Prabhas, Rana, Anushka Set Internet Abuzz Over Baahubali 3

Nearly a decade after redefining Indian cinema, the Baahubali franchise is once again making headlines. A viral moment from Netflix's documentary Baahubali: The Torchbearer has sparked fresh speculation about a possible Baahubali 3 , sending fans into a frenzy despite the absence of any official announcement from the makers.

Released on June 26 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the landmark franchise, the documentary revisits the journey of Baahubali: The Beginning (2015) and Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (2017) through behind-the-scenes footage and candid conversations with S.S. Rajamouli , Prabhas , Rana Daggubati , Anushka Shetty , and the core creative team. The series offers an emotional look at the making of the films that transformed Indian cinema and established the modern pan-India blockbuster era.

The speculation began after a clip from the documentary went viral on social media. In the video, Rana Daggubati says, "The world may not be ready yet, but there will be Baahubali..." Moments later, Prabhas smiles and flashes three fingers , while Anushka Shetty laughs beside him. The clip, ending with the words "And the legacy continues!" , was widely interpreted by fans as a subtle hint towards Baahubali 3 . Entertainment magazine Filmfare further amplified the buzz by sharing the clip and asking whether Prabhas' gesture was a teaser for the franchise's return, with #Baahubali3 soon trending across social media.

Despite the growing excitement, there has been no official confirmation from S.S. Rajamouli , producers Shobu Yarlagadda and Prasad Devineni , or Arka Media Works regarding a third film. The speculation remains entirely fan-driven, based on the viral interaction rather than any formal announcement.

However, the excitement is understandable. Over the years, Rajamouli has acknowledged that while the story of Amarendra Baahubali concluded in the second film, the Baahubali universe still has immense scope for expansion. This has encouraged fans to believe that a new chapter could explore untold adventures of Amarendra Baahubali , the reign of Mahendra Baahubali (Shivudu) after his coronation, or even introduce a new kingdom and fresh adversaries threatening Mahishmati. Another popular theory is that Rajamouli could expand the franchise into a larger cinematic universe through spin-offs centred on iconic characters such as Kattappa , Sivagami , or Bhallaladeva .

The anticipation surrounding a third installment also stems from the franchise's unparalleled legacy. Baahubali 2: The Conclusion became the first Indian film to cross ₹1,000 crore worldwide , while the two films revolutionized large-scale filmmaking, visual effects, and pan-India releases. The franchise catapulted Prabhas to nationwide stardom and cemented Rajamouli's reputation as one of India's most visionary filmmakers before the global success of RRR .

The documentary also reveals the personal cost of that success. Prabhas admits that the phenomenal response to Baahubali brought years of pressure, stress, and sleepless nights as expectations surrounding his career reached unprecedented levels.

For now, Baahubali 3 remains one of Indian cinema's biggest unanswered questions. Whether Prabhas' three-finger gesture was a playful coincidence, a marketing tease, or an early hint of another epic journey to Mahishmati , only the filmmakers know. Until an official announcement is made, the viral moment has succeeded in doing one thing, rekindling the excitement of millions of fans eager to return to the world of Baahubali .