Is Bahubali Overated? An Unpopular View on the Marvel of Indian Cinema
Is 'Bahubali' Overrated? An Unpopular View on the Marvel of Indian Cinema
Are Bahubali and Bahubali 2 the most overrated movies of the last decade? Many argue that the lush visuals, grand action sequences, and cultural significance associated with these films do not outweigh the numerous flaws they possess. This article presents an immaculate perspective on why some viewers struggle to find Bahubali as a groundbreaking work of art.
Introduction to the Controversy
Bahubali, a crafted tale whose narrative roots trace back to ancient epics such as Mahabharat, Ramayana, and Shrimad Bhagavatam, has earned immense acclaim for its revolutionary visual effects and lavish cultural depiction. It stands out as a milestone in contemporary Indian cinema, thanks to its ambitious budgets and breath-taking action scenes. However, such accolades have not stopped critics and viewers alike from questioning its overall worth and innovation.
Is Bahubali Just Repetitive and Retro?
The narrative of Bahubali offers nothing new to the table, critics argue. The storyline can seem redundant, drawing heavily on tropes and narrative elements common to period dramas from the 1960s to 1980s. For example, the character development, particularly the relationship between the male lead and the female characters, rely on overused patterns that span several decades. The film introduces themes such as stalking, harassment serving as a precursor to romance, which can be viewed as glorifying emotional manipulation. These elements, which may be new to contemporary audiences unfamiliar with older cinema, can prove tedious to viewers who are familiar with the traditions and cliches of the genre.
Action and Visual Excellence vs. Narrative Flaws
While the action sequences in Bahubali and its sequel are widely praised for their visual and technical prowess, the narrative context often falls short. One standout scene, where the male lead Bahubali ascends mountains for a woman, is shot with admirable skill but raises questions about its relevance to the overall plot. Does the mountain-climbing spectacle exist merely as a platform to showcase technical advancements, or is it integral to the storyline? This tension between visual spectacle and narrative coherence is a significant critique often levied against the films.
Unimaginative Storytelling and Cliches
The storytelling in Bahubali is criticized for its reliance on cliches and absurd situations. For instance, in Bahubali 2, the antagonist Bahubali Senior burns a bull's horns to flood villages, which is done purely to save a palace, and is hailed as a hero by the populace. Such plot points, while visually striking, lack substance and coherence, leading to a draining viewing experience. Another scene in Bahubali 1, where the protagonist Bahubali Junior pulls a statue, reminiscent of a 2009 TV serial Dharam Veer, underscores the film's unimaginative approach to character archetypes and storylines. Such echoes of older, less engaging narratives might explain why, despite the film's grandeur, it still fails to resonate with some viewers.
Focusing on Grandeur Over Substance
A common criticism is that the screenplay of Bahubali focuses too much on grandeur and spectacle. The emphasis on VFX and visual spectacle overshadows the need for a compelling story, leading to what some might consider a hollowing effect. While the opening item song in Bahubali 1 does receive praise for its music and visuals, it similarly adds nothing to the film's plot. Similarly, the Bahubali Shivalinga sequence, breathtaking as it is, serves no narrative purpose. Viewers are left scratching their heads asking, “What is so great or even good about this film?”
Classics vs. Personal Preferences
Although films like Sholay hold a revered place in the pantheon of Indian cinema, with their cultural and historical significance, they are often celebrated for fusing innovation with traditional storytelling. In contrast, Bahubali transcends these boundaries by relying on retro motifs and technical wizardry without as much narrative depth. To some, Bahubali appears as a film that, while impressive in its scale and spectacle, ignores the vital aspect of creating a story that resonates with a modern audience.
Conclusion
This article presents an unpopular view on the opulence and spectacle of Bahubali and Bahubali 2. While the films undeniably achieve technical and cultural milestones, their narrative choices and reliance on dated tropes can detract from a truly engaging viewing experience. Whether or not Bahubali is overrated is subjective, but it serves as a poignant reminder of the balance required between visual flair and compelling narrative construction.
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