- Prabhas flashed three fingers, fueling Baahubali 3 speculation.
- Netflix documentary ending sparked a wave of fan theories.
- Rajamouli has said a third film needs a completely new story.
- Unused scripts and expanded Mahishmati lore could shape the sequel.
- Any new film is likely years away as Rajamouli finishes his next project.
The final moments of Netflix's documentary Baahubali: The Torchbearer have become one of the biggest talking points among movie fans. Just as the documentary wraps up, Rana Daggubati looks into the camera and says, "I don't know if I should say this publicly, but since Rajamouli and Shobu garu aren’t here, I’ll just say what's on my mind. The world may not be ready yet, but there will be more Baahubali..." in The Print.
Before anyone can react, Prabhas smiles and silently raises three fingers, seemingly hinting at Baahubali 3. Anushka Shetty quickly laughs and playfully lowers his hand, while the documentary fades out with the words, "And the legacy continues!" Fans immediately began wondering whether the long-awaited third installment is finally on the horizon.
Although no official announcement has been made, earlier interviews from director S.S. Rajamouli, writer K.V. Vijayendra Prasad, and Prabhas provide a good idea of what a third movie could actually look like.
One thing appears certain: it would not simply continue Mahendra Baahubali's story. Baahubali 2 concluded with Mahendra avenging his father and reclaiming the throne of Mahishmati, giving the saga a complete ending.
Instead, the creators have repeatedly hinted that another film would explore a different chapter of the Mahishmati universe.
Prabhas revealed years ago that Rajamouli had developed far more material than audiences eventually saw on screen.
"He only gave me 6 scripts, so he would have done some 10-14. We almost finished 60 per cent there. I know he had the script in mind for 5 years," mentioned in Pinkvilla.
That means a large amount of world-building, characters, and stories remain unexplored.
Rajamouli has also made it clear that a third movie would only happen if there is a story worthy of returning to the franchise.
"If we made a film for the market without having a compelling story, that would not be honest filmmaking... The Baahubali chapter was wrapped with the sequel keeping the promise, which means a third part would demand a new storyline," mentioned in NDTV.
The most likely direction is a fresh adventure set in Mahishmati rather than a direct sequel. It could explore Amarendra Baahubali's years as a warrior, Bhallaladeva before his fall, Kattappa's untold past, Sivagami's rise to power, or rival kingdoms that threatened the empire.
The documentary also reminds viewers how ambitious the original films were. Rajamouli revealed that production once faced a funding gap of nearly $8 million before the franchise went on to become one of India's biggest global box office successes.
For now, Baahubali 3 remains unconfirmed. Rajamouli is focused on his next big-budget adventure starring Mahesh Babu, meaning fans may have to wait several more years. Still, thanks to one simple three-finger gesture from Prabhas, excitement for a return to Mahishmati is stronger than ever.
