Did you know, Ridley Scott’s Gladiator influenced S.S. Rajamouli’s Baahubali series? Deets inside

As Baahubali became one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated franchises, it was evident that Rajamouli's approach to storytelling was shaped by grand, historical narratives, much like Ridley Scott’s Gladiator. Known for its sweeping visuals and emotionally charged storytelling, Gladiator played a pivotal role in inspiring Rajamouli’s portrayal of heroism, honor, and betrayal within the fictional kingdoms of Baahubali.

According to the sources, “Gladiator’s themes of honor, revenge, and heroism greatly influenced Rajamouli Garu, shaping Baahubali’s storytelling and visuals. This influencer, I think, added layers of depth to Baahubali, elevating it as one of Indian cinema’s most unforgettable films.”

Thematic and Narrative Parallels Between Gladiator and Baahubali

Both Gladiator and Baahubali share several key thematic and narrative elements. Central to both stories is the heroic protagonist with royal connections—Maximus in Gladiator and Bahubali in Baahubali—who faces immense trials of strength, betrayal, and a power struggle. Themes of vengeance, honor, and justice also echo throughout both films, which are set against expansive, politically charged backdrops.

In addition, both films feature larger-than-life characters who find themselves embroiled in complex personal and political conflicts. The battle scenes in Baahubali, much like in Gladiator, are intense, with grandiose visuals that underscore the epic scale of the narrative.

Gladiator II, the sequel to the celebrated 2000 film, is set to hit theaters in India on November 15. The film will be released in multiple languages, including English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, and will be available in both 4Dx and IMAX formats.

Also Read: BREAKING: Miraj IMAX Wadala to open on November 14; Suriya, Bobby Deol to attend Kanguva press conference on November 12; Mumbai’s OLDEST and ICONIC IMAX screen to reopen with Gladiator II