Bāhubali: The Beginning

In the land of Mahishmati, a long-forgotten kingdom hidden deep within the dense jungles of ancient India, a young boy named Shivudu grows up unaware of his true nature. Abandoned as a baby, found lying on the banks of a river by a young warrior named Kumudini, Shivudu is raised as her own son. Kumudini, who had suffered the loss of her own child in a tragic accident, showers her adopted son with love and care. As Shivudu grows up, he begins to notice that he possesses extraordinary gifts. His agility, strength, and archery skills far surpass those of the villagers, leading them to speculate that an ancient Siva avatar has been resurrected in their midst. The village where Shivudu resides is called Siva Gudi. It is a small but vibrant community, known for their deep faith in Lord Siva, the destroyer of evil and the embodiment of power. The villagers often whisper stories of the great Siva, who, it is said, possesses the power to grant wishes to those who seek refuge under his protection. As Shivudu's abilities become more pronounced, the villagers begin to revere him, hoping that he will fulfill the prophecy of the Siva avatar. It is in Siva Gudi that Shivudu meets Avanthika, a beautiful and skilled warrior princess, who has been sent by her kingdom on a mission to gather intelligence on the kingdom of Mahishmati. Avanthika, who is fiercely loyal to her kingdom and her queen, has been tasked by her king to avenge the 25-year-long captivity of their queen by the evil king Bhallaladeva. Mahishmati has become a powerful kingdom under the rule of Bhallaladeva, who has brutally suppressed the neighboring regions, leaving behind a trail of destruction and despair. Avanthika, who is both a skilled warrior and a brave princess, is initially hesitant to trust Shivudu, but as they spend more time together, she begins to see the extraordinary gifts that lie within him. Avanthika, who has grown up with a sense of purpose and duty, is driven by her desire to free her queen and avenge the honor of her kingdom. When Shivudu learns of Avanthika's mission, he is moved by her conviction and decides to join her in the quest to rescue the queen. As they embark on their perilous journey, Shivudu and Avanthika discover that the queen, Sivagami, has been imprisoned by Bhallaladeva for 25 years. It is during this time that Shivudu begins to unravel the mystery surrounding his true origins. The story takes a significant turn when Shivudu and Avanthika meet a wise old man named Bhalchandra, who claims to be a historian and scholar. Bhalchandra reveals to Shivudu that he is, in fact, the rightful heir to the kingdom of Mahishmati and that his mother is the queen Sivagami. The revelation sets off a chain of events, where Shivudu begins to question his own identity and purpose in life. As they approach the kingdom of Mahishmati, Shivudu and Avanthika are met with treacherous landscapes and ferocious beasts. However, with Shivudu's remarkable abilities and Avanthika's bravery, they manage to overcome each hurdle that comes their way. Their journey takes them across treacherous mountains and through treacherous valleys, as they face countless challenges that threaten to stop them in their tracks. Along the way, Shivudu and Avanthika learn about each other's pasts and begin to form an unbreakable bond of friendship. As they near Mahishmati, they discover that the kingdom is a labyrinth of ancient ruins, hidden temples, and forgotten secrets. In the heart of Mahishmati lies the palace, where Sivagami has been imprisoned for 25 years. Bhallaladeva, who has maintained control over the kingdom through fear and brutality, has taken every precaution to ensure that Sivagami remains a prisoner. However, with Shivudu and Avanthika approaching the kingdom, Bhallaladeva is left with no choice but to reveal his true intentions and show his subjects that he will stop at nothing to maintain his power. As Shivudu and Avanthika confront Bhallaladeva, a fierce battle ensues. Shivudu, who is driven by his desire to protect his people and avenge his mother, unleashes his full potential, revealing the full extent of his gifts. The battle is intense, with both sides suffering heavy losses. However, in the end, Shivudu emerges victorious, having single-handedly defeated Bhallaladeva's army. In the aftermath of the battle, Shivudu and Avanthika manage to free Sivagami, who is reunited with her son, Amarendra Baahubali. Amarendra Baahubali is the rightful king of Mahishmati, who was betrayed by Amrendra Baahubali's own brother, Bhallaladeva. Baahubali is initially hesitant to accept Sivagami as his mother, but as the truth is revealed, he comes to accept it. Shivudu, now aware of his true identity and purpose in life, decides to accompany his mother, Sivagami, and his brother, Amarendra Baahubali, as they prepare to reclaim their kingdom from Bhallaladeva. As the story comes to a close, Shivudu is seen to be standing alongside his family, ready to face the challenges that lie ahead. Shivudu's journey of self-discovery has ended, but a new battle is about to begin. The story concludes on a cliffhanger, hinting that the true battle for the kingdom of Mahishmati is yet to come.