The Baahubali franchise, born out of SS Rajamouli’s seemingly impossible ambition, continues to prove its relevance year after year. Two films. One universe. An endless cultural afterlife. Baahubali: The Torchbearer is the newest chapter, arriving on Netflix on June 26, 2026. The docuseries explores the making of the franchise and the phenomenal impact it created on Indian cinema. It offers viewers a chance to go behind the legend and understand how an idea born in Hyderabad shook the foundations of Indian filmmaking. For fans who lived through the original films, it is a homecoming. For newcomers, it is an invitation into Mahishmati.

The Epic was a hit

Baahubali: The Epic was released in October 2025 to commemorate the tenth anniversary of Baahubali: The Beginning. Rajamouli personally re-edited both films into a single Telugu-language version, featuring a remastered score by MM Keeravani and a previously unreleased scene. The combined cut runs for about 225 minutes and was released in premium large formats, including IMAX, 4DX, and Dolby Cinema. It was a bold experiment.

The Eternal War next

Baahubali: The Eternal War is a two-part animated film in which the murdered prince Amarendra enters the afterlife and finds himself drawn into a cosmic battle between devas and asuras across multiple realms. Directed by Ishan Shukla and co-produced by Rajamouli and Shobu Yarlagadda, the first part is targeting a late-2027 theatrical release.  Sharing the teaser, Rajamouli wrote: “The teaser is stunning, crafted with top-tier quality and imagination worthy of Baahubali’s magnificence.” Rajamouli has clarified that The Eternal War is not Baahubali 3 but a full-length animated film set within the Baahubali universe. It will take beloved characters on a new journey through the medium of 3D animation.

Also Read: Baahubali: The Epic Collections: SS Rajamouli’s Film Earns Rs 17 Crore

A photo of Pawan Kalyan and director Sujeeth from a story discussion meeting has gone viral on social media since Sunday. The image has only added to the hype surrounding the OG franchise. Pawan Kalyan Creative Works announced that discussions for the “OG Universe” have officially begun.

The project has now moved beyond the concept stage. Pre-production conversations are officially underway, a development that has come as a surprise to many. The possibility of a larger cinematic universe connected to OG has only doubled the excitement.

While no official shooting schedule has been announced, launch ceremonies could take place later this year. Earlier this month, indications emerged that the Power Star and his director were seriously exploring the sequel’s roadmap. The mention of an OG Universe in the latest update has strengthened the belief that the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh is keen on treating fans to another stylish gangster saga.

More than a standalone sequel

Fans, meanwhile, are sharing theories about potential characters, storylines, and connections. The groundwork for future installments is likely being evaluated, suggesting that something bigger than a standalone sequel could be on the cards. With Pawan Kalyan balancing politics and films, many expected a longer wait. Instead, he appears eager to have Sujeeth begin work on OG 2 at the earliest.

Gear up for inventive stunts

Gun-centric action was one of the major highlights of OG, which released in September 2025. Action sequences designed by Peter Hein, Stunt Silva, and Kecha Khampakdee were crafted to deliver inventive set pieces. The police station sequence was widely regarded as the film’s crown jewel. Thaman’s background score was another major asset. The sequel will have to deliver on a grand scale to sustain the franchise’s current craze. Fans are also eagerly anticipating Pawan Kalyan’s stylish look, energetic body language, and commanding screen presence in OG 2.

Also Read: Pawan Kalyan to Balance Films and Politics, Again!

Ram Charan has heaped praise on the spy thriller Dhurandhar, calling it a film the country needed. Speaking at the Republic Summit 2026, the Rangasthalam actor said he watched the film on OTT and was deeply moved by it. He described it as “terrific”, “fantastic”, and “phenomenal”, adding that everything fell into place at the right tempo.

The Mega Power Star stressed that more such films should be made and said he would love to see that happen. He called national integrity a vital theme for Indian cinema going forward. “India First,” he said, is a sentiment that upcoming films should showcase. He added that Dhurandhar had achieved the rare act of bringing the entire country together.

When RRR sparked online debates

Ram Charan knows that terrain well. He starred in RRR (alongside Jr NTR), the 2022 blockbuster directed by SS Rajamouli, in which he played a fictionalised version of freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju. The film depicted a colonial-era struggle against British rule and found a global audience following its OTT release.

RRR sparked intense debates about nationalism in Indian cinema, with many viewing it as an anthem of national pride while others questioned its political undertones. Ram Charan himself said in interviews that RRR was more about brotherhood than nationalism or patriotism. However, the conversations it triggered were hard to ignore. Social media was flooded with discussions about the role of cinema in shaping national identity and whether films should wear their patriotism more openly.

Up next: RC17

On the work front, Charan’s sports drama Peddi was released on June 4, 2026, and emerged as a hit at the Tollywood box office. His next project, tentatively titled RC17, will be directed by Pushpa maker Sukumar and is expected to go on floors later this year.

Also Read: Ram Charan and Upasana reveal face of daughter Klin Kaara