Image Source: Screengrab From YouTube | Lahari Music
Introduction
Remember the collective gasp? The nationwide frenzy? The single question that echoed across India, uniting millions in bewildered suspense: “Why did Kattappa kill Baahubali?” Years after SS Rajamouli’s Baahubali saga first stormed onto screens, the sheer impact of its story and, crucially, its game-changing Baahubali plot twists remains undeniable.
These films weren’t just blockbusters; they were cultural phenomena that redefined Indian cinema on a global scale. As we look back, it’s clear that the magic wasn’t just in the groundbreaking visuals or epic battles, but in the masterful storytelling that kept audiences on the edge of their seats, culminating in some of the most shocking and memorable reveals in cinematic history. Are you ready to relive the shock and awe? Let’s unpack the saga’s biggest surprises and celebrate why the legend of Mahishmati continues to reign supreme. Jai Mahishmati!
The Baahubali Legacy: More Than Just a Movie
Before diving into the twists, it’s essential to appreciate the sheer scale of Baahubali‘s impact.
From 2015 Blockbuster to Global Phenomenon
When Baahubali: The Beginning arrived in 2015, it wasn’t just another regional film. SS Rajamouli Baahubali was envisioned as a pan-Indian epic from the start.1 Its unprecedented success, fueled by stunning visuals, a universally appealing story rooted in Indian mythology, and powerful performances, shattered linguistic barriers. It became a monstrous hit across India and internationally, paving the way for South Indian cinema’s nationwide dominance.3 Baahubali: The Conclusion (2017) only amplified this, becoming one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time.
Why Does It Still Roar?
Even years later, the Baahubali films are constantly revisited and referenced. Their influence is seen in countless subsequent large-scale productions.5 The intricate world-building, the complex characters, the emotional depth, and, yes, those unforgettable plot twists created a cinematic experience that simply hasn’t faded.
Baahubali’s Core Plot: A Quick, Spoiler-Free Recap
For those needing a refresher (or the uninitiated!), the saga unfolds in the mythical kingdom of Mahishmati.
The Kingdom of Mahishmati – Heroes, Villains & Epic Battles
Mahishmati is a land of grandeur, ruled by powerful monarchs but plagued by internal conspiracies and external threats. The story primarily revolves around the conflict between two royal cousins: the noble Amarendra Baahubali and the ambitious Bhallaladeva, vying for the throne under the watchful eye of the fierce queen mother, Sivagami.7
Shivudu’s Journey: From Outsider to Legend
We are introduced to Shivudu (later revealed as Mahendra Baahubali), a spirited young man raised by a tribal community near a colossal waterfall.8 Driven by an unseen force, he embarks on a journey that leads him to Mahishmati, where he uncovers his hidden royal lineage and becomes entangled in the kingdom’s decades-long struggle for justice against the tyrannical Bhallaladeva.9
Iconic Elements That Defined the Epic
The films are visually unforgettable: Shivudu’s impossible climb up the waterfall, the breathtaking landscapes, the intricate design of Mahishmati’s palace, the raw power of the warriors like Kattappa, and the sheer scale of the battle sequences. All of this is elevated by M.M. Keeravani’s thunderous, soul-stirring musical score, which became an integral part of the saga’s identity.
The 5 Biggest Baahubali Plot Twists That Shocked the Nation
Now, let’s revisit the moments that made jaws drop and set social media ablaze. These Baahubali plot twists explained (spoiler-light!) showcase Rajamouli’s genius.
Twist 1: The Hidden Royal Bloodline
The Setup: We follow Shivudu, the carefree tribal boy, on his quest to help the warrior Avantika rescue the captive queen Devasena.
The Reveal: Through Kattappa’s narration, Shivudu (and the audience) discovers he is not just an outsider but Mahendra Baahubali, the son of the legendary king Amarendra Baahubali, rightful heir to the throne of Mahishmati.
The Impact: This twist instantly elevated the stakes, transforming Shivudu’s personal quest into an epic destiny, connecting him directly to the kingdom’s fate.
Twist 2: Betrayal in the Palace Shadows
The Setup: Amarendra Baahubali is the people’s king, noble and just, while his cousin Bhallaladeva and father Bijjaladeva seethe with jealousy.
The Reveal: The depth of their resentment is slowly unveiled, showing how they manipulated situations, spread lies, and poisoned Sivagami’s mind against Amarendra, ultimately leading to his downfall.
The Impact: This wasn’t a single moment but a slow, creeping realization of the insidious nature of palace politics. It showcased how envy could corrupt even the strongest bonds, making Bhallaladeva a truly despised villain. Fan reactions after The Conclusion in 2017 were filled with rage towards these characters.
Twist 3: Kattappa’s Unforgivable Secret
The Setup: Kattappa, the loyal warrior slave sworn to protect the Mahishmati throne, narrates Amarendra Baahubali’s heroic past to Shivudu with deep reverence and affection.
The Reveal: Baahubali: The Beginning ends on the most monumental cliffhanger in Indian cinema history. As Kattappa finishes recounting Amarendra’s greatness, he confesses with anguish, “I am the one who killed him,” culminating in the visual of him plunging a sword into Baahubali’s back.
The Impact: “Why Did Kattappa Kill Baahubali?” This single question broke the internet.13 The Kattappa Baahubali twist was unthinkable – the ultimate loyalist committing the ultimate betrayal. It generated two years of fervent speculation, memes, and nationwide debate, ensuring The Conclusion’s record-breaking opening. It was a masterstroke of suspense.
Twist 4: The Mother’s Fierce Sacrifice (and Steadfast Resolve)
The Setup: Queen Mother Sivagami is portrayed as a powerful, decisive ruler, but also one susceptible to manipulation regarding her sons. Devasena, Baahubali’s wife, is shown as a proud and defiant princess.
The Reveals: Two key twists involve these powerful women. First, Sivagami’s realization of her grave error and her desperate, self-sacrificing act to save the infant Mahendra Baahubali at the start of The Beginning. Second, Devasena’s unwavering endurance through 25 years of brutal captivity under Bhallaladeva, never losing faith that her son would return.15
The Impact: These moments highlighted the incredible strength and resilience of the female characters, adding profound emotional weight to the saga. Sivagami’s sacrifice sets the entire story in motion, while Devasena’s resolve fuels the hope for justice.
Twist 5: The Ultimate Revenge & Throne Reclaim
The Setup: Mahendra Baahubali, now aware of his lineage and his father’s betrayal, rallies an army to challenge the tyrannical Bhallaladeva.
The Reveal: The climax of The Conclusion delivers the epic confrontation everyone waited for. Mahendra, using strategy, strength, and invoking his father’s legacy, finally defeats Bhallaladeva in a brutal, cathartic duel, ultimately reclaiming the throne of Mahishmati.
The Impact: This was the ultimate payoff. After years of build-up and injustice, seeing Mahendra fulfill his destiny and avenge his father provided a deeply satisfying conclusion to the core conflict, ending the saga on a triumphant (though hard-won) note.
Fan Reactions & Why the Twists Endure
The brilliance of SS Rajamouli’s Baahubali lies not just in executing these twists, but in making the audience emotionally invested.
The Power of the Cliffhanger
The Kattappa Baahubali twist wasn’t just shocking; it was personal. Audiences felt Kattappa’s loyalty and Amarendra’s nobility. The betrayal felt real, hence the unprecedented two-year wait filled with memes, fan theories (ranging from plausible to utterly bizarre), and constant discussion. It became a shared cultural moment.
Emotional Resonance
Each twist served the story and characters. They weren’t just for shock value; they deepened our understanding of the characters’ motivations, sacrifices, and flaws. Sivagami’s sacrifice, Devasena’s endurance, Bhallaladeva’s jealousy – these resonated on a human level, making the fantastical story feel grounded in real emotion.
Experiencing the Spectacle
Witnessing these twists unfold on the big screen, especially in premium formats like IMAX, amplified their impact. The grand visuals and M.M. Keeravani’s score heightened every revelation, making the theatrical experience unforgettable. Even today, rewatching these moments evokes a powerful response.
Conclusion: Why Baahubali’s Twists Still Echo in 2025
Years after their release, the Baahubali films remain benchmarks for epic storytelling in Indian cinema. The masterful way SS Rajamouli Baahubali wove intricate plotting with grand spectacle and deep emotion created something truly special. The saga’s Baahubali plot twists weren’t just clever narrative devices; they were earth-shattering moments that captured the nation’s imagination, sparked endless conversations, and cemented the films’ places in cinematic history.
Whether you’re revisiting the kingdom of Mahishmati or discovering it for the first time, the power of its story, the grandeur of its visuals, and the sheer shock of its twists remain as potent as ever. Relive the epic, feel the emotion, and once again, ask the question that started it all!
Ready for a rewatch? Grab your favorite streaming service and dive back into the world of Baahubali! Share your favorite twist using #BaahubaliTwists!
FAQs
Q1: What are the runtimes of the original Baahubali films?
Baahubali: The Beginning (2015) has a runtime of approximately 2 hours and 39 minutes.17 Baahubali: The Conclusion (2017) has a runtime of approximately 2 hours and 47 minutes.
Q2: What are the major plot twists in Baahubali?
The saga is famous for several major Baahubali plot twists, including the revelation of Shivudu’s true identity as Mahendra Baahubali, the extent of Bhallaladeva’s betrayal, Sivagami’s sacrifice, and, most famously, the reason why Kattappa killed Amarendra Baahubali.
Q3: Why was the Kattappa twist so impactful?
The Kattappa Baahubali twist was shocking because Kattappa was portrayed as fiercely loyal and devoted to Amarendra Baahubali.18 Seeing him commit the act of betrayal created an intense emotional paradox and a compelling mystery that drove anticipation for the sequel unlike anything seen before in Indian cinema.
Q4: Where can I watch the original Baahubali films now?
Both Baahubali: The Beginning and Baahubali: The Conclusion are widely available on major streaming platforms. Currently, they can often be found on Netflix in multiple languages (Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam). Availability may vary by region and platform agreements.
Q5: Are there confirmed plans for Baahubali 3?
While SS Rajamouli and the team have expanded the Baahubali universe through animated series (Baahubali: The Lost Legends) and books, there are no confirmed plans for a direct sequel film (Baahubali 3) involving the main characters’ story arcs. Rajamouli has stated that the story he wanted to tell concluded with the second film. However, spin-offs or prequels set in the same universe remain a theoretical possibility for the future.
