Why doesn't Baahubali feature in the IMDB top movies?

Understanding the IMDB Ranking System

In the world of film, IMDB is considered as the ultimate yardstick of a movie's success and popularity. What many people may not realize is that the IMDB ratings are not simply based on the number of stars a movie gets. Instead, IMDB uses a complex algorithm which takes into account several factors like the number of votes a movie has received, the demographic of the voters, and even the number of votes of the top-rated films. Understanding this algorithm is the key to understanding why a movie like Baahubali, despite its immense popularity and success, does not feature in the IMDB top movies.

The Popularity of Baahubali

Baahubali, an Indian epic action film directed by S. S. Rajamouli, has been a sensation in the world of Indian cinema. The film broke numerous box office records and became the highest-grossing film in India, third highest-grossing Indian film worldwide, and highest-grossing South Indian film, at the time of its release. Its breathtaking visuals, compelling storyline, and larger-than-life characters have made it a favourite among audiences worldwide.

Breaking Down the IMDB Algorithm

The IMDB ratings are calculated using a formula that takes into account the number of votes a movie has received and the rating given by each voter. The formula also includes a term that minimizes the effect of votes from less reliable voters. Additionally, for a movie to be included in the Top 250, it needs to have a certain minimum number of votes, which is currently set at 25,000. This is where a movie like Baahubali might fall short, despite its popularity.

The Demographic Factor

Another factor that influences the IMDB ratings is the demographic of the voters. It is generally observed that Western films tend to get higher ratings as compared to non-Western films. This is because the majority of IMDB users are from the West, and they are more likely to vote for movies that they can relate to. This could be one of the reasons why Baahubali, despite its widespread popularity, does not feature in the IMDB top movies.

The Language Barrier

Baahubali, being a non-English movie, might also suffer due to the language barrier. Although the movie was dubbed in several languages, including English, it is primarily a Telugu and Tamil movie. Non-English movies, no matter how good they are, often struggle to break into the IMDB Top 250 due to this language barrier.

A Matter of Perception

Another possible reason could be the perception of Indian cinema in the world. Indian cinema, especially Bollywood, is often stereotyped as being overly dramatic and song-and-dance-oriented. This perception, albeit changing, might have influenced the votes and ratings Baahubali received on IMDB.

Popular Vs Critical Success

It's important to remember that popularity does not always translate into critical success. Baahubali was immensely popular and was a huge box-office success. However, critical success, which is often a factor in IMDB ratings, might not always align with popular opinion.

Future Possibilities

Despite not featuring in the IMDB top movies, Baahubali has certainly made its mark in the world of cinema. With changing perceptions and increasing global exposure, it is quite possible that in the future, we might see more non-English, non-Western films like Baahubali breaking into the IMDB Top 250.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Baahubali might not feature in the IMDB top movies, it does not in any way diminish its success or popularity. The IMDB ratings are just one way of evaluating a movie's success, and not always the definitive one. After all, the true measure of a movie's success is the impact it leaves on its audience, and Baahubali has certainly achieved that.