2 seasons filmed, Rs 97 crore spent: Inside the tragic cancellation of Baahubali prequel series

Two full seasons and part of a third were filmed for Netflix's abandoned Baahubali prequel series, Baahubali: Before The Beginning, according to cinematographer Mukesh G. The project, based on SS Rajamouli's Baahubali films, cost around Rs 97 crore out of its Rs 270 crore budget. Mukesh spent 18 months as the lead cinematographer before the series was abruptly cancelled, leaving him depressed for six months.

The cancellation was caused by changes in Netflix's leadership, which demanded significant alterations to the series, including adding more action to the first season and changing the actress playing the lead role, Sivagami. SS Rajamouli was satisfied with the work, but the new Netflix bosses pushed for changes. Despite Netflix offering an additional Rs 70 crore to reshoot the series with new talent, the producers declined, citing the financial and time investment already made and Mrunal Thakur's rising popularity in the industry.

The cancellation affected not only the filmmakers but also the actors, as many had signed contracts requiring long-term physical changes for their roles. Mukesh admitted that holding onto hope for a revival of the series had faded, noting that some key actors from the project have since passed away.