Producer Shobu Yarlagadda, co-founder of Arka Mediaworks and the driving force behind S.S. Rajamouli’s Baahubali franchise, firmly debunked persistent casting rumors surrounding the epic saga during an exclusive interview with Gulte Pro on October 7, 2025, in Hyderabad. As anticipation builds for Baahubali: The Epic—a remastered, combined version of the two-part film set for theatrical release on October 31—Yarlagadda clarified that Hrithik Roshan was never considered for Prabhas’s titular role and Jason Momoa was merely a fleeting idea for Bhallaladeva, ultimately dismissed early. These revelations, shared ahead of the film’s 10th anniversary, put to rest decade-old speculation, delighting fans and underscoring the deliberate vision that made Baahubali a global phenomenon in India’s ₹101 billion entertainment industry. The Hrithik Roshan Myth: “From Day One, It Was Prabhas” One of Bollywood’s most enduring rumors has been that Hrithik Roshan was the original choice for the dual role of Amarendra Baahubali and Mahendra Baahubali, with Prabhas stepping in later. Yarlagadda dismissed this outright: “From day one, it was Prabhas. We never approached Hrithik or anyone else for the role.” He emphasized that the character was tailored specifically for Prabhas, whose commitment and physical transformation were integral to Rajamouli’s vision. “The story followed Prabhas’s development,” Yarlagadda added, noting that online chatter often stems from fan fantasies rather than facts. This clarification aligns with Rajamouli’s 2009 comments praising Prabhas’s potential in Billa, long before Baahubali’s inception, debunking the notion of a Bollywood star swap. Jason Momoa for Bhallaladeva: A Fleeting Thought, Not a Serious Pursuit Another persistent speculation involved Hollywood’s Jason Momoa as the initial pick for the antagonistic Bhallaladeva, with Rana Daggubati cast as a fallback. Yarlagadda acknowledged a casual discussion: “Jason Momoa for Bhallaladeva—that was a thought, and we tried to approach him, but then we found Rana.” He revealed that Rana was the serious contender from the start, with Momoa’s name surfacing briefly during early brainstorming but quickly dismissed due to logistical and creative mismatches. “Rana brought the intensity and cultural nuance we needed,” Yarlagadda said, crediting the actor’s portrayal for the character’s iconic status. This revelation quells years of “what if” debates, affirming the team’s commitment to authentic Indian talent. The Human Touch: Passion Over Speculation Yarlagadda’s candid disclosures stem from a desire to honor the franchise’s legacy as Baahubali: The Epic nears its October 31 release. “These myths distract from the hard work of the team,” he reflected, recalling the 2015-2017 production’s challenges, including Prabhas’s 18-month transformation and Rana’s rigorous training. The combined edition, running 3 hours 40 minutes, restores deleted scenes and the original uncensored ending, offering fans a definitive experience. For Prabhas and Rana, now global icons, the clarification reaffirms their irreplaceable roles, inspiring aspiring actors in India’s diverse 780-language cinema landscape. A Saga Sealed in Truth Shobu Yarlagadda’s debunking of Hrithik and Momoa rumors isn’t just clarification—it’s a celebration of vision. As Baahubali: The Epic revives the saga, it asks: Can truth outshine speculation? With Prabhas as Baahubali and Rana as Bhallaladeva, the answer thunders yes, etching an authentic legend for eternity
-By Manoj H