Published By: Alfaraz Laique

Class and colorism in Baahubali

Baahubali is applauded for its visual effects, larger than life storytelling and action sequences. While it is good to celebrate a movie for the right reasons, one should also point out the mistakes or errors in the plots and ideology of the movie as they have a huge influence on our society.

The Patriarchy

Sivagami is often portrayed as a brave and undoubtedly competent ruler; her inadvertent alliance with patriarchy is bought forth from her conversations with Devasena. As an outsider,  Devasena questions and challenges the inherent misogyny in the kingdom, thus challenging  Sivagami’s authority publicly. Moreover, while the movie is committed to demonstrate the valor and courage associated to the spirit of a warrior, the space remains gendered. Shiva carves the warrior, Avanthika into his own ideal image of femininity in the fight scene. This subtle reinforcement of patriarchy and gender ideals is further ingrained throughout the movie.

Colorism

In order to further establish the colossal strength of the self, the Kalakeyas are ‘othered’ as evil, savage and barbaric beings. Their primitive description is strengthened not only by their heinous rituals involving the skull scene, or in the fiendish battle formations, but also in their language.  The creation of a unique dialect, one which remains away from the apparent refined and sophisticated language of the movie, further marginalizes the Kalakeyas into the primitive periphery. A use of such a peculiar language is formed on the existent prejudice of the Adivasi and the marginalized communities and strengthens the idea of primitivism and savagery in them, thus leading to a growth of a hegemonic idea of Adivasi Primitivism. The Kalakeya’s towering screen presence, not only brings forth bias in form of class, but also the color of the skin, almost bordering towards a racial depiction in order to strengthen the self.

Free Will

Kattappa, easily the most conflicted and complex character in the movie, further challenges the notion of free will, destabilizing the apparent grandeur of the Kingdom of Mahishmati. Much like Devasena’s candor, Kattappa’s dilemmas highlight the points of cracks and fissures in the otherwise unassailable structure of the kingdom. His unwavering loyalty becomes the central theme of the movie. His character has striking similarities to Hastinapur’s protector, Bhishma, witnessing the downfall of a kingdom he has sworn to protect, and helpless to save it. His first introduction to the audience goes as, “Kattappa is a slave to the throne of Mahishmati”. Once one is finally acquainted to him, it is discerned that he lives his life based on a pledge made by long forgotten ancestors. Kattappa's lack of free will forces him to make choices that go against his heart.