'Bahubali 2' aka 'Baahubali: The Conclusion' pre-release business: SS Rajamouli's film set to beat Rajinikanth's 'Kabali'

Rajinikanth's "Kabali" has inspired the makers of "Bahubali 2" aka "Baahubali: The Conclusion" to find new ways to market their film and generate extra revenues. As a result, the upcoming creation of SS Rajamouli is heading towards doing a record pre-release business.

The makers are aiming at doing business worth Rs. 350 crore before the film is released through sales of theatrical and satellite rights, and by signing various other deals. They have taken inspiration from "Kabali" producer Kalaippuli S Thanu, who successfully made about Rs. 225 crore from the Rajinikanth-starrer before it hit the screens.

In an interview, Shobu Yarlagadda has admitted that he is inspired by Kalaippuli Dhanu's strategy and is finding various ways to increase revenue. He has said that they also plan to come up with books, novels and games related to various characters of "Bahubali."

The first instalment of "Bahubali" had minted over Rs. 150 crore before its release. The second instalment is expected to easily earn Rs. 300 crore from domestic pre-release business alone, thereby setting a new benchmark for South Indian movies.

The makers have already sold the theatrical rights of the Tamil Nadu region for Rs. 45 crore and talks are on to sell the Karnataka and Kerala rights for an equally impressive sum. The producer is also expected to sell the Andhra and Telangana rights soon.

Star India has already acquired the satellite rights of Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam languages. The rights for the Hindi version are yet to be sold, for which Star India and Sony are said to be in close competition.

"Bahubali" was made with a budget of Rs. 120 crore and grossed over Rs. 600 crore at the worldwide box office from its three versions (Tamil, Telugu and Hindi). The movie turned out to be a money-spinner in all the languages.

The second instalment of the film, which features Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty and Tamanna Bhatia in the lead roles, will be released on April 28, 2017.