The legendary Baahubali franchise continues to conquer new frontiers, this time in the world of global animation. In a significant achievement for Indian storytelling, the upcoming animated feature, Baahubali: The Eternal War, has been officially selected for the prestigious Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2026. The film will be featured in the highly competitive “Work-in-Progress” (WIP) sessions, a platform reserved for the most promising upcoming projects from around the world.
Directed by Kang Kang-wook and produced by Arka Mediaworks – the powerhouse behind the original live-action blockbusters – this animated epic aims to expand the lore of Mahishmati. The selection at Annecy is a testament to the film’s technical ambition and the universal appeal of S.S. Rajamouli’s vision. The WIP presentation will offer global industry leaders, critics, and enthusiasts a first-hand look at the creative process, character designs, and groundbreaking animation techniques being used to bring the prequel story to life.
Baahubali: The Eternal War is set to explore the untapped history of the kingdom, focusing on the younger years of Amarendra Baahubali and Bhallaladeva. By utilizing cutting-edge CGI and stylized aesthetics, the makers intend to bridge the gap between traditional Indian art forms and modern global animation standards. This selection marks one of the few times an Indian franchise has been spotlighted at Annecy, which is often regarded as the “Cannes of Animation.”
The inclusion in the Annecy lineup not only highlights the growing prowess of Indian animation but also reinforces the Baahubali IP as a permanent fixture in global pop culture. As the team prepares to showcase their progress in France, anticipation is building for a release that could redefine the scale of adult-oriented animated epics in India. With its rich mythological roots and high-octane action, The Eternal War is poised to become a benchmark for the industry when it finally hits screens.