Tamannaah Bhatia, the actress known for her role as Avanthika in the blockbuster film Baahubali: The Beginning, has reflected on the profound impact the movie had on her career and personal growth. In a recent conversation, she shared how Baahubali instilled in her a newfound sense of confidence and transformed her approach to filmmaking.
Bhatia's journey in the film industry began almost two decades ago, but she credits Baahubali as a defining moment. The epic drama, directed by S.S. Rajamouli, not only showcased her acting prowess but also broadened her perspective on the technical aspects of cinema. "Baahubali was the film that I learned the most from," she stated, emphasizing the valuable insights she gained into VFX and its role in enhancing storytelling.
The actress revealed that Baahubali encouraged her to experiment and trust her instincts. She admitted that prior to the film, she often relied heavily on external opinions, but the experience empowered her to listen to her inner voice and make bolder choices. "After Baahubali, I stopped taking people's opinions too seriously and started listening to my gut. It also gave me a lot of insight into my own personality," Bhatia explained.
Bhatia has also spoken about how Baahubali changed people's perception of her. Before the film, she felt she had a "dainty image," but the role of the warrior princess Avanthika allowed filmmakers and audiences to see her versatility. She noted that people couldn't imagine her wielding a sword before Baahubali, but Rajamouli's characterization changed that, leading to varied and more challenging roles.
While Bhatia acknowledges the film's positive impact, she has also spoken about the gender dynamics within the industry. She observed that action films often disproportionately credit male actors, and she feels her contributions to the action sequences in Baahubali: The Beginning were undervalued compared to her male co-stars, Prabhas and Rana Daggubati. Despite this disparity, Bhatia recognizes the significant recognition and appreciation she has received for her role.
Looking back, Bhatia believes that her personal growth during that period significantly shaped the film's impact on her career. She admits that she lacked the maturity to fully capitalize on the film's success at the time but acknowledges the enduring feedback she receives from fans as a testament to her work.
As Baahubali: The Epic gears up for release on October 31, a remastered version combining both Baahubali films with never-before-seen footage, Tamannaah and her co-stars are set to revisit the magic of the film that not only captivated audiences worldwide but also changed the course of her career. Bhatia's experience serves as an inspiration to artists navigating the complexities of the film industry, highlighting the importance of self-belief, experimentation, and embracing one's unique potential.
