When Prabhas' stardom made it impossible for SS Rajamouli to shoot for 'Baahubali' outdoors

Before Baahubali made him a global icon, Prabhas was already a massive star in the Telugu states. He had built a loyal fan base long before SS Rajamouli's epic changed the landscape of Indian cinema. But few know that this immense popularity once disrupted the very first day of Baahubali's shoot.

The chaotic first day in Kurnool

When SS Rajamouli began shooting 'Baahubali' in Kurnool, the plan was to film an outdoor sequence featuring Prabhas and Rana Daggubati. However, what was meant to be a routine first day on set quickly turned chaotic. Fans from across the region flooded the location just to catch a glimpse of their favourite star, making it nearly impossible to roll the camera.

SS Rajamouli's decision to move the shoot indoors

Realising the outdoor chaos was unmanageable, Rajamouli decided to shift the shoot entirely to Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad. There, he could maintain control over the environment and keep the film's visuals distraction-free. In the end, the entire sequence shot in Kurnool was scrapped, and the team started anew indoors.

Cinematographer shares the experience

Cinematographer KK Senthil Kumar, while speaking at Torch Bearers Podcast, shared that it was "Unbelievable". He shared that "thousands of people" had come together. The makers never expected that so many fans were that no matter where they placed the equipment and the camera people would still be in the shot. "We had to pack up and try again the next day—but still, people came. It was impossible to shoot," he said.

About 'Baahubali: The Epic'

'Baahubali: The Epic' was released yesterday, on October 31. It has received an overwhelmingly positive reaction from audiences and critics alike, with fans hailing it as a mythological masterpiece and a must-watch cinematic experience. The re-edited four-hour cut that combines both parts of the original 'Baahubali' saga.