From Rome to Mahishmati: How Gladiator shaped Rajamouli’s Baahubali vision!

MUMBAI: It has come to light that filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli drew inspiration from Ridley Scott’s epic Gladiator (2000) for his acclaimed Baahubali series. Known for its grand scale and epic storytelling, Gladiator played a pivotal role in shaping Rajamouli’s vision of a heroic tale filled with intense battles, larger-than-life characters, and complex emotional undertones.  

Now that one thinks about it, they do share several thematic and narrative elements - both films have heroic protagonists with royal connections, themes of strength and honor, power struggle and betrayal, and political intrigue.  

According to the sources, “Gladiator’s themes of honor, revenge, and heroism greatly influenced Rajamouli Garu, shaping Baahubali’s storytelling and visuals. This influencer, I think, added layers of depth to Baahubali, elevating it as one of Indian cinema’s most unforgettable films”

With Baahubali becoming a cultural phenomenon, Rajamouli’s homage to Gladiator highlights the universal power of storytelling that transcends borders, inspiring creators and captivating audiences worldwide.