Web Series Review: The untold story of Mahishmati 'Baahubali: Crown of Blood' is powerful and funny.

'Baahubali: Crown of Blood' is produced by SS Rajamouli and Sharad Devarajan and is co-directed by Naveen John along with Jeevan J Kang John. The series consists of nine episodes, taking place before the events of 'Baahubali: The Beginning (2015)' and 'Baahubali: The Conclusion (2017)'. This prequel revolves around the young princes Bahubali (voice of Sharad Kelkar) and Bhallaldev (voice of Manoj Pandey). They encounter Raktadev alias Kaaldhoot (voiced by Rajesh Khattar), who poses a major threat to Mahishmati. The entire series explores the creation of the Empire, its power, and the clash of ideologies with the heroes.

Trailer of 'Baahubali: Crown of Blood'

Review of 'Baahubali: Crown of Blood' web series

Baahubali likes unity. He dreams of keeping the empire united. Whereas Bhallaladeva wants to conquer everything and everyone with his unmatched strength. A new and biggest challenge comes before both of them. The villain of the story is Raktadev, who grew up in hatred and pain amid slavery in the mines. He prepares his army and wants to conquer everything by the power of the sword.

Considering the success of the last two films, 'Baahubali: Crown of Blood' stands true on every parameter right from the first episode. This action-animation series gets into its plot very quickly, but takes time for the story to reach its drama. However, the story of a character like Bijaldev (voiced by Deepak Sinha) keeps us engaged. Many exciting battles have been shown in the series, including Bahubali and Bhallaldev's fight with Kaaldoot.

While watching the nine-episode series, there are times when it feels like it is complicated. In such a situation the dramatic effects are reduced. For example, in the final battle scene Baahubali asks Kaaldoot, 'Why so much hatred for Mahishmati?' And he replies, 'Hate is a very small word.' What I feel for your family is much uglier than hatred, much worse.

Obviously, after seeing the grandeur of 'Bahubali' franchise on screen, everyone has high expectations from this animation film, but it does not live up to the grandeur. Yes, the characters, their designs, and their back stories are impressive, but you think a live-action film with a similar story would have been more entertaining.

Actor and dubbing artiste Sharad Kelkar has also lent his voice to the lead character in the Hindi version of 'Baahubali' films. In such a situation, hearing his voice as Baahubali once again in the series connects us with Kidar. Samay Thakkar's narration as Kattappa adds to the storytelling experience.

Many new characters have been added to the series. They also include Raktadev, who is more powerful than any other enemy of Mahishmati. Koteshwar (voiced by Pramod Mathur), an elderly man suffering from Raktadev, seeks help from Baahubali. The characters of both are interesting. Rajesh Khattar's voice perfectly establishes the horror of Raktadev's character. Other voice actors include Mausam as Sivagami and Deepak Sinha as Bijjaaldev who have been average.

The show ends at such a point where there seems to be every possibility of taking the story forward. The scope of Mahishmati has been expanded by including new tenants. All this leaves plenty of room for further chapters in this epic. Overall, 'Baahubali: Crown of Blood' may not live up to the high standards of live-action films, but it expands our understanding of the 'Baahubali' universe in an entertaining way.

Why watch- If you are a fan of the 'Baahubali' franchise, 'Crown of Blood' is a promising series that gives us more about your favorite characters.