When SS Rajamouli made Baahubali in two parts, he didn’t just create a blockbuster; he set a new trend in Indian cinema. Baahubali: The Beginning opened the gates, but Baahubali 2: The Conclusion changed the game completely. Its massive success proved that audiences were ready to follow a story beyond a single film, as long as the scale and emotion matched the vision.
That success made every filmmaker sit up and take notice. Suddenly, two-part storytelling became the new buzzword. Directors across industries tried to replicate the formula, hoping to recreate Rajamouli’s magic. But here’s the truth, most of them failed. Splitting a story doesn’t make it grander unless the writing truly demands it.
Amid all those who tried and stumbled, Prashanth Neel stood out. His KGF was originally planned as a single film, but after seeing what Baahubali 2 achieved, Neel decided to expand it into two chapters. The gamble paid off big time. KGF Chapter 1 made Yash a pan-India star, and Chapter 2 went on to rewrite box office records.
Neel didn’t stop there. His next film, Salaar, followed the same path. What began as a standalone project turned into a two-part saga during development. Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire ended on a high note, leaving fans eagerly waiting for the sequel.
And now, his next collaboration with Jr NTR is heading in the same direction. The project was first conceived as a single film, but after extensive script discussions, Neel decided it needed two parts to tell the story completely.
Rajamouli may have started the trend, but Neel is the one carrying it forward with consistency and conviction. While many tried and failed to ride the wave, Neel continues to deliver what the audience expects.
Rajamouli, currently shooting for #Globetrotter with Mahesh Babu, is gearing up for the first reveal on November 15. Neel is said to be wrapping up both parts of NTR’s film in a single stretch, and after that, he will shoot for Salaar Part 2.
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