Netflix announces a two-season Baahubali prequel original series

Video streaming major Netflix has announced a new India original series based on the popular Baahubali franchise called "Baahubali: Before the Beginning".

The company has partnered with Arka Media Works and SS Rajamouli for the series that will be a prequel to Baahubali movies and based on Anand Neelakantan’s book 'The Rise of Sivagami'.

It will capture "Queen Sivagami’s journey from a rebellious and vengeful girl to a wise and unequalled queen. Power, politics and intrigue find themselves juxtaposed against the rise of Mahishmati - from being a city-state to an empire" the company said in a statement.

It's worth noting that Netflix had earlier snapped up the rights to stream both the Baahubali movies for a reported $4 million.

"The films Baahubali - The Beginning and The Conclusion, are from one story set in this world and more dramatic stories were broadly conceived while building the Universe. The Baahubali Series, a prequel to the films, is one such story. I am very excited that this is being adapted as a Netflix Original Series" said SS Rajamouli.

Netflix has commissioned two seasons as of now, with the first seasons comprising of nine episodes. However, it hasn't disclosed any specific timeline as to when these series will be available to subscribers.

“We have been working for over a year now in developing this story, a prequel to the films as an Netflix original series. This partnership gives us the reach and the creative freedom to bring to life the full potential of the series in all its grandeur and exceed the high expectations set by both our films.” said Prasad Devineni, Producer, Arka Media Works.

"Baahubali is a world-class franchise that epitomizes the power of compelling stories that resonate globally. The series is a tremendous opportunity for us to give audiences more of the universe that they have come to love, and welcome millions more into the global Baahubali fandom." said Erik Barmack, VP, International Originals, Netflix.

Netflix has been expanding its slate of original series in India over the year. The company has commissioned around 10 original series in the country as of now and launched its first India original Sacred Games in June this year. Another original series 'Ghoul' is expected to debut later this month.

“It is the fastest investment we have ever made and the largest investment we've made to date in local original programming,” Ted Sarandos, chief content officer at Netflix, had told ET last month.

Rival Amazon Prime Video had also partnered with Arka Mediaworks and Graphic India to launch an animated series called "Baahubali: The Lost Legends" in April last year.