Dream Theatre named licensing, brand partnerships partner for Baahubali franchise

Arka Media Works has appointed Dream Theatre as the exclusive licensing and merchandising partner for India for the Baahubali franchise, as the property expands into animation with the upcoming two-part CGI film Baahubali: The Eternal War.

Under the partnership, Dream Theatre will also serve as a strategic partner for international licensing, sponsorships, brand associations, promotional tie-ups and co-branded initiatives, the companies said in a statement.

The mandate will cover consumer products and brand partnerships across the existing Baahubali franchise as well as The Eternal War – Part 1 and Part 2. Categories will include apparel, collectibles, figures, bags, stationery, publishing, gaming and experiential initiatives.


The Baahubali films have together grossed more than Rs 2,400 crore worldwide and have built an audience across India and international markets.

The franchise is now expanding into animation with Baahubali: The Eternal War, produced by Arka Media Works and directed by Ishan Shukla. The two-part CGI animated epic follows Baahubali after his death as he enters the afterlife and encounters a conflict spanning 14 realms of existence.

The film draws on Indian mythology while developing a new visual world through stylised CGI animation. It was selected for the Work in Progress programme at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2026, giving the project an early international platform.

“Baahubali has always had the potential to grow beyond film, and The Eternal War gives us a new way to explore that world. I’m happy to have Dream Theatre come on board as we expand the franchise into new experiences for audiences,” S.S. Rajamouli, creator of the Baahubali franchise, said.

Shobu Yarlagadda, CEO, Arka Media Works, said licensing was an important part of expanding the Baahubali universe and that the company was looking for a partner with an understanding of both the business and the franchise.

Dream Theatre founder and CEO Jiggy George said the existing franchise’s identity and audience, combined with the animated films, opened up opportunities for products, partnerships and experiences across India and international markets.