Baahubali: Crown of Blood series on Hotstar Review

Baahubali: Crown of Blood delves into events preceding Bhallaladeva’s plot to murder Baahubali. The series showcases Baahubali and Bhallaladeva uniting to defend Mahishmati from the warlord Raktadev. To defeat him, they must confront their mentor, Kattappa, now commanding the enemy’s forces. The narrative explores Kattappa’s perceived betrayal, Raktadev’s motivations, and his desire to destroy Mahishmati.

The standout feature of this animated series is the villain’s characterization. Raktadev’s ideology and cruelty are vividly portrayed, adding depth as the show progresses. Scenes involving Baahubali’s interactions with Raktadev and his moments of indecision are executed well. Additionally, the last four episodes are particularly engaging, featuring imaginative and visually appealing battle scenes, weapons, and equipment. Baahubali’s distinctive style and charisma are preserved, adding to the show’s appeal.

However, the series has its drawbacks. The Baahubali franchise owes much of its success to Prabhas, whose presence as Baahubali is iconic. Unfortunately, the animation fails to capture his essence, contrasting with the otherwise good quality animation for other characters. This discrepancy is disappointing for fans.

Moreover, the plot twist involving Kattappa is predictable, diminishing suspense. The initial episodes lack engagement, failing to capture the emotional depth that is the hallmark of the Baahubali franchise. Consequently, the overall impact of the show is limited, and the cliffhanger does not leave a lasting impression.

The music by Kaala Bhairava is mediocre, lacking the enchantment of Keeravani’s previous scores. The direction by Jeevan J Kang and Navin John is competent but not exceptional, with the series suffering from a lack of emotional depth. While the editing is sharp, with each episode running a concise 20 minutes, the Telugu dubbing is subpar and further detracts from the emotional resonance.

In summary, Baahubali: Crown of Blood has moments of engagement but ultimately falls short. The series starts slow but gains momentum towards the end, with well-crafted villains and interesting twists. However, it lacks the emotional impact and animation quality fans expect, making it more appealing to children than to a broader audience.

Director:-Jeevan J Kang, Navin John

Rating..3.6/5