Studio Khara Joins Animated 'Baahubali' Film – Featuring Akira Honma, Noriko Ito, and Mahiro Maeda

Japanese animation studio Khara, known for the 'Evangelion' series, has joined the production of the animated feature film 'BAAHUBALI: THE ETERNAL WAR PART 1 (original title)'. The film continues the story of the Indian live-action saga 'Baahubali' and is set for a worldwide theatrical release in 2027. With a budget considered the highest in the history of Indian animated films, the project is an international co-production involving studios from India, France, the United Kingdom, and now Japan.

The story picks up after the events of the live-action films: The murdered King Amarendra Baahubali awakens in the afterlife and becomes embroiled in a cosmic war between the gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras). Directed by Ishan Shukla, who previously worked on 'Star Wars: Visions', the screenplay is by Scott Mosier ('The Grinch'). The music is once again composed by M.M. Keeravani, who won an Oscar for his work on 'RRR' and the original 'Baahubali' films. Prabhas and Ramya Krishnan, the lead actors from the live-action films, reprise their roles as voice actors.

Khara is handling a portion of the animation and has assembled its own creative team: Akira Honma directs this segment, Noriko Ito designs the characters, and Mahiro Maeda – co-director of 'Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time' – serves as a lead creative contributor. The Japanese production company SlowCurve, which brought Khara on board, handles planning and production coordination between the Japanese and international teams. Initial concept art from Khara has already been released.

The film has been selected for the 'Work in Progress' program of the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2026, where new footage and insights into the production status are currently being presented. A Japanese distributor or theatrical release has not yet been confirmed.