Baahubali Universe Expands: SS Rajamouli’s legacy returns with ‘The torchbearer’ docuseries on netflix

The legendary Baahubali franchise, created by visionary filmmaker SS Rajamouli, is once again making headlines as its cinematic universe continues to evolve across multiple formats. What began as a two-film phenomenon has now transformed into a long-lasting cultural force with new storytelling chapters being added even a decade later.

The latest addition to this expanding universe is “Baahubali: The Torchbearer”, a new docuseries set to premiere on Netflix on June 26, 2026. The series promises an in-depth look at the making of the iconic franchise and the extraordinary impact it had on Indian cinema and global audiences.

More than just a behind-the-scenes feature, the docuseries aims to revisit the journey of how an ambitious idea born in Hyderabad went on to redefine scale, storytelling, and spectacle in Indian filmmaking. For fans, it serves as a nostalgic return to the kingdom of Mahishmati, while new viewers are expected to discover the magnitude of its legacy for the first time.

The Baahubali story has continued to evolve even after its theatrical run. In October 2025, “Baahubali: The Epic” was released to mark the tenth anniversary of Baahubali: The Beginning. For this special edition, Rajamouli personally re-edited both films into a single unified Telugu version, enhanced with a remastered score by M. M. Keeravani and an additional unreleased sequence. The combined cut, running approximately 225 minutes, was showcased in premium formats including IMAX, 4DX, and Dolby Cinema, offering audiences a refreshed cinematic experience of the saga.

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Adding another dimension to the franchise, the universe is also expanding into animation with “Baahubali: The Eternal War”, a two-part animated feature film. The story follows the fallen prince Amarendra Baahubali as he enters the afterlife and becomes part of a cosmic battle between devas and asuras across multiple realms.

Directed by Ishan Shukla and co-produced by SS Rajamouli and Shobu Yarlagadda, the first part of the animated film is targeting a late-2027 theatrical release. Sharing the teaser, Rajamouli praised the project, calling it “stunning, crafted with top-tier quality and imagination worthy of Baahubali’s magnificence.”

Importantly, Rajamouli has clarified that “The Eternal War” is not Baahubali 3, but rather a standalone animated expansion within the same universe, designed to explore new storytelling possibilities through 3D animation.

With the arrival of the docuseries and upcoming animated projects, the Baahubali universe continues to stand as one of the most ambitious and enduring cinematic legacies in Indian film history—proving that its story is far from over.