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Bāhubali: The Beginning

Name: Bāhubali: The Beginning
Director: S. S. Rajamouli
Released: 2015
Duration: 159 min

Representation Score

5.4/10

Fair

2015

Director

S. S. Rajamouli

Runtime

159 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Bāhubali: The Beginning is a grand retelling of indigenous epic storytelling. It stands out by placing powerful women in positions of authority, challenging traditional patriarchal structures through characters like Sivagami and Avanthika. However, the film’s adherence to traditionalist values limits its scope. It centers on the sanctity of bloodlines and moral absolutes, avoiding critical examination of power dynamics or non-traditional identities. While the film offers a rich exploration of diverse tribal and social identities, it falls short in representing disabilities or LGBTQ+ perspectives.

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Category Breakdown

Does Bāhubali: The Beginning have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on traditional epic themes and straight-centered romance, with no representation of non-straight or non-cisgender identities.

How does Bāhubali: The Beginning portray gender?

Good

Female characters like the Queen Mother Sivagami and Warrior Princess Avanthika hold significant authority and challenge traditional feminine roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Bāhubali: The Beginning?

Good

The film showcases a variety of social classes and tribal identities within Mahishmati, creating a complex social landscape.

How does Bāhubali: The Beginning represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story emphasizes traditional values such as dharma and royal lineage, celebrating mythic motifs and moral order without critiquing systemic power structures.

Does Bāhubali: The Beginning include disability representation?

Minimal

Characters are depicted with physical prowess and superhuman abilities; there is no meaningful portrayal of visible or invisible disabilities.

Present on Screen

Features strong female characters with significant authority and ability to act.
Explores a rich tapestry of diverse tribal and social identities.
Passes the Bechdel test through political dialogue among women.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities and non-cisgender perspectives.
Does not include meaningful portrayals of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.
Maintains a strict focus within traditionalist and conventions that assume everyone is straight.

Official Synopsis

The young Shivudu is left as a foundling in a small village by his mother. By the time he’s grown up, it has become apparent that he possesses exceptional gifts. He meets the beautiful warrior princess Avanthika and learns that her queen has been held captive for the last 25 years. Shividu sets off to rescue her, discovering his own origins in the process.

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