Few Indian films in recent times have been the rage that Baahubali has become in the very first weekend of its release, with a stupendous box-office collection of round Rs 165 crore to show for it.
Even as the dramatic story, spectacular effects and action are being lauded all round, its leading stars, Prabhas and Rana Daggubati – who flaunt sculpted bodies and a superb talent for battle scenes — have been vaulted into another league altogether. Here’s more on these hunks and how they managed to look the part:
Prabhas
Image courtesy: facebook.com/ActorPrabhas
Prabhas plays Shiva, who is also the Baahubali of the title. A back story reveals he was smuggled out of the kingdom of Mahishmati as a baby and raised by tribals. An encounter with the militant Avanthika, played by Tamannaah, leads him to battle against King Bhallala Deva. It is a mission that will see him fulfil his destiny.
Prabhas had to get in shape for the role and started training some eight months before shooting commenced. In fact, Prabhas sports two looks in the film: a bulky, worked-out body for the Baahubali character and a lean, mean look for his second role. Apparently, the actor also managed an interaction with WWE superstars to get tips on their workout regimen.
Image courtesy: facebook.com/ActorPrabhas
The Tollywood grapevine has it that Prabhas had equipment worth some Rs 1.5 crore shipped installed in his home gym to work out for the Baahubali role. His special diet included 40 egg whites in a protein shake for breakfast.
Prabhas also trained in rock-climbing to prepare for some of the action sequences. He so enjoyed it, he’s continuing with his rock-climbing even after the film.
For Baahubali, Prabhas is said to have earned a remuneration of Rs 24 crores.
Rana Daggubati
Image courtesy: facebook.com/RanaDaggubati
Rana plays King Bhallala Deva, a despotic king, whose power is challenged by Baahubali. The handsome actor’s performance has left critics impressed. Rajeev Masand wrote, ‘Rana Dagubatti has a strong presence, and invokes fear by simply bulging those eyes.’
He, too, followed a demanding regimen to get in shape for Baahubali. In fact, Rana’s beefed up look was a talking point in the run-up to the release of the film.
Image courtesy: facebook.com/RanaDaggubati
The actor trained in martial arts under a Vietnamese specialist and excels in the carefully choregraphed battle scenes.
