The “Baahubali” universe has been expanded with comics and video games.

At IndiaJoy, an ongoing media and entertainment expo here on Wednesday, Rana said: “Today’s value is in the franchise. Not just in the film called ‘Baahubali’ called but the entire idea of the world of Mahishmati.

“People live these characters in their minds and want their experiences to transcend beyond just a few hours in theatres. As creators and storytellers, we should recognize the value of what we already are.”

He stressed on the storytelling ability rooted in Indian culture and said it is highly valued internationally — both in the West and the East, read a statement.

“The depth of mythological characters that India has is enormous. What is important is how we can build that content, make it relevant to an Indian audience, and take it international,” Rana said.

He said Japan has become one of the countries that have shown a keen interest in Indian mythology and storytelling. In fact, he said people in Japan preferred watching “Baahubali” in Telugu with Japanese subtitles.

On advice for upcoming entrepreneurs and storytellers, Rana said: “There is no mantra that anyone can teach you. Your mantra can only come from within you, from your beliefs sculpted by your experiences, your failures, more than your successes.”

Rana had gone to Singapore for a professional commitment when he went to a book store. He found that the store had sold a large number of copies of a comic based on the film “Baahubali” series. The comic book in Japanese language is getting a positive response in the Asian market.

“Trans media of films as comics/graphic novels and reliving all of that through merchandise for films like ‘Star Wars’, ‘Jurassic Park’ or titles in the DC/Marvel cinematic universe is what I grew up on,” Rana said in a statement.

“Having been part of probably the first Indian film that broke boundaries not only nationally but on all platforms available as book comics, soon as a show and going all the way to Japan as Manga comics really makes me feel fortunate… Just to be a part of something so special and open up potential of where Indian storytelling can go in the future.

“‘Baahubali’ has done to Indian cinema what ‘Star Wars’ has done to America. I really feel we are in our best time now,” he added.

“Baahubali: The Beginning” and “Baahubali 2: The Conclusion” stars Prabhas and Rana as the male protagonists. The film’s story is about the battle for the ownership of an ancient kingdom between two brothers. The story is woven together in two parts with dance, music, emotion and drama.

“Dulquer Salmaan is a very fine actor and a very dear friend. I am very happy with the kind of progress he is making with his cinema. I would like to do something with him in the future,” Rana told.

While the two are yet to star in a film together, Rana acted in the 2016 Indian Tamil film “Bangalore Naatkal” — a remake of “Bangalore Days” that had Dulquer playing a pivotal role.

“‘Bangalore Days’… I was a part of its Tamil remake. The film did terribly (at the box office). I wish we hadn’t remade such a beautiful film, but I was just greedy to play the role of (actor) Fahadh Faasil in the original film,” said Rana.

Fahadh played Shivadas in the 2014 Malayalam film “Bangalore Days”.