Is ‘Baahubali: The Eternal Inspired By ‘Kung Fu Panda’?
A wave of online comparisons followed the teaser release, with viewers noting visual similarities between the two
Director and animator Ishan Shukla has responded to online comparisons between a key action sequence in his upcoming animated film Baahubali: The Eternal and DreamWorks’ Kung Fu Panda.
The teaser — screened with Baahubali: The Epic — features a battle between Indra and a red monster-like creature. Fans quickly noticed echoes of the Kung Fu Panda Bridge Fight and Jailbreak scenes, especially the use of pillars, floating debris, aerial choreography, and climbing movements.
During a Reddit AMA, Ishan firmly denied any direct influence. “I have not seen this Kung Fu Panda, but I am aware of the comparison,” he said. “I think you are drawing similarities because both have an aerial fight with floating debris. This floating debris has a very specific meaning in the story. You will see!”
He also confirmed that artists who have worked on Spider-Verse and Arcane are part of the film’s animation team.
Set after Mahendra Baahubali’s death, Baahubali: The Eternal follows his confrontation with Lord Indra. The film is slated for a 2027 theatrical release.
