‘Baahubali’ Producer Shobu Yarlagadda Readies Epic Series ‘The Age of Deccan’ for Market Launch at Film Bazaar

As a passionate fan of groundbreaking cinematic storytelling and historical epics that challenge conventional norms, I am absolutely thrilled by the prospect of “The Age of Deccan.” This ambitious project, spearheaded by Shobu Yarlagadda and his team at Arka Mediaworks, promises to push the boundaries of South Indian cinema and captivate global audiences with its unique blend of history, culture, and universal themes.

Approximately ten years have passed since “Baahubali – The Beginning” revolutionized the way South Indian films were produced, outperforming typical expectations in both domestic distribution and international box office. This Telugu and Tamil-language fantasy action film shattered records, catapulted its stars to greater stardom, and of course, led to a sequel. Now, producer Shobu Yarlagadda and Arka Mediaworks are considering an even larger, globally ambitious scale for their future projects.

This week at the Film Bazaar in Goa, Yarlagadda is showcasing his upcoming high-end TV series “The Age of Deccan.” He describes it as featuring a lead character of African descent and taking place in medieval India. This unique blend of settings appeals to two continents, making it an intriguing Indian production with global appeal.

Exploring ‘The Deccan Era’ will delve into the raw, unvarnished aspects of its history, encompassing themes such as conflict, governance, corruption, retribution, and sensuality. It will also scrutinize the etiquette and ranks within royal circles, the tactics and fortifications employed in medieval warfare, the misuse and luxury of power, regional pride, and conquest.

The account follows Ambar, a man of African descent, who was forcefully transported as a slave to India during the 16th century. Despite his origins, he ascended from bondage, first as a warrior, then as a tactician in warfare, and finally as a government official under various rulers. His primary objective was to curb Mughal power and bring unity to Deccan India. He is a significant historical figure, famously recognized as Malik Ambar, where ‘Malik’ is an honorary title bestowed upon him.

Yarlagadda finds the captivating story of a man’s transformation from a slave, through his service as a soldier, into a power influencer and kingmaker truly intriguing, and this is the narrative we intend to present,” expresses the speaker.

Kishore Kedari, the story developer and creative producer, stated that the man lived an extraordinary life. He passed away at 80 years old, a time when no Mughal emperors were in Agra, their capital city. This individual managed to halt the advancement of any emperor for an entire decade. Despite not being of royal descent or officially crowned as a king, he played a crucial role by placing someone on the throne and protecting the region.

Malik Ambar’s accomplishments and persona were so vast that later in his life, he was a patron of the arts and fostered architectural advancements. As a result, the era known as “The Age of Deccan” is considered to span over several periods, not just one season.

Renowned Telugu movie director, Krish Jagarlamudi, has been confirmed as the initial director for this series. Other directors are yet to be announced.

According to Yarlagadda, our plans for the initial season are laid out in comprehensive overviews. We’ve arranged it into twelve 45-minute episodes, but we could potentially split it into two groups of six episodes each, reflecting the popular trend at present.

According to Yarlagadda, this story is divided into at least five distinct periods. The initial phase narrates the life of Ambar as a slave, progressing through his liberation, and his rise within the Sultanate, eventually gaining the power to make kings. This is when Ambar transforms into Malik.

According to Kedari, it’s a very ambitious project, as highlighted by Yarlagadda’s estimation that each episode costs between 2.5 and 3 million dollars.

Yarlagadda suggests the strategy of moving towards co-production involves locating a collaborative producer who aligns with our writing, and also securing a showrunner to collaborate more extensively on project development with us.

As a passionate advocate, I’m eagerly seeking an international, independent collaborator with financial backing. The unique emotional resonance of this story has the potential to captivate a global audience, and so my goal is to find a partner – not necessarily a streaming platform – more like Fremantle or Fifth Season, who could bring their distinct perspective to the table.

In contrast to many Indian historical films that have a tendency to be overly glorified and glamorous, the film ‘Deccan’ will offer an honest, raw, and authentic portrayal, ensuring consistency in both scripting and production,” state Yarlagadda and Kedari.

As a passionate fan, I can confidently say that our strategy aims to captivate Indian audiences in various ways. While some may be drawn to the glamour and shine, others will find appeal in the authenticity, the roots, and the realness we’re aiming for.

Known commonly as “Krish,” Jagarlamudi first showcased his directorial skills with the highly praised movie “Gamyam” in 2008, which garnered him numerous accolades, including a Nandi Award for best director. He is recognized for combining profound storylines (many of them featuring historical aspects) with commercial success and a deep sensitivity towards human feelings. His body of work encompasses Vedam, Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum, and Kanche.

In the realm of Bollywood films produced in Hindi, he left an impression with “Gabbar Returns” and the grand historical saga titled “The Queen of Jhansi – Manikarnika.

2024-11-21 04:49

‘Baahubali’ Producer Shobu Yarlagadda Readies Epic Series ‘The Age of Deccan’ for Market Launch at Film Bazaar

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