Bahubali 2 Coronation Scene

Absolute Cinema

While the movie had some brilliant scenes, for me the coronation scene just before the interval is the best, in fact would rate it among one of the greatest scenes in Indian cinema.

Just see the starting, where the person announces the extent of Mahismhathi

“From Udayagiri Mountains in the East to the Malava Islands in the West, from the vassal states of Kuntala in the North to the Kalakeya forests down South”

That itself sets up the premise, of how mighty an Empire it was, and the importance of being it’s ruler.

And then the chants start “Mahishmathi Samrajyam” to the tune of Keeravani’s rousing background music, as Bahubali( Prabhas) commands every unit of the army, first the cavalry.

“Aswadalam abhimukham, Maharaja Vandanam”

Then the elephants

“Chakravarty agamananam, Gajadalam vinamra kumbhanyasam”

The two shots of the horses clicking in precision and the elephants getting down to greet, with the trumpet sounds, are just perfectly shot.

And then the infantry units Khadgasreni( Sword), Shoolasreeni( Spear), doing the guard of honor.

And finally the special guard led by Katappa( Satyaraj) doing their salute.

The Sanskrit terms, the way every salute is picturized, the click of the swords, spears, down to the detail just gives goosebumps.

And way Rajamouli pays attention to minor details, as in the moment when Bhallaladeva( Rana), passes Devasana( Ansuhka) and looks at her with a smirk on his face, the arrogance showing so well. He had desired her, but could not get her, so he captures the throne, and his smirk at Devasena, is his way of showing “I have won”.

Also the contrasting body language, Bhallaladeva as arrogant, disdainful as ever, Bahubali marching in step, head held proud.

And this is where the piece de resistance comes, when Bahubali steps in to take oath and proclaims

“Amarendra Bahubali ani Nenu( I Amarendra Bahubali)”

He is unable to complete it, as there is a racous cheer, among the audience assembled, making it clear whom they wish to see as ruler.

And after he takes the oath, the massive din, cheering crowds, almost causing Bhallaladeva’s throne to shake.

The change in his expression from smug, disdainful to concern, says it all, he had lost even though he had won. He might have got the throne using a devious double deal, but he was unable to win the people’s hearts. He had lost once again to the man he envied and hated always.

And on the other hand Bahubali, though not the king, is whom the masses love and accept in their hearts.

The way Rajmouli sets up the scene, the Sanskrit chants, Keeravani’s BGM, the acting of Prabhas, Rana, Anushka Shetty, Ramyakrishna , the brilliant visuals, jusr drags into you another world, as you feel being part of it. As Martin Scorsese, would have put it, this is: