Baahubali 2 beyond Rana Daggubati and Prabhas: Why Sivagami is important for Indian cinema

The character of Sivagami in Baahubali series, played by Ramya Krishnan breaks stereotypes around queens. She is unstoppable

By: Vineeta Kumar |
April 24, 2017 2:23 pm

Baahubali: The Beginning was just another Telugu film until it emerged as one of the biggest cinematic experiences in the history of Indian cinema upon its release. The film, directed by SS Rajamouli was a fantasy saga of a kingdom called Mahashmati encompassing a story of cousins Baahubali and Bhallala Deva. Apart from creating terrific records at both the Indian Box Office and overseas, the Rana Daggubati and Prabhas starrer also broke many stereotypes. (a) it put regional cinema on the global map (b) it set a new benchmark for fantasy films made in India and (c) it boasts of some extraordinary powerful and never-before-seen or imagined characters on screen, specially Sivagami.

The second part of the Baahubali series, Baahubali: The Conclusion is set to hit the screens on 28 April. The film has taken over two years of work to be accomplished in terms of its set, VFX, character building, marketing and what not. While the film is more awaited because the audience is keen to have the answer of the most curious question lingering for long — Why did Katappa kill Baahubali, another quite important thing to watch out for in the sequel would be the characterization of Sivagami.

The role of Sivagami, the queen of Mahishmati kingdom, is being played by Ramya Krishnan. She is fearless, ferocious, powerful, smart and a complete boss lady. When SS Rajamouli decided to make the film, he was sure of the kind of woman he wanted Sivagami to be. Talking about it at one of the promotional events for Baahubali, he had said that her Sivagami had to be a woman of substance and somebody who carries the qualities of being both a warrior and an endearing mother.

Also read: Baahubali 2: These 9 on-the-sets pics show the exact hardwork that made this film a magnum opus

Why is Sivagami important for Indian cinema?

How is an Indian Maa shown in popular cinema since ages? She is an epitome of sacrifices. She will always keep the interest of her children before herself or her husband. And she will go to any extent to ensure the success and happiness for her kids. Yes, an Indian Maa has to have these qualities but how many times have we actually seen a mother fighting for her own rights, fighting for being acknowledged as a woman who’s a mother too? The character of Sivagami, alone, breaks many stereotypes in Baahubali. She is a warrior and of a kind that we have never seen on the silver screen. This is evident from the scene in the film when she slits the throat of a traitor while breastfeeding her both the kids at the same time. This.

Also read: Baahubali 2: 10 facts which prove why SS Rajamouli’s magnum opus might be a game changer for Indian cinema

She is just not a queen but a queen of a sacred honour. Her subjects in the kingdom not only love and respect her but also treat her like a mother goddess. She is a woman, who has struggled and has to build a kingdom from scratch by saving her people time and again from many atrocities including war situations. Also, Sivagami is a woman who has exceptionally powerful men in her service. Her confidence and faith in her decisions are always visible from the expressions on her face. This.

The stories of her valour are read and narrated around. This is also important because when a filmmaker creates such an empowering female character, it sets to inspire. Especially, when you have a character who is a queen sans her coyness and submissiveness. She in unstoppable and yet conforms to a woman’s qualities of being motherly and protective towards her kids.

Also read: Watch: Rana Daggubati’s Baahubali workout is intense and exhausting!

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