Much before the release of the Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, a lot was riding on the epic drama, thanks to the runaway success of the first part. While the sequel grossed an unimaginable Rs1,000 crore collection, the makers are amazed by these staggering numbers.
This has triggered an interesting buzz that the film had many bigwigs investing in it. “Prasad Devineni and Shobu Yarlagadda are just at the front. The money came from a few more big-wigs,” said a source.
Shobu Yarlagadda and Prasad Devineni
So, who are they? And what was their role? K. Raghavendra Rao is said to be one of the stakeholders. He was the film’s presenter and was instrumental in obtaining the permission (venue) for the first part’s music launch in Tirupati, apart from clearing a few decks during the production.
Nimmagadda Prasada and K. Raghavendra Rao
Ramoji Rao lent the studio space to S.S. Rajamouli for free! The huge sets erected for the film were constructed at the Ramoji Film City. He also hosted the music launch of the second part and arranged for the logistics.
Suresh Babu
Industrialists Nimmagadda Prasad, Raja and producer Suresh Babu are rumoured to be the other stakeholders. While how much these players have invested is being kept a secret, buzz has it that they have contributed ‘substantially’ for the second part. “Because, though Baahubali: The Beginning was a success, the money invested in the film is very marginal compared to Baahubali 2,” said the source.
This apart, it was reported that the owner of a company that manufactures film equipment, also shared the financial burden. Apparently, he has supported the production by lending his equipment throughout the film.
However, when contacted, producer Shobu Yarlagadda denied the rumours, saying, “No, Prasad Devineni and I have produced the film under Arka Media. We are the ones who planned and executed it and everyone complemented us.”
