‘If sex is a bad thing…’, Tamannaah Bhatia breaks her silence on controversial scene with Prabhas in Bahubali

In world of grand cinema and once-in-a-lifetime, Bahubali stands tall as game-changer. Helmed by SS Rajamouli, the film didn’t just break box office records, it redefined how Indian cinema told epic tales. Among its many striking moments, there was one scene that sparked conversations and even left one of its lead actors with mixed emotions.

Tamannaah Bhatia on her controversial scene with Prabhas

Recently, actress Tamannaah Bhatia opened up about the scene in Bahubali: The Beginning where her character Avanthika and Prabhas’s character, Shivudu, share an intimate sequence. In the sequence of the song “Pacha Bottasi,” Shivudu undoes Avanthika’s warrior makeup and ornaments, symbolizing her transformation from a fighter to a woman in love. While some praised the moment for its visual storytelling, others called it problematic, suggesting that it romanticized something deeper, perhaps even uncomfortable.

What did Tamannaah say?

In an interview given to The Lallantop, she said, “When people cannot control you, they use one technique and that is shame and guilt. Because they always make you feel that you should be ashamed of whatever you are doing, when they can make you feel like this, they can gain control over you.”

Tamannaah on the approach of SS Rajamouli’s filmmaking

Tamannaah further admitted that she, too, felt conflicted about the scene. At the time of shooting, she says she trusted the vision of the director, believing it was done with artistic intent, but all the controversies made her upset. She said, “If someone feels that sex is a bad thing or body is a bad thing, then he will see that only. Because that is his perspective, his thinking. A filmmaker wants to show you something very beautiful, but if you see something else, then that is your thinking.”

More about Bahubali

Set in the fictional kingdom of Mahishmati, the story follows Shivudu, a young man with extraordinary strength who embarks on a journey to discover his roots. Along the way, he learns about the tragic fate of his father, Amarendra Baahubali, and the cruel rule of Bhallaladeva (Rana Daggubati). The film ends on a powerful cliffhanger, setting the stage for its grand sequel.

With stunning visuals, intense performances, and a gripping narrative, Baahubali captivated audiences globally. It also featured Tamannaah Bhatia, Anushka Shetty, Sathyaraj, and Ramya Krishnan in pivotal roles. The film is currently available for streaming on Netflix.

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