Baahubali 2 to be taken up as a case study at IIM Ahmedabad
That SS Rajamouli's Baahubali series has created greater impact across the world is a known fact. Its music, its grand sets and the film in itself has attained cult status. Now, IIM A has taken up Baahubali 2 as a case study in one of the courses in the institute. The students of Contemporary Film Industry - a business perspective will learn the power of a sequel and how it can derisk a movie as a marketing concept.
The Indian Institue of Management in Ahmedabad was the first business school in Asia to introduce a comprehensive elective course on the movie industry and more than 700 students have opted for the course. The course gives a 360-degree view of the creative industry space with a special focus on movie production.
While speaking to DNA, Professor Bharathan Kandaswamy said, "I will be introducing Bahubali 2 as a case study in the new academic year and it will essentially focus on the power of a sequel and how a sequel can derisk the movie as a marketing concept. There is a research from Stanford University which says that a prequel is always considered better than the sequel but a sequel makes more money than a prequel. Sequels make more money because the producers become more marketing savvy based on the success of a prequel. My course this time will focus on marketing mantras evolving around sequels and how decisions need to be taken that respect art and creativity of a movie and yet are able to make money. Blending art, business and technology is the key."
Interestingly, IIM A will also introduce a comprehensive course on the Business of Television and Online Media from next academic year. "This course has become very relevant and useful as Television and Digital video platforms are technologically converging. MBA students can add significant value by designing new business models and operational processes for these new businesses, Kandaswamy added.
SS Rajamouli's film Baahubali 2 made Rs 100 crore on its opening day. It topped Google India's search trends and was also the top Twitter trend in 2017. On television, it also set a record as the most viewed Hindi film premiere.
While the first- Baahubali: The Beginning, released in 2015, the second part released in 2017. The film featured Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty, Ramya Krishnan, Tamannaah Bhatia, and Sathyaraj.