NOT Rana Daggubati but THIS Hollywood actor was first choice for ‘Bhallaladeva’ in Baahubali

NOT Rana Daggubati but THIS Hollywood actor was first choice for 'Bhallaladeva' in Baahubali

As a dedicated follower of Indian cinema and a self-proclaimed SS Rajamouli enthusiast, I can confidently say that every revelation from the master filmmaker is like finding a hidden treasure. The latest tidbit about Rana Daggubati‘s role in Baahubali being initially intended for Jason Momoa only adds to the charm of this epic saga.


In India, one of the early masters of cinematography, SS Rajamouli, has left a profound impact on millions through his exceptional work in both craftsmanship and entertainment. A recent Netflix documentary titled Modern Masters provides a fascinating peek into previously undisclosed aspects of his life and filmmaking career.

As an ardent admirer, let me share a fascinating tidbit: It wasn’t me, Rana Daggubati, who was initially picked to embody the formidable antagonist Bhallaladeva in the sensational Rajamouli-directed epic, Baahubali.

In a captivating moment during the 73-minute documentary, I, Rana Daggubati, shared my unique journey working alongside the legendary director, SS Rajamouli. Among many insights, I revealed an unexpected fact: I wasn’t initially the actor the creators of Baahubali had envisioned for the role of the formidable antagonist and ruthless king, Bhallaladeva.

Reflecting on the encounter, Rana shared the discussion he held with the movie producer, Shobu Yarlagadda, stating, “Shobu approached me and simply mentioned that it was a period war film in question, and they were considering me for the villain’s role. I expressed my interest by saying I’d be thrilled if they could provide a script.” He also inquired, “By the way, who was the actor you approached prior to speaking with me?”

After finishing the story, Rana shared his shock when he learned that Rajamouli and the team had initially aimed to cast Jason Momoa, the Aquaman-star, for the role before choosing him. Overwhelmed by this revelation, Rana expressed his pride in being considered as a potential second choice to such an internationally recognized actor.

Rana expressed, “When Shobu shared the news with me, it struck me as, ‘Excellent! Khal Drogo comes before me.’ I responded, ‘Alright, that’s a strong follow-up position!'”

In the future, the actor drew a parallel between his portrayal of Bhallaladeva and Jason Momoa’s character Khal Drogo from Game of Thrones.

In a clear explanation, Rana pointed out that the characters he plays, like the one in Baahubali, are designed to elicit strong emotional responses from viewers because they possess unique traits.

In my expertise as a lifestyle advisor, I’d like to share some insights about Jason Momoa’s portrayal of Khal Drogo. Unlike many characters that evoke deep emotional connections, Khal Drogo serves a unique and distinct purpose on-screen. His character is more about practicality than personal feelings.

Recently on the screen, Rana Daggubati appeared in the Tamil movie titled 1945. Later, he made a significant appearance in the Telugu film called Spy. In the future, you’ll see him starring in the movie Vettaiyan, which is led by Rajinikanth.

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2024-08-03 08:07