Indian action epic Baahubali: The Beginning will become the first ever South Asian movie in the Royal Albert Hall's Films in Concert series - taking its place alongside James Bond and Harry Potter - when it arrives with a full orchestra next year.
The record-breaking blockbuster is one of three titles confirmed today for 2019, alongside Skyfall and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in Concert. The pioneering Films in Concert series, which is celebrating its 10th year, has featured more than 40 classic films - including The Godfather, Star Wars and Brassed Off - each with their unforgettable scores performed live to picture by one of the world's leading symphony orchestras. So far, 478,753 tickets have been sold across 132 performances.
Baahubali: The Beginning, the epic story of a rebellious warrior, broke all domestic box-office records on its release in 2015, before being crowned 'best film' at the Indian Oscars. Directed by the visionary S. S. Rajamouli, it stars Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Tamannaah and Anushka Shetty. M. M. Keeravani's stirring score will be brought to life by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra.
Lucy Noble, Artistic Director of the Royal Albert Hall, said: "We're thrilled to announce the first three titles in 2019's Films in Concert programme. From Gladiator to Home Alone, this year's events have proved more popular than ever, and we're proud to present both returning favourites - in the shape of Harry Potter and James Bond - as well as something entirely different: the world premiere of Baahubali: The Beginning live in concert: a unique celebration of a cinematic phenomenon."
Skyfall in Concert is the second film to be presented in the James Bond Concert Series, following the world premiere of Casino Royale in Concert, which sold out at the Hall in 2017. As Daniel Craig returns as the legendary 007 - pitted against ruthless cyberterrorist and former British agent Silva (Javier Bardem) - audiences can enjoy Thomas Newman's BAFTA-winning score, performed live and in full by the RPCO. Skyfall itself received its first ever showing at the Hall, in October 2012, when director Sam Mendes and his star-studded cast attended the Royal World Premiere.
Meanwhile, the Harry Potter Film Concert Series returns to the Royal Albert Hall for the fourth instalment from J.K. Rowling's Wizarding World - Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in Concert, which features Patrick Doyle's unforgettable score. Following acclaimed, sell-out performances of the earlier films, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire will play in high-definition on a 40-foot screen while the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra performs the magical score live to picture.
Tickets go on sale at 9am Friday from www.royalalberthall.com. Further Films in Concert titles will be announced soon. Baahubali: The Beginning LIVE is screening in Hindi with English subtitles.
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