Breaking the box-office records, Baahubali: The Conclusion earned Rs121 crore [Rs1.21 billion, Dh69 million] on opening day.
An elated Karan Johar, who is the presenter of the Hindi version of the SS Rajamouli-directed movie, tweeted the numbers.
“Grand India Total of 121 crore net! Hindi is 41 crore [Rs410 million]! Tamil+ Telegu+ Malayalam = 80 crore [800 million]! History has been created! (sic)” Johar tweeted.
The film has broken the records set by Salman Khan and Aamir Khan’s blockbusters Sultan (365.4 million) and Dangal (297.8 million).
Baahubali: The Conclusion, released in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam, features Prabhas, Anushka Shetty, Rana Daggubati and Tamannaah in the lead. South Indian star Chiranjeevi on Sunday said the franchise has let Telugu cinema grow beyond one’s imagination.
“It’s an outstanding film. Rajamouli deserves all the accolades for creating a wonder like Baahubali. Hats off to the creator for letting Telugu cinema grow by leaps and bounds,” he said.
Chiranjeevi went on to congratulate the entire cast and crew of the franchise for the success.
Bollywood filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt says the film will redefine Indian cinema.
“It’s the kind of movie that redefines everything you thought you know and understood about Indian movies,” Bhatt tweeted.
Released in July 2015, Baahubali: The Beginning — the first film in the epic fantasy franchise — raked in over Rs6 billion at the box office while leaving fans amazed at its grandiose sets, unprecedented action sequences and astounding storyline.
Actress Ramya Krishnan, who plays queen Sivagami, said she was overwhelmed by the love and support people are showering on the film.
“Love you all. Without your love, affection and support I wouldn’t be where I am today. I am so overwhelmed. Jai Mahishmati,” Ramya tweeted.
Her role in both the parts of the franchise has been raved about by audiences and critics alike.
Thanks to the popularity of her role, a book, ‘The Rise of Sivagami’, has also been released.
Ramya went on to thank director Rajamouli, producer Shobu Yarlagadda and the entire crew of the film.
Popular writer-lyricist Madhan Karky also thanked the director for giving him an opportunity to be part of the Baahubali franchise which he described as an “unforgettable journey”.
In both parts of the franchise, Karky penned a few songs in Tamil.
“Heartfelt thanks to Rajamouli, Keeravani and Shobu Yarlagadda for giving an opportunity to be part of your dream and this unforgettable journey,” Karky tweeted.
He went on to add that he watched Baahubali 2: The Conclusion with four generations of his family members.
“Four generations. My grandmother, dad, my son and I watched Baahubali 2 yesterday with wonder in our eyes,” he said.
Meanwhile, actor Prabhas, who is finally relieved of the Baahubali franchise after spending nearly five years of his career, says he will now shift his full focus to his upcoming two Telugu projects.
“I have a film each with directors Sujeeth and Radha Krishna. I might work on both these projects simultaneously. We will commence work on Sujeeth’s ‘Saaho’ from next month onwards. My full priority is on completing these projects,” Prabhas said.
Asked about the possibility of signing a Hindi project, he said: “If something really interesting comes my way, I might do it. Right now, I only have these two Telugu films.”
The teaser of “Saaho”, a high-octane action film, was released with Baahubali 2: The Conclusion.
Sujeeth’s film is slated for release next year.
Radha Krishna had previously told IANS that his film with Prabhas will be completely shot abroad.
“The entire film will be shot abroad and we are currently zeroing in on the locations. It will be a love story and we are yet to finalise the leading lady,” Radha Krishna had said.
Both these projects will be bankrolled by UV Creations.
