The success of SS Rajamouli’s epic action series Baahubali in Japan is well-known. In April this year, the film’s second part, Baahubali: The Conclusion, clocked its 100th day, emerging as the third highest grossing Indian film of all time in Japan, the other two being Superstar Rajinikanth’s Muthu (1995) and Aamir Khan’s 3 Idiots (2005).
The film’s latest milestone in the country, however, is the adaptation of Baahubali in Japanese manga. A popular comic art style from Japan, manga is part of international pop culture. With Baahubali entering the realm of manga, it propels the fictional world of Mahishmati into international stardom.
Adapted by Akira Fukaya, who’s known for Tetsuo: The Bullet Man, Mitsurin Shounen and Hakobia Ken, Baahubali Manga is now available for sale. The manga is being brought out by Gentosha Comics.
It gives us utmost delight to inform you all that Baahubali has now stepped into the renowned and internationally popular 'Manga' from japan. Available in markets now. @baahubali_manga pic.twitter.com/IOBWKKsZzm
— Baahubali (@BaahubaliMovie) June 30, 2018
Sharing his excitement over the news on Twitter, director SS Rajamouli posted a picture of himself and Shobu Yarlagadda holding a copy of the book.
Excited to be holding another extension to @baahubaliMovie franchise @baahubali_manga... We continue to be overwhelmed by the love shown to our film by fans in Japan. Hope they will appreciate the Manga too..:) pic.twitter.com/P4q1iZQxIc
— rajamouli ss (@ssrajamouli) June 30, 2018
Produced by Shobu Yarlagadda and Prasad Devineni under the banner Arka Media Works, Baahubali was made on a budget of Rs 250 crore. The film was released in various languages including Tamil, Telugu, Hindi and Malayalam.
Baahubali: The Conclusion was not only a commercial success but was critically acclaimed as well. The film went on to win the Telstra People’s Choice Award at the 2017 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. It premiered at the British Film Institute and was the inaugural feature film at the 39th Moscow International Film Festival.
Baahubali: The Conclusion was released in Japan on December 29. The manga, Baahubali – The Revival of the King, is available for purchase online at 920 yen + tax while the e-version is priced at 833 yen + taxes.
Japan has always welcomed Indian films with much enthusiasm and warmth. Actor Rajinikanth enjoys a superstar status in the country where his film Muthu is more popularly known as the Dancing Maharaja.