Jason Momoa almost played Bhallaladeva, Rana Daggubati reveals
Netflix recently released a 73-minute documentary, Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli, which delves into the life and work of the renowned Indian filmmaker, SS Rajamouli. The documentary features interviews with Rajamouli, his actors, and family members. A substantial portion of the film is devoted to the Baahubali series. Talking about the magnum opus, Rana Daggubati, who played the villain Bhallaladeva, disclosed an interesting detail about the casting choice.
Jason Momoa was initially considered for 'Baahubali' villain role
Daggubati mentioned that before he was approached for the role, the producers had tried to get in touch with Jason Momoa—recognized for his roles in Game of Thrones and Aquaman. "The producer came and said that they were looking at me playing the antagonist. I replied that I'd love to have a narration. I also asked him, 'Who's the actor you went to before?' He said, 'We tried to reach Jason Momoa'!" "I said, 'Okay...that's a good second number'!"
When Rajamouli decided to make a film with Prabhas
In another interview featured in the documentary, Rajamouli's father-writer, K. Vijayendra Prasad, shared the insights of the casting choice for Bhallaladeva. "One day, he (Rajamouli) came to me and said, 'Father, I've decided to make a film with Prabhas. It will be a period movie. I don't want any supernatural elements in it, and I want to include some grey characters.'" The documentary on Rajamouli premiered on Netflix on Friday.
'Baahubali' series: A foray into epic Indian cinema
The Baahubali series is a two-part epic saga that catapulted Rajamouli to nationwide recognition. The first part—The Beginning (2015)—presents the story of Shiva (Prabhas), a villager oblivious to his royal heritage. His love interest Avantika (Tamannaah Bhatia) aids him in discovering his lineage, which is under the tyrannical rule of King Bhallaladeva. In the second part—released in 2017—Baahubali learns of his father's brutal death at Bhallaladeva's hands and raises an army to defeat him and free his mother.
