'Anushka Shetty will take centrestage in Baahubali 2'

For the first time, writer Vijayendra Prasad -- the creator of the Baahubali franchise -- sheds light on the second part of the film.

"The audiences expects us to take the story to a higher level in every sense. But the truth is the second part of Baahubali was written into the first part. We already knew where we were going to take the characters and the plot. So the surprises in the sequel are for the audience, not for us," says Prasad, who is also Baahubali director S S Rajamouli's father.

However, Rajamouli promises to surprise himself in Baahubali 3.

"We will have more freedom to go into the unexpected in the third part, as it will not be related to the first two parts of Baahubali. It will be an entirely new self-contained experience."

As for Baahubali 2, here's what we can expect.

"It will be more dramatic than the first part," says Prasad. "Anushka Shetty's character of the queen in exile will take centrestage. The plot points from the first part will be taken to a new level, so that the audience doesn't feel it is watching a repeat performance."

The father-son duo will not be interacting in the sets during the shooting of Baahubali 2.

"Once I finish writing, my job is done," says Prasad. "But if Raja is stuck or wants to make a change, he can consult me."

What we won't see is Madhuri Dixit.

"We have no idea where this came from," Prasad confirms. "The thought of casting her hasn't even entered our minds."

In the picture: Anushka Shetty.