Bahubali 2 Review: Epic Finale Delivers Grandeur

Bāhubali 2 opens with the revelation that set the internet ablaze back in 2017: the reason Kattappa killed Amarendra Bāhubali. Mahendra Bāhubali (Prabhas, in dual roles) has learned the truth of his lineage-he is the son of the slain king, not just a tribal boy raised in the wilderness. Now, he seeks answers about his father’s murder, and the film plunges into a sprawling flashback that forms the emotional core of the entire saga.

The narrative structure is ambitious. We watch two timelines unfold side by side: Mahendra’s present-day quest to reclaim Mahishmati from the tyrannical Bhallaladeva (Rana Daggubati), and the past story of Amarendra Bāhubali’s rise and tragic fall. The past timeline reveals a web of palace intrigue, unrequited love between Bhallaladeva and Devasena (Anushka Shetty), and the poisonous machinations of Bijjaladeva (Nassar) and Sivagami (Ramya Krishnan). At its heart, it’s a story about honor versus ambition, and the cost of loyalty in a kingdom where trust is a weapon.

The juxtaposition of timelines works beautifully. We already know the tragedy that awaits Amarendra, so his moments of triumph-his courtship of Devasena, his coronation as king-are laced with a poignant dread. The film never tries to be clever by hiding its secrets; instead, it leans into emotional inevitability. You know the sword will fall, but you still flinch when it does.

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Rajamouli directs with the confidence of a man who knows exactly what his audience wants-and what they deserve. Every frame is calibrated for maximum impact, from the sweeping aerial shots of Mahishmati’s golden architecture to the intimate close-ups of tears brimming in the eyes of betrayed characters. The film’s 167-minute runtime flies by because the pacing is relentless, yet it never feels rushed. Each scene earns its place.

Prabhas delivers a dual performance that cements his legend. As Amarendra, he is regal, charming, and heartbreakingly naive about the darkness around him. As Mahendra, he is raw, vengeful, and ultimately accepting of his destiny. The physicality he brings is astonishing-he makes swinging a mace look as natural as breathing. Rana Daggubati’s Bhallaladeva is a villain you love to hate, a coiled spring of repressed fury and petty jealousy. He doesn’t chew scenery; he devours it.

But the real revelation here is the women. Anushka Shetty’s Devasena is no damsel-she is a warrior of words and steel, whose refusal to bow to Bhallaladeva sparks the entire conflict. Ramya Krishnan’s Sivagami is a masterclass in conflicted power: a queen whose sense of duty is both her strength and her fatal flaw. Their confrontation scenes are electric, and Rajamouli gives them space to breathe.

Technically, the film is a marvel. The VFX have aged remarkably well-the battle sequences, particularly the climactic siege of Mahishmati, remain breathtaking. The music by M. M. Keeravani soars, with songs like Sahore Bāhubali and Hamsa Naava becoming instant classics. The sound design erupts in every action beat, making the theater rattle with impact.

If there’s a weakness, it’s that the final act leans heavily into melodrama. The resolution, while satisfying, is perhaps too tidy: every villain gets their comeuppance with a theatrical flourish that feels more comic-book than mythological. And some supporting characters-like Kumara Varma (Subbaraju)-are underutilized, existing more as plot devices than people.

Still, these are minor quibbles. Bāhubali 2 is a film that knows its language-visual spectacle married to emotional weight-and it speaks it fluently. It’s a celebration of what Indian cinema can achieve when ambition is matched by resources and craft.

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Pros

• Prabhas delivers a career-defining dual performance, balancing majesty and vulnerability.
• S. S. Rajamouli’s direction is masterful, blending epic scale with intimate character moments.
• The VFX and production design remain stunning, years after release.
• Anushka Shetty and Ramya Krishnan give powerhouse performances that elevate the entire film.
• The music and background score enhance every emotional and action beat.
• The flashback structure maintains suspense and emotional payoff throughout.

Cons

• The climax feels slightly overwrought, with a too-perfect resolution.
• Some supporting characters lack depth and screen time.
• The runtime, though justified, can feel long for viewers not already invested in the mythology.
• Certain battle sequences rely on improbable physics, which may irk purists.

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Bāhubali 2: The Conclusion is more than a film-it’s a cultural touchstone that proved Indian cinema could compete with global blockbusters on its own terms. S. S. Rajamouli crafted a world of gods and mortals, of honor and treachery, and filled it with characters who feel like they belong in ancient epics. Prabhas, Rana, Anushka, and Ramya Krishnan deliver performances that will be remembered for generations.

Yes, it’s melodramatic. Yes, it’s unapologetically over-the-top. But that’s the point. This is a film that wears its heart on its sleeve, spills blood on the throne, and asks you to believe in the power of stories. And you do. You absolutely do.

If you haven’t seen it yet, do yourself a favor. If you have, it’s worth revisiting. A triumph.

8.5/10