When “Baahubali: The Epic” hit theaters, no one imagined it would leave such a deep mark in the history of Indian cinema. The film not only shattered box office records but also became one of India’s most celebrated and globally acclaimed films. Amidst this grandeur and depth of narrative, director S.S. Rajamouli has now made a revelation that has shocked fans—he explained why a beautiful love song featuring Tamannaah Bhatia was removed from the film.
The Magic of “Baahubali” and Tamannaah Bhatia’s Key Role
In “Baahubali: The Beginning,” Tamannaah Bhatia played Avantika—a fearless, independent, and warrior woman who becomes a symbol of rebellion against the kingdom of Mahishmati. Her character was as powerful as her on-screen presence. The chemistry between her and Prabhas (Shivudu/Baahubali) was a key aspect of the film.
But few people know that the original version of the film also featured a beautiful romantic song between Tamannaah and Prabhas. The song was shot in stunning locations and added a new depth to the Baahubali love story.
The decision to remove the song: Rajamouli’s big move
In a recent interview, S.S. Rajamouli revealed why he removed Tamannaah Bhatia’s romantic song from the film. Rajamouli said, “The song was beautiful, but it was slowing down the story’s pace. In a film like Baahubali, every frame is important, and we didn’t want the audience to lose sight of the main story.”
Rajamouli’s decision reflects the extent to which he prioritizes the film’s dramatic structure and emotional flow. He explained that removing the song wasn’t an easy decision, as Tamannaah and Prabhas had worked hard on it, but it was necessary for the film’s overall impact.
Tamannaah Bhatia’s Reaction: Both Professional and Emotional
When Tamannaah Bhatia was asked about her song being removed from the film, she responded with a very dignified response. “Every artist wants their work to be seen on screen,” she said, “but if the director feels that removing certain parts is necessary to enhance the story, then we should accept his decision.”
She further added that working with S.S. Rajamouli was an honor for her and that being a part of a film like ‘Baahubali’ is a major opportunity in any artist’s career. Tamannaah’s professional approach demonstrated that she is not just a glamorous star, but also a sensitive and dedicated actress.
The Importance of the Song and Its Connection to the Story
The song that was removed provided a different perspective to the film’s love story. The song was filmed during the moment when Shivudu (Prabhas) first confesses his love to Avantika (Tamannaah). The scene was emotionally charged and showed a deep intimacy between the two characters.
However, according to Rajamouli, including the song in the film would have slowed down the story’s momentum. The entire story of Baahubali revolved around the epic struggle, the spirit of revenge, and the politics of the Mahishmati kingdom. Therefore, he decided to limit the romance and enhance the story’s core purpose.
Director’s Vision: Maintaining the Soul of the Story
S.S. Rajamouli believes that the soul of any film is its story, and whenever a scene or song begins to deviate from that soul, it is better to remove it. He said, “There are some scenes in every film that we love very much, but if they disrupt the rhythm of the entire film, we have to rise above emotions and make a decision.”
This approach explains why Rajamouli is considered one of the most talented and disciplined directors in the world. His films are not only known for their visual effects, but are also praised for their balance of emotion and storytelling.
Fan Reaction: Mixed Feelings
When news broke that Tamannaah Bhatia’s romantic song had been removed from the film, fans were met with mixed reactions. Some viewers were disappointed that they didn’t get to see another romantic glimpse of Tamannaah and Prabhas, while others supported Rajamouli’s decision, saying it was the right decision given the film’s pace and depth.
Many fans on social media also demanded that the song be included in a special release or a “Director’s Cut.” However, no official information has been released regarding this.
The Success of “Baahubali” and the Director’s Maturity
“Baahubali: The Epic” and its sequel, “Baahubali: The Conclusion,” together set a new standard for Indian cinema. The film demonstrated that when technology, storytelling, and emotions are perfectly combined, Indian films can rival Hollywood.
Rajamouli’s direction proved that he’s not just a filmmaker, but a storyteller who understands the emotions of his characters with great nuance. While the decision to remove Tamannaah Bhatia’s song may have been disappointing for fans, it made the film even more impactful.
The Importance of the Art of Editing in Filmmaking
Often, viewers don’t understand the delicate process of film editing. Often, hundreds of hours of filmed material are shown on screen for only a few minutes. During editing, the director must decide which scenes to include.
Conclusion
This move by S.S. Rajamouli serves as a lesson that for a true filmmaker, every decision must be in service of the story. While the deleted song featuring Tamannaah Bhatia and Prabhas may not have been released to audiences, its existence is a testament to the fact that every moment in projects like ‘Baahubali’ was carefully considered and considered.
