THE INCREDIBLE INFLUENCE
(By Subbaram Danda)
The victorious run of the two Bahubali movies has set
off a wide variety of commercial activities nationwide. In the textile world exciting fashion trends have
emerged. Jewellery designs have
undergone a sea change. The literary scene has witnessed arrival of new novels
with the Bahubali theme. Next in line to
get influenced is production of toys and show-pieces. An amusement park on the outskirts of Chennai
has introduced a special programme. Of
course, the jokes generated by the films are now the staple household fare.
Saris
Bahubali saris of a bewildering variety have flooded
the market. Essentially, they are of two
types -- those with pictures of the Bahubali scenes printed on them and those
similar to the ones worn by the leading characters of the film.
Interestingly, the saris and other ready-mades
featuring the movie scenes were produced first by the Gujarati textile industry
to be later followed by others. The
primary motif used is the eye-catching scene of Amarendra Bahubali teaching
Devasena the complicated steps in archery.
One can buy Bahubali combos as well – especially printed kurtis and
saris.
The designs, patterns and colours of the saris worn by
the actresses have been reproduced by a million. There are brocades, chiffons, georgettes,
poly silks, processed jutes and plain cottons in jacquard, embroidered,
embellished or simply printed varieties, all reflecting the royal exuberance.
The prices range from Rs.999. Online outlets have joined the band wagon in
large numbers offering attractive pieces.
Jewellery
No ornament lover would have missed the stunningly artistic
jewellery that Devasena and Sivagami flaunted scene after scene in the film. Even men characters did not lag behind. The ornaments radiate a touch of antiquity in
view of the historic perspective of the film but they do have a modern appeal.
For the film, the jewels were designed and produced by
Jaipur-based Amrapali Jewellery, which has officially partnered with the movie makers
for the purpose. It has about 30 outlets
all over India and its Hyderabad unit coordinated with a film team to ensure
that the pieces meet the exacting demands of the film.
Telugu television channels vied with each other in
presenting to viewers the 1,500-odd jewellery items that Amrapali produced. Most of them are silver-based and gold-plated,
as only such a process will yield precision and glow to the jewels and match
the opulent settings. They include
necklaces, bangles, bracelets, anklets, ear rings, waist belts, arm bands, ear
rings, nose pins and what not. All of them
have been hand-crafted. A large group of
designers worked tirelessly for months turning out the precious products at
Jaipur and Hyderabad.
Amrapali has put them on show for people to see,
admire and even purchase. Interestingly,
some of them are multi-purpose ones. A
necklace can be worn as a waistband too.
Many other jewellers have also entered the arena. And there is a Bahubali mangalasutra too!
Books
In sync with the sweeping developments, books have hit
the market to serve as companions to the cinematic creations. Two major literary works are “The Rise of
Sivagami” by Anand Neelakantan (Westland Publications) and “Bahubali: Battle of
the Bold” (Graphic India).
Director of the films S.S. Rajamouli is all praise for
“The Rise of Sivagami.” He says, “I may
have brought Sivagami to life on screen, but it is Anand Neelakantan, who has
given her wings.”
“Bahubali: Battle of the Bold” is a graphic novel
giving people fresh insights into the characters and taking them into a world
of new adventures with Bahubali and other pivotal characters.
Toys and figurines
The Bahubali euphoria has spread to production of toys
and figurines as well.
Children are going crazy to own and show off swords
similar to those used in the movies.
These toy weapons are made of quality plastic incorporating safety
features.
Figurines of major characters of the films have been
produced, which can serve as show pieces in the drawing room, Models of Amarendra and Bhalladeva in their
full battle outfits are much sought after.
Theme park
Kishkinta, a well-known theme park near Tambaram on
the outskirts of Chennai, has introduced a new programme based on the Bahubali
concept. A promotional video promises
visitors that the programme will enable them to relive the roles of Bahubali
and other actors.
Jokes
Ever since the first Bahubali flick hit the
entertainment world, humour writers have been busy churning out pieces on
WhatsApp, Facebook and the rest of the social media. Sample the following.
Teacher: Who is the first man to set foot on the moon?
Student: Bahubali.
Teacher: (Angrily) What?
Student: Bahu means ARM and Bali means STRONG.
***
Amarendra Bahubali did not consume liquor anywhere in
the film. He was killed by Kattappa.
Bhallaladeva also did not touch liquor. He was done to death by Mahendra Bahubali.
Only crafty King Bhujjaladeva lived till the end. He was a regular drinker!
***
Neither
a bunch of flowers nor any words of endearment will help a young man win the
heart of his lover, but surely a couple of tickets to Bahubali.
***
Why
did Kattappa kill Bahubali? This was the
teaser at the end of the first Bahubali film.
It was a great marketing strategy.
This has given rise to a plethora of funny reactions. Here are some:
Kattappa
killed Bahubali because the toothpaste that he used had a lot of salt in it! It made him the most trustworthy slave to his
royal bosses. That is why he executed
their orders without asking a question.
A job
recruiting agency advertised: “Don’t be
like Kattappa carrying out obediently all orders of your higher-ups in the
office. Kick your job today. We will get you a better position.”
A man applied for a day’s leave. The reason he cited was: “Going to stand in
the queue to buy tickets for the Bahubali movie. My mind will blow off if I do not know by the
first show on the first day the reason why Kattappa killed Bahubali.”
***
And
the show will go on. Only time will unfold what more Bahubalis can do.
(Ends)
June 06, 2017
