Before RRR and the Baahubali franchise turned S. S. Rajamouli into a global phenomenon, Samantha Ruth Prabhu had already been part of one of his most imaginative and critically acclaimed films.

On the occasion of her birthday, it’s worth revisiting Eega (released in Hindi as Makhi), a fantasy revenge drama that showcased Rajamouli’s storytelling brilliance long before his pan-India blockbusters.

Eega: A Concept Ahead of Its Time

Released in 2012, Eega stood out for its bold and unconventional premise—a man reincarnated as a housefly seeking revenge against his killer.

Starring Nani alongside Samantha, the film blended fantasy, emotion, and cutting-edge visual effects in a way rarely seen in Indian cinema at the time.

Samantha played Bindu, a compassionate and intelligent woman who becomes central to the story’s emotional core. While the film’s concept grabbed attention, it was the emotional storytelling and character depth that made it resonate with audiences across languages.

The film went on to become both a critical and commercial success, further establishing Rajamouli as a visionary filmmaker even before Baahubali.

Samantha’s Role in Elevating the Narrative

At a time when her career was gaining momentum, Eega allowed Samantha Ruth Prabhu to step into a more experimental space.

Unlike conventional roles, her performance relied heavily on:

• Emotional expression
• Screen presence alongside VFX-driven storytelling
• Subtle yet impactful characterisation

Her portrayal added warmth and relatability to a highly imaginative narrative, helping balance spectacle with emotion.

A Career That Continued to Evolve

Following Eega, Samantha went on to build a diverse and critically acclaimed filmography. Some of her notable works include:

• Mersal
• Majili
• Super Deluxe
• Yashoda
• Kushi

She has also made a strong mark on OTT platforms, expanding her reach beyond traditional cinema.

Before the Global Fame of Rajamouli

Today, S. S. Rajamouli is celebrated worldwide for films like RRR and Baahubali. However, Eega remains a crucial chapter in his journey—one that demonstrated his ability to turn even the most unusual ideas into cinematic successes.

For Samantha, the film is a reminder that she was part of Rajamouli’s creative evolution well before his global breakthrough.

What’s Next for Samantha?

On the work front, Samantha Ruth Prabhu is set to headline Maa Inti Bangaram, an action-family drama where she also takes on the role of producer under her banner, Tralala Moving Pictures. The film is expected to release in theatres on May 15, 2026.

She is also reportedly working on a Hindi web series titled Rakt Brahmand, alongside Aditya Roy Kapur.

A Birthday Worth Celebrating

As Samantha Ruth Prabhu celebrates her birthday, Eega stands as a testament to her willingness to take risks and be part of unconventional cinema.

Long before the era of pan-India blockbusters, she was already contributing to stories that pushed creative boundaries—making her journey all the more remarkable.

Released on April 28, 2017, Baahubali 2: The Conclusion wasn’t just a film—it was a phenomenon that reshaped the Indian film industry. Directed by S. S. Rajamouli and headlined by Prabhas, the film arrived amid massive anticipation and went on to surpass even the wildest expectations.

A Cultural Moment, Not Just a Sequel

The film picked up from the cliffhanger of Baahubali: The Beginning, answering the iconic question: “Why did Kattappa kill Baahubali?” This curiosity alone drove unprecedented pre-release hype, turning the film into a nationwide event.

With grand storytelling, stunning visuals, and emotionally charged performances by actors like Rana Daggubati and Anushka Shetty, the film connected across languages and regions like never before.

Record-Breaking Box Office Run

Unprecedented Global Collections

Baahubali 2 set new financial benchmarks by earning approximately ₹1,788 crore worldwide, including:

• ₹1,429 crore gross in India
• ₹359 crore overseas

Its India net collection crossed ₹1,000 crore, a historic first for Indian cinema at the time. Made on a reported budget of around ₹250 crore, it became one of the most profitable films ever produced in India.

Historic Milestones

The film didn’t just break records—it created new ones:

• First Indian film to cross ₹1,000 crore globally
• Fastest film (at the time) to hit ₹100 crore, ₹500 crore, and ₹1,000 crore milestones
• Became the highest-grossing Indian film worldwide, later surpassed by Dangal

The Hindi Dub That Changed the Game

One of the film’s most groundbreaking achievements was its Hindi dubbed version. Traditionally, dubbed South Indian films had limited reach in North India. However, Baahubali 2 shattered that perception.

• Hindi version net collection: ~₹511 crore
• Competed directly with top Bollywood blockbusters
• Opened doors for the Pan-India release model

This success laid the foundation for later films like KGF: Chapter 1, Pushpa: The Rise, and RRR to target nationwide audiences.

A Pan-India Revolution

Baahubali 2 proved that language is no longer a barrier in Indian cinema. Released in Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, and Malayalam, it unified audiences across regions.

It also:

• Ran for 50+ days in multiple centres
• Expanded the scale of theatrical releases
• Encouraged big-budget storytelling with global appeal

Legacy: A Turning Point in Indian Cinema

Nine years later, the impact of Baahubali 2 is still visible. It:

• Established Prabhas as a pan-India superstar
• Cemented S. S. Rajamouli as one of the most influential filmmakers globally
• Inspired filmmakers to think beyond regional boundaries

Ranveer Singh and director Aditya Dhar’s blockbuster Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge continues its phenomenal run at the box office, edging closer to rewriting history.

As of Day 39, the film has reportedly collected:

• India Net: ₹1,130.59 crore
• Worldwide Gross: ₹1,777.52 crore

This puts it just ₹11 crore short of surpassing the legendary Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (₹1,788.06 crore worldwide), one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time.

📈 Strong Sixth Weekend Holds Momentum

Even in its sixth week, Dhurandhar 2 is showing remarkable stability:

• Friday: ₹1.55 crore
• Saturday: ₹3 crore
• Sunday: ₹3.25 crore
• Weekend Total: ~₹7.95 crore

These numbers highlight sustained audience interest, a rare feat for films deep into their theatrical run.

🏆 Historic Milestone Within Reach

If the current trend continues:

• The film could surpass Baahubali 2’s worldwide record within days
• It may cross the ₹1,800 crore global mark shortly after
• It is already among the top-grossing Indian films globally

The coming weekdays will be crucial—especially if collections stay above ₹1 crore per day.

📊 Day 39 Performance: Among the Best

With its Day 39 collection, Dhurandhar 2 has:

• Achieved one of the highest late-run collections in Hindi cinema
• Reportedly ranked second-highest Day 39 performer, behind Stree 2
• Outperformed films like:
  • Jawan
  • Pushpa: The Rule – Part 2 in similar stages

🎟️ Occupancy and Audience Response

Despite reduced screens in some regions, the film continues to attract viewers:

• Strong occupancy in afternoon and evening shows
• Consistent footfall across multiplexes and mass circuits
• Positive word-of-mouth sustaining long-term performance

🎬 What’s Driving the Success?

Several factors are contributing to the film’s blockbuster run:

• Ranveer Singh’s high-energy performance
• Aditya Dhar’s mass-appeal direction
• Strong sequel hype and franchise value
• Wide pan-India and global appeal

⚠️ Final Verdict: Can It Dethrone Baahubali 2?

While Dhurandhar 2 hasn’t officially crossed Baahubali 2: The Conclusion yet, it is on the brink of doing so.

• Needs roughly ₹11 crore more globally
• Likely to achieve the milestone within the next few days if trends hold

✅ Key Takeaways

• Dhurandhar 2 worldwide collection: ₹1,777.52 crore
• Just ₹11 crore away from Baahubali 2 record
• Strong performance even in week 6
• Could soon become one of the highest-grossing Indian films ever