The city of Hyderabad witnessed a special event on Tuesday as actor Sharad Kelkar joined the legendary filmmaker SS Rajamouli to promote the upcoming Disney+ Hotstar animated series, “Baahubali: Crown of Blood.” Kelkar, known for his voiceover for Prabhas’ character in the Baahubali films, returns to lend his voice to the animated avatar of the iconic hero. Addressing the media, Kelkar shared insights into the complex dubbing process for an animated series and the trust he placed in the new creative team.
Voice of Baahubali Returns
Taking the stage, Kelkar expressed his nervous excitement, especially sharing the spotlight with Rajamouli for the first time. He recounted his transformative journey from a small-town boy with a stammer to becoming the voice of Baahubali, a role that significantly altered his life. The actor’s voice, which captivated audiences without him appearing on screen, has garnered immense love and admiration, a fact that Kelkar himself had not anticipated.
Dubbing Challenges and Triumphs
Despite his familiarity with Baahubali, Kelkar faced challenges in dubbing for the animated series. Without Prabhas as a live-action reference, he had to rely on his understanding of how the actor would deliver lines and embody the character. This introspective approach aided Kelkar in his performance, and he hopes it resonates well with the audience.
A Dark Chapter Unfolds
“Bahubali: Crown of Blood” promises to unveil a darker side of the Mahishmati kingdom’s history. The series, set to premiere on Disney+ Hotstar on May 17, will be available in multiple languages. It explores the formidable challenges that shaped the destinies of the two princes, Baahubali and Bhallaladeva. Rajamouli disclosed that the narrative unfolds concurrently with the events of the Baahubali films, offering fans a deeper dive into the epic’s lore.
The Creator’s Vision
The creative baton for the series has been passed to Sharad Devaranjan, who steps in as the show’s creator. Under his guidance, “Baahubali: Crown of Blood” is expected to expand the franchise’s universe, bringing the same level of grandeur and storytelling that fans have come to expect from the Baahubali saga.