Baahubali: Crown of Blood Review
The animated series Baahubali: Crown of Blood, part of the renowned Baahubali franchise, is now available for streaming on Hotstar in various languages. Let’s delve into the series and its key elements.
Storyline
Baahubali: Crown of Blood explores events predating Bhallaladeva’s infamous plot against Baahubali. The narrative centers on Baahubali and Bhallaladeva joining forces to defend Mahishmati against the warlord Raktadev. However, to overcome Raktadev, they must confront their mentor, Kattappa, who is now commanding the enemy forces. The series unravels why Kattappa became a traitor, the identity of Raktadev, and his motives for targeting Mahishmati.
Highlights
A standout feature of the series is the compelling portrayal of the villain. The antagonist’s ideology and ruthlessness are vividly depicted, adding intrigue as the series progresses, especially towards the climax. Key scenes, such as Baahubali’s interactions with Raktadev and his moments of indecision, are executed well.
The series also offers a pleasant surprise for long-time fans. The final four episodes are particularly engaging, featuring exciting battle sequences and innovative depictions of weapons and equipment. These elements enhance the viewing experience, and Baahubali’s distinctive style and traits are preserved in the animation.
Drawbacks
The Baahubali franchise holds a special place in Telugu cinema, significantly influencing the industry. However, the Telugu dubbing of this animated series is subpar, which may disappoint ardent fans. In contrast, the Hindi version features the original voice actors from the films, lending authenticity. The Telugu dubbing lacks the same level of care, impacting the overall perception of the series.
A critical issue is the animation quality of Baahubali’s character, which fails to capture Prabhas’s iconic presence. While other characters are well-animated, the protagonist’s portrayal is lacking. Additionally, the twist involving Kattappa is predictable, diminishing the suspense. The early episodes are not very engaging, and the series fails to evoke the emotional depth characteristic of the franchise, resulting in a less impactful cliffhanger.
Technical Aspects
Kaala Bhairava’s music is adequate, but it doesn’t match the magic of Keeravani’s compositions. The editing is sharp, with each episode lasting about 20 minutes. The direction by Jeevan J Kang and Navin John is mediocre, with the series lacking emotional depth. The writing could have been significantly improved. Despite this, the animation for characters other than Baahubali is satisfactory.
Verdict
Overall, Baahubali: Crown of Blood is engaging in parts but falls short as a whole. The series picks up in the later episodes, with the villain’s characterization being a strong point. However, the poor Telugu dubbing and lack of emotional resonance detract from the experience. The series might appeal more to younger viewers, but for others, it may come across as underwhelming.