Arka Mediaworks is bringing Baahubali to Anime India Hyderabad 2026, which takes place on 14 and 15 November at The Address – Conventions & Exhibitions, Narsingi, Hyderabad. Fans can join three contests, attend two sessions on the making of Baahubali: The Eternal War, and visit the Baahubali booth.
Baahubali: The Eternal War is an animated spin-off set between Baahubali: The Beginning and Baahubali: The Conclusion, following Baahubali through the realms of the afterlife. The first of its two parts is due in 2027. S.S. Rajamouli presented the film at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in June, and Studio Khara, the Japanese studio known for Evangelion, is working on an animated sequence for it.
From fans to creators: Baahubali competitions at Anime India Hyderabad
Arka Mediaworks will bring fans closer to the Baahubali universe through three competitions that put creativity, craftsmanship and character interpretation centre stage. Whether through cosplay, prop-making or visual art, participants can express their connection with the franchise and bring their favourite elements of Mahishmati to life.
Baahubali look-alike cosplay competition
From the royal grandeur of Mahishmati to the distinctive appearances of its legendary characters, this competition invites fans to transform themselves into their favourite personalities from the Baahubali universe. Participants can recreate iconic character looks through costumes, styling and attention to detail, bringing the spirit of the franchise to the event floor. The competition celebrates the passion, creativity and dedication of cosplay enthusiasts who go beyond watching their favourite characters to embodying them.
Baahubali prop-making challenge
For fans who enjoy building, designing and creating, the Prop-Making Challenge puts their craftsmanship to the test. Participants are encouraged to recreate iconic weapons, armour, accessories and artefacts inspired by the world of Mahishmati. From the intricate details of royal weaponry to objects that capture the grandeur of the franchise, the challenge offers makers a chance to turn their imagination into tangible creations.
Baahubali art contest
The Art Contest gives artists, illustrators and aspiring creators a platform to reinterpret the world of Baahubali: The Eternal War through their own artistic perspectives. Participants can explore a range of themes, including character portraits, battle sequences, iconic moments, Mahishmati’s architecture and landscapes, traditional costumes, jewellery, armour and royal artefacts.
The contest welcomes different artistic approaches, including traditional paintings, sketches, digital illustrations and original fan art. Beyond the competition, participants can gain recognition for their work, compete for cash prizes and explore potential internship opportunities with the Baahubali team.
With a combined cash prize pool of Rs 50,000 across the three competitions, along with exclusive Baahubali merchandise and creative recognition, these activities aim to make the franchise’s presence at Anime India an interactive experience for fans and creators alike.
Inside the making of ‘Baahubali’: Special sessions at Anime India
Beyond the fan activities, the Baahubali showcase will feature two sessions that take audiences behind the creative and production processes of Baahubali: The Eternal War.
A look inside the cultural research behind Baahubali: The Eternal War
How do ancient Indian scriptures, traditional art forms and cultural narratives influence the creation of an animated universe? This session explores the cultural research behind the film and how elements from India’s artistic and literary heritage have been translated into its visual language, music and motion. It also looks at how traditional Indian texts and art forms help build the film’s world and connect its storytelling with India’s cultural heritage.
Featuring Baahubali: The Eternal War writer-director Ishan Shukla and co-writer Sowmya Sharma
Making animation produce-able
What does it take to turn an ambitious creative vision into an animation project that is feasible, efficient and ready for production? This session goes behind the production and technical processes that shape animated projects, and how creative ambition is balanced with planning, budgeting, delivery and technical execution. The discussion covers production planning, budgeting, delivery workflows, pipeline development and technical feasibility, and the coordination and decision-making needed to move an animation project from concept to screen.
Featuring Mihira Visual Labs senior producer (production planning, budgeting, and delivery) Rochana Jalan and Mihira Visual Labs associate VFX supervisor (workflows, pipeline and technical feasibility) Sarang Deshpande
Arka Mediaworks CEO and co-founder Shobu Yarlagadda said, “Animation and anime culture in India has grown tremendously over the years, and it is exciting to see audiences embracing the medium so passionately. With Baahubali: The Eternal War, we are looking forward to introducing the Baahubali universe to fans in a new animated form and sharing that experience with audiences at Anime India.”
Arka Mediaworks was founded by Shobu Yarlagadda and Prasad Devineni. Its productions include Vedam, Maryada Ramanna and S.S. Rajamouli’s two Baahubali films. The franchise has since grown into animation, books and merchandise.
Anime India co-founder Mishaal Wanvari said, “Hyderabad has one of the most passionate anime communities in the country, and they deserve a festival built for them. Bringing the director of Bleach to the city is a dream for our team and for the fans.”
Anime India co-founder Neha Mehta said, “At Anime India, our mission is to celebrate great animated storytelling and show what Indian creators can achieve. Partnering to promote Baahubali: The Eternal War is a proud moment for us. It brings a homegrown epic, made with world-class craft, to fans who live and breathe animation, and it shows how Indian IP can captivate audiences everywhere.”
Event details
Anime India Hyderabad 2026
14–15 November 2026
The Address – Conventions & Exhibitions, Narsingi, Hyderabad
Tickets are available on District by Zomato and at https://animeindia.live/hyderabad/. For updates, follow @animeindia.live on Instagram.
