The roar of “Baahubali Jai!” echoed through the halls of a Tokyo cinema on December 5, as the “Rebel Star” himself, Prabhas, made a triumphant return to the Land of the Rising Sun. Accompanied by producer Shobu Yarlagadda, the superstar attended a special “screaming screening” of Baahubali: The Epic 4K—a re-edited, seamless combination of the two-part franchise created specifically for the Japanese audience—ahead of its wide release on December 12.
The atmosphere was electric as fans, many of whom have kept the Baahubali fever alive in Japan for nearly a decade, greeted the duo with handmade message boards reading “Welcome to Japan, our King.” Addressing the crowd, Prabhas appeared visibly moved by the enduring affection. “For the last 10 years, Rajamouli’s family and Shobu’s family were telling me about your love,” Prabhas said, his voice filled with gratitude. “Now, Japan is like our country for all of us. India and Japan have become like that for me.”
The Shy King
Despite standing at the center of a cinematic empire that shattered box office records globally, Prabhas offered a glimpse into his grounded reality. When asked how the franchise altered his life, he admitted the professional shift was seismic—bringing global recognition and financial success—but his core personality remained untouched.
“My life changed… every actor wants to be part of such a great experience once in a lifetime,” he reflected. “But personally? I don’t think so. No change. I’m still the same shy guy with my old school friends.“ This humility stood in stark contrast to the regal, warrior-king persona he embodies on screen, a duality that only seemed to endear him further to the Japanese audience.
A New Cut for a Decade of Legacy
Producer Shobu Yarlagadda shed light on the unique nature of Baahubali: The Epic 4K. He revealed that director S.S. Rajamouli personally spent considerable time re-editing the two films into a single, seamless narrative to celebrate the 10th anniversary. “It was a difficult exercise to edit five-and-a-half hours into 3 hours and 40 minutes,” Shobu explained, noting that the goal was to create a unique, flowing experience for fans who have supported the franchise since 2017. He also teased a treat for the die-hard enthusiasts: “There is one new additional scene,” he revealed, promising a fresh experience even for those who have memorized the original saga.
Scars of Battle and a Promise to Return
The session took a poignant turn when Prabhas discussed the physical toll of the role. He recalled the grueling production schedule, revealing that he underwent left shoulder surgery due to injuries sustained while filming the iconic waterfall climbing sequence. “Hundreds of days of work,” he mused, highlighting the blood and sweat behind the visual spectacle.
Although director S.S. Rajamouli could not attend, his presence was felt through a heartfelt letter read aloud to the fans: “My Baahubali has come to my second home… If you test his love, he will surely be in tears.” Responding to the emotional message and the crowd’s energy, Prabhas made a solemn vow. Referring to the expanding universe of the franchise, he declared, “We have an animation coming… I will come back next year,” sparking a fresh wave of cheers.
With Baahubali: The Epic 4K hitting Japanese theaters on December 12, the bond between the Kingdom of Mahishmati and its loyal Japanese subjects seems stronger than ever.
