Studio Khara, the renowned Japanese animation studio behind the Evangelion series and Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX, is joining the production of a new animated feature film set in the universe of the Indian epic Baahubali. The film, titled BAAHUBALI: THE ETERNAL WAR PART 1 (working title), is scheduled for a worldwide release in 2027. Alongside the announcement, the first image cuts produced by Studio Khara have been unveiled.
The project is a direct sequel to the live-action Baahubali films directed by S.S. Rajamouli, which became a global cultural and box office phenomenon. The story picks up after the events of the live-action saga, following the human king Amarendra Baahubali as he journeys into the afterlife and becomes embroiled in a cosmic war between the gods (Devas) and the demons (Asuras).
With the highest budget ever allocated for an Indian animated feature, the film is directed by Ishan Shukla, an internationally award-winning director who worked on Star Wars: Visions Season 2. The music is composed by M.M. Keeravani, the Oscar-winning composer behind the live-action Baahubali and RRR. The screenplay is written by Scott Mosier, known for Illumination’s The Grinch.
Reprising their roles from the live-action films, Prabhas voices Amarendra Baahubali and Ramya Krishnan voices Sivagami. The animation will authentically incorporate Indian physical expression and martial arts traditions.
While top studios from India, France, and the UK are also participating, it has now been revealed that Studio Khara will handle part of the animation production. The Japanese promotion company Slowcurve will oversee the planning and production of Studio Khara’s animation segment, facilitating international co-production between Japanese and overseas creators.
For the animation portion, Akira Homa serves as director, Noriko Ito as character designer, and Mahiro Maeda—director of Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time—joins as a main staff member.
The film has been selected for the “Work in Progress” section of the Annecy International Animated Film Festival 2026, where the latest footage and production updates will be presented. A Japanese release date has not yet been announced.
Staff & Cast Overview
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Original Concept / Presenter | S.S. Rajamouli |
| Director | Ishan Shukla |
| Screenplay | Scott Mosier |
| Music | M.M. Keeravani |
| Voice – Amarendra Baahubali | Prabhas |
| Voice – Sivagami | Ramya Krishnan |
| Participating Studios | Mihira Visual Labs (India), 88 Pictures (India), Aniventure (UK), Zaratan (UK), Alcyde (France), Studio Khara (Japan), Slowcurve (Japan, production), and others |
