Anushka will take centre stage: Vijayendra Prasad

Director Rajamouli, however, promises surprises for everyone, including himself, in Baahubali 3. “We will have far more freedom to go into the unexpected in the third part, as it won’t be related to the first and second part of Baahubali. It will be an entirely new self-contained experience.”

Coming back to Baahubali 2, Vijayendra says. “It is going to be far more dramatic than the first part. Anushka Shetty’s character of the queen in exile will take centre stage. The plot points from the first part will be taken

to a new level so that the audience doesn’t feel like they are watching a repeat performance.”

Adds Vijayendra, “Once I finish writing, my job is done. But if Raja is stuck or wants to make a change, he can consult me.”

There were rumours that Madhuri Dixit would be cast in Baahubali 2. Brushing them aside, Vijayendra says with a chuckle, “We have no idea where this came from. The thought of casting her hasn’t even entered our minds. It seems those who write media stories have more fertile imaginations than screenwriters.”

The writer has 40 scripts ready. “It’s a continuing process. I keep writing and as time goes by, I ruthlessly discard those scripts that become outdated.”