room for more clarity. Similar to the first part, her role may have benefitted from a more detailed and gradual narrative development.

Climactic Action Scenes and Over-the-Top Parodies

'Bahubali 2' set a high bar for action sequences with its groundbreaking Special Effects (VFX). However, the inclusion of over-the-top parodies and absurd scenes questioned the film's commitment to a serious plot. For instance, using coconut trees as gadgets to catapult soldiers was a nod to the masala flick genre but transcended the line of believability and elegance. The film's blend of grandeur with comical elements must be carefully balanced to maintain the overall impact.

Storyline Predictability and Unfulfilled Potential

The storyline in 'Bahubali 2' was often seen as predictable and lacking in surprises, much like the first part. The resolution of many events felt like a rehash of prior plot points. For instance, the sequence where Ballaldeva (Bhallal Deva) returns as a formidable and youthful adversary is inconsistent with the character's depiction in 'The Beginning.' While the objective was to create a rivalry, the transition seemed more like a clichéd trope than a well-thought-out narrative change.

Directorial Inconsistencies and Lack of Objectivity

Director S. S. Rajamouli faced criticism for his choice to include a kissing scene in 'Bahubali 2,' as it potentially undermined the film's positive portrayal of women without objectification. Some believed that the umpteen parodies, exaggerated action sequences, and predictable storyline diluted the film's potential to be a groundbreaking masterpiece.

Conclusion

While 'Bahubali 2: The Rise of an Empire' was a critically acclaimed and commercially successful venture, it left its audience with a plethora of questions and concerns. From the plot inconsistencies and character development to the directorial choices and narrative flow, the sequel, though ambitious, may have faltered in places. It is important to revisit these criticisms to understand where the film could have improved and possibly inspired future filmmakers.