Baahubali: Before the Beginning

Production

In March 2017, after the release of The Rise of Sivagami, S. S. Rajamouli confirmed a television series based on the novel, comprising 13 episodes. By November 2017, The Hans India reported that Deva Katta would direct a web series set in the world of Mahishmati. In July 2018, Katta confirmed he would co-direct a three-season Netflix original series, tentatively titled Shivagami.

The series was officially announced by Netflix on 1 August 2018 as Baahubali: Before the Beginning, to be directed by Katta and Praveen Sattaru, with Rajamouli and Prasad Devineni producing under Arka Media Works. The announcement stated the series was planned for two seasons. It was the third Netflix original series from India, following Sacred Games and Ghoul.

Erik Barmack, Vice-President of Netflix International Originals, said the Baahubali theme 'resonates globally'. A teaser was released online on 2 August 2018. Rajamouli expressed enthusiasm about partnering with Netflix to take the story to a global audience. Anand Neelakantan served as screenwriter, calling it 'the biggest thing Netflix has done in India so far' and comparing it to Game of Thrones.

He noted that the story's dark and violent tone required a series format due to censorship rules. Part of the series was shot in Kerala and was to feature something akin to the Mamankam festival. Sattaru stated the series would be pan-Indian, not limited to a south or north focus.

Did You Know?

• The series follows Sivagami as she matures from a defiant and resentful girl into a wise queen.
• The story is set during the rise of Mahishmati from a city-state to an influential empire.
• In March 2021, Netflix revamped the project with a new creative team, scrapping the previously shot version.