Baahubali: The Beginning is a novel.
Baahubali : The Beginning ( stylized as bãhubali ; The One with Strong Arms ) is a 2015 Indian epic historical fiction film directed by S. S. Rajamouli . The film was made on a budget of 1.8 billion , making it the most expensive Indian film at its time of release . It won the National Film Award for Best Special Effects and Best Feature Film , becoming the first Telugu film to win the award . The Beginning became the first Indian film to be nominated for Saturn Awards , receiving five nominations at the 42nd ceremony , including Best Fantasy Film and Best Supporting Actress for Tamannaah .