Online streaming giant, Netflix, on Thursday announced a new web series based on the global blockbuster franchise, Baahubali.

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The two season order, Baahubali: Before the Beginning, will be a prequel to Baahubali: The Beginning and Baahubali: The Conclusion.

Baahubali: The Beginning (2015) and Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (2017) was made with a combined budget of around Rs 400-Rs 450 crore.

Season one of the series will comprise nine episodes and is based on Anand Neelakantan’s book, The Rise of Sivagami.

The series captures 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. This is the rich backdrop and drama where the Baahubali franchise is set, the press release said.

SS Rajamouli, director said, "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. With Netflix as our partner, we have the opportunity to create a rich and riveting series and take this quintessential Indian epic to the world, which is very gratifying to me as a story-teller.”

The series promises to build on the incredible narrative style of the franchise - including its high production values, spectacular visuals and connective-epic story-telling.

Prasad Devineni, producer, Arka Media Works, said “We have been working for over a year now in developing this story, a prequel to the films as an Netflix original series. We are happy to be partnering with Netflix to produce this amazing story."

Netflix has partnered with the ace team behind the Baahubali universe, including Arka Media Works and SS Rajamouli. Deva Katta and Praveen Sataru will together direct the series.

Erik Barmack, vice president, International Originals, Netflix, said, "We are excited to work with some of the world's most talented writers and producers on one of India’s most beloved stories."

According to media reports, Netflix has bought the online rights of SS Rajamouli's Baahubali franchise for around Rs 25.5 crore from Arka Mediaworks, the producers of Baahubali.

First Published:Aug 2, 2018 12:51 PM IST