Prabhas's dedication to S.S. Rajamouli's epic action franchise, "Baahubali," is a well-known chapter in Indian cinema. The actor dedicated five years of his career to the two-part film series, forgoing other projects and opportunities. What's lesser known, however, is the extent to which Prabhas prioritized the film over financial gain.

According to director S.S. Rajamouli, Prabhas was flooded with offers from producers during the making of "Baahubali," some even offering cash and cheques without asking anything in return. Rajamouli revealed that Prabhas instructed his manager not to demand any specific amount from filmmakers, but rather to accept whatever they offered.

In a video that surfaced in 2017, Rajamouli recounted an instance where Prabhas was stressed about the influx of unsolicited money. The actor apparently called Rajamouli, confused and somewhat scared by the offers. Rajamouli advised him to create an affidavit stating that the money had nothing to do with him.

Adding to this, Rajamouli shared that Prabhas refused to take money that he felt he could never repay. This included turning down a lucrative endorsement deal worth ₹10 crore. While Prabhas's exact remuneration for "Baahubali" remains undisclosed, Rajamouli suggested that money was never a primary motivator for the actor. He mentioned that Prabhas didn't discuss his salary expectations even six months into production.

Prabhas's commitment to "Baahubali" wasn't just about rejecting external offers. He reportedly faced a period where he was "nearly broke" because he hadn't been paid for "Baahubali" and hadn't taken on any other projects. Despite the financial strain, Prabhas remained dedicated to Rajamouli's vision.

Prabhas's uncle, Krishnam Raju, also alluded to the actor's disinterest in immediate financial gains in a 2017 interview. He mentioned that a producer offered Prabhas a hefty sum to star in a Hindi-Telugu bilingual film after "Baahubali's" success, but Prabhas turned down the offer, asking the producer to come back with a compelling story and a director who could impress him.

While Prabhas has become one of the highest-paid actors in Indian cinema since "Baahubali," commanding fees reportedly around ₹150 crore per film, his actions during the making of the epic showcase a different side to the star. His willingness to prioritize a project's artistic integrity over immediate financial benefits solidified his reputation as a dedicated and passionate actor. Even after the mixed reception to "Adipurush," reports suggest Prabhas took a pay cut for his subsequent film, "The Raja Saab," further highlighting his commitment to the story.