Director Ishaan Shukla addresses comparisons after fans link film sequence to Kung Fu Panda

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A debate began online after viewers noticed similarities between a fight sequence in Baahubali: The Eternal War and scenes from Kung Fu Panda. Director Ishaan Shukla responded to the claims during a Reddit AMA, where he shared that he had not watched Kung Fu Panda but understood why the comparisons surfaced. He said the sequence features floating debris that carries a deeper meaning within the story.

Shukla Explains the Creative Approach


Shukla addressed a fan’s detailed question about the shot showing Indra battling a red monster-like creature amid flying pillars. The resemblance to Kung Fu Panda’s jailbreak and bridge fight scenes drew attention. 

Shukla clarified that the similarities likely came from the aerial nature of the fight rather than direct inspiration. “This floating debris has a very specific meaning in the story. You will see,” he wrote, adding that the moments were shaped by the film’s narrative needs.

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Team Includes Artists from Spider-Verse and Arcane


The filmmaker also confirmed that artists who previously worked on Spider-Verse and Arcane are part of the team developing Baahubali: The Eternal War. Shukla shared that Alcyde, one of the studios associated with the project, employs several contributors from those acclaimed titles. The update drew strong interest from animation fans who expect a significant visual leap for the Baahubali universe.

Baahubali - The Eternal War Part 1 Teaser (Telugu) | Prabhas | Ishan Shukla | SS Rajamouli | 2027

A New Chapter in the Baahubali Franchise


Baahubali The Eternal War takes place after the death of Amarendra Baahubali and follows his confrontation with Lord Indra, teased as a major conflict. SS Rajamouli's presentation, along with Shobu Yarlagadda and Prasad Devineni's production, results in a 2027 theatrical release for the film. The dialogues were penned by Deva Katta and Madan Karky, and the story was developed by Shukla and Sowmya Sharma.

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Why the Debate Matters Now


The comparisons highlight how global influences often intermingle in modern animation. Fans are closely watching Baahubali: The Eternal War because the franchise carries enormous cultural weight in India. As the project brings international talent and ambitious world-building together, the discussion shows rising expectations for Indian animation. 

Eventually, it will be the film that will show if the initial discussions and debates are nothing but criticism when the full story unfolds in 2027.