In a bold move that blurs the line between blockbuster cinema and high‑end animation, Baahubali: The Eternal War has earned a spot in the coveted Work‑in‑Progress program at this year’s Annecy International Animation Film Festival.\n\nThe two‑part computer‑generated saga expands the story of the 2015 and 2017 live‑action blockbusters, and the festival—held each June in the alpine town of Annecy and dubbed the 'Cannes of Animation'—offers a platform for projects still in development.\n\nThe news surfaced in April 2026 when the franchise’s official website announced that director S.

S.

Rajamouli would present the epic at Annecy.

Rajamouli, who co‑created the original films, was involved in the early stages of the script but has not taken an intensive role in the current production.\n\nIshan Shukla directs the film, with visual‑effects specialists and producer Shobu Yarlagadda keeping a close eye on the animation pipeline.

The project is billed as a spiritual continuation of the original movies: it follows the murdered prince Amarendra Baahubali as he enters the afterlife and joins an eternal war that spans fourteen realms, pitting the Devas—symbolic of order—against the Asuras, embodiments of chaos, and positioning the prince’s destiny as a force that could reshape the cosmos.\n\nActor Prabhas, who portrayed both Amarendra and Mahendra in the live‑action series, shared his excitement on Instagram: \"The team is building something truly special.

Can’t wait for the world to see it.\" The post was shared by the franchise’s official account and later echoed in a press release from the production company.\n\nFinancially, the animated series is reported to carry a ₹120 crore budget and is slated for a 2027 release, with the first part scheduled for next year and the second part expected in 2028.

The franchise’s expansion into animation follows earlier ventures, including the 2017‑2020 animated series Baahubali: The Lost Legends and a range of graphic novels and novels.\n\nThe Work‑in‑Progress sessions give filmmakers a chance to showcase unfinished projects to a global audience of industry professionals, critics, and distributors, and are part of a broader program that includes competitions, open‑air screenings at the historic Pâquier venue, and networking events.\n\nIndustry observers note that Baahubali: The Eternal War’s selection signals a growing interest in high‑budget Indian animation projects.

The franchise’s previous films were the highest‑grossing Indian releases, and the animated series is expected to tap into the same fan base while attracting new viewers who prefer animated storytelling.\n\nThe festival’s official schedule lists the presentation in the afternoon slot of the third day of the event.

While the exact screening format—whether a preview, a full trailer, or a short cut‑scene—has not been disclosed, the franchise’s website indicates that the presentation will include a brief behind‑the‑scenes look at the animation process.\n\nIn short, Baahubali: The Eternal War has secured a place at the 2026 Annecy International Animation Film Festival’s Work‑in‑Progress showcase.

Directed by Ishan Shukla, produced under the guidance of Shobu Yarlagadda, and featuring early input from S.

S.

Rajamouli, the two‑part CG‑animated continuation of the Baahubali saga carries a ₹120 crore budget and a planned 2027 release for the first part, poised to bring the franchise’s mythic narrative to a new medium while engaging both existing fans and animation enthusiasts worldwide.