“10 years after Baahubali changed Indian cinema…” Netflix’s The Torchbearer promises secrets, stories and the magic behind Mahishmati

More than a decade after it redefined the scale and ambition of Indian filmmaking, the world of Baahubali is preparing for a new chapter—this time in documentary form.

Streaming giant Netflix is set to premiere Baahubali: The Torchbearer on June 26, a project that has already sparked intense curiosity among fans of the iconic franchise. While official details remain limited, the documentary is expected to explore the journey, influence, and lasting legacy of one of the most important film series in Indian cinema history.

The excitement surrounding The Torchbearer is understandable. After all, S. S. Rajamouli’s Baahubali films did far more than break box-office records—they changed how Indian films were perceived both at home and abroad.

Initially, some fans speculated that the project might be connected to Baahubali: The Epic, the remastered version that combined both films into a single cinematic experience. However, the separate branding and promotional campaign suggest that The Torchbearer is an entirely independent documentary focused on the phenomenon behind the franchise.

Earlier comments from producer Shobu Yarlagadda offer some clues about what audiences can expect. According to him, the documentary celebrates the franchise’s 10-year journey and highlights the impact it had on artists, technicians, filmmakers, and everyone associated with its creation.

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That description has fueled expectations that the documentary will feature exclusive interviews, rare production footage, personal stories, and insights into how Rajamouli and his team brought the fictional kingdom of Mahishmati to life.

For many movie lovers, Baahubali’s success was about much more than visual spectacle. The films transformed Prabhas into a pan-India superstar, introduced large-scale storytelling to new audiences, and demonstrated that regional-language films could achieve nationwide and international success.

Released in 2015 and 2017 respectively, Baahubali: The Beginning and Baahubali 2: The Conclusion became cultural landmarks. Their influence can still be seen today in the growing ambition of Indian filmmakers and the increasing global interest in Indian storytelling.

Even years after their original release, audience interest remains remarkably strong. The 2025 re-release of Baahubali: The Epic generated impressive box-office numbers, proving that the franchise continues to enjoy a passionate fan following across generations.

Naturally, comparisons are being made with RRR, another Rajamouli blockbuster that later received the documentary treatment through RRR: Behind & Beyond. While that documentary initially had a modest theatrical response, it gained significant attention once it reached digital audiences.

Industry observers believe The Torchbearer could follow a similar path—offering viewers a chance to revisit the creative risks, challenges, and triumphs behind a cinematic universe that helped elevate Indian cinema onto the global stage.

For fans, however, the appeal goes deeper than industry analysis.

Baahubali remains a story filled with unforgettable characters, powerful emotions, and moments that became part of popular culture. If Baahubali: The Torchbearer successfully captures how those moments were created—and why they continue to resonate—it may become more than just a documentary.

It could become a celebration of a film franchise that changed the course of Indian cinema and inspired a generation of storytellers.