The Baahubali series is one of India’s most successful film franchises. Ramya Krishnan’s role as Sivagami became one of the most powerful in her career.
She recently revealed that she almost said no to the role. On the talk show Jayammu Nischayammu Raa, she said producer Shobu Yarlagadda first called her. “He said the shoot would take 40 days. I said, ‘40 days? Sorry, I can’t do it,’ and hung up,” she recalled.
She didn’t know much about the story or scale then, only that it was a big-budget film. Eventually, she accepted the role and found a deep connection with Sivagami. “When I held a baby during those scenes, I felt like a real Rajmata,” she said.
Before Ramya, the role was offered to Sridevi. She turned it down for reasons that were never shared. Years later, Sridevi’s husband, Boney Kapoor, made controversial remarks about the producers, bringing attention back to the topic.
Now, the makers plan a grand re-release titled Baahubali: The Epic. The combined version will run 3 hours and 45 minutes and include new unseen scenes. Worldwide release is scheduled for October 31.