For years, a tantalizing rumour has persisted in the annals of Indian cinema: that Bollywood's 'Greek God,' Hrithik Roshan, was the original choice for the mighty title role in S.S. Rajamouli’s epic saga, Baahubali, before the crown was ultimately placed on Prabhas’s head. The recent news around Baahubali: The Epic—a combined version of the two global blockbusters—has once again reignited the debate, causing fans to fiercely speculate on what could have been.

However, the question of 'What if?' has now been answered with a clear and definitive 'It never was.'

Setting the Record Straight

The long-running speculation that Hrithik was approached for the role of Amarendra Baahubali has been officially put to rest by none other than the franchise's producer, Shobu Yarlagadda. In a recent interview, Yarlagadda addressed the persistent online chatter directly, stating, “That never happened. From day one, it was Prabhas.”

This statement underscores a crucial fact about the mega-project: the role of the virtuous warrior and king was conceived, written, and structured with one actor in mind from the very beginning. Prabhas's five-year dedication to the physically and mentally demanding project was not a backup plan, but the foundational pillar upon which the film's success was built.

The Magic of Prabhas as Baahubali

The casting of Prabhas as both the father, Amarendra Baahubali, and the son, Mahendra Baahubali (Shivudu), became one of the film’s greatest strengths. Prabhas brought an unparalleled screen presence, blending physical gravitas with an inherent gentleness. His commitment required an immense body transformation and a complete blockade of his schedule for half a decade—a career risk that paid off historically.

The producer's clarification reaffirms that the synergy between Rajamouli’s vision and Prabhas’s dedication was symbiotic. Baahubali wasn't just a role; it was an identity that Prabhas wore with authentic conviction, and it resonated deeply with audiences across all languages, turning him into a legitimate pan-India superstar overnight.

Why the Hrithik Rumour Persisted

So, why did the rumour of Hrithik’s involvement take such a strong hold? It’s likely due to a few factors. Hrithik Roshan is undeniably one of Bollywood's most physically imposing and charismatic actors, known for his regal look in historical dramas like Jodhaa Akbar. The visual fit for an epic king is certainly there.

Furthermore, the general nature of industry gossip often seeks to link big projects with big stars. When a film becomes a historic global success, rumours about who 'missed out' often follow, adding a layer of dramatic 'what-if' to the film's legacy. However, with the makers' word now final, fans can finally close the book on this particular piece of film folklore.

The fact remains that Baahubali achieved its historic magic because of the singular vision of S.S. Rajamouli and the complete, unwavering commitment of Prabhas. The film’s monumental success wasn't dependent on a Bollywood crossover, but on a unique, regional narrative done on an international scale. Prabhas was, and always will be, the undisputed King of Mahishmati.
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