SS Rajamouli’s blockbuster magnum opus, Baahubali, made headlines once again after it bagged the coveted ‘Best Film’ award in the recently announced 63rd National Film Awards for the year 2015. As accolades from all avenues continue to pour in for the entire team, there has been some debate in the media about the award as to why Bahubali was selected as ‘Best Film’ and not in other categories such as ‘Visual effects’.

As per our sources, three persons have influenced the award committee in making sure the magnum opus gets Best Film award. Central Minister Venkayya Naidu and former politician and actor Krishnam Raju, who have contacts with all the bigwigs are said to have played a pivotal role. Then, K. Vasu has played a crucial part in Baahubali’s journey towards winning the award. K. Vasu is a close aide of Krishnam Raju and also a key member of the 11 member jury that declared the winners.

Also, there were some debates in national papers such as Indian Express which has directly stated that Baahubali is not an apt choice for the Best Film award. In its article, it mentioned that Baahubali has put regional cinema on national and international pedestal. In ‘The Hindu’, it was stated that regional cinema must be given thorough importance.

Here is Sridhar Sattiraju’s article in Deccan Chronicle as to why he thinks Sanjay Leela Bhansali outscored Rajamouli as best director.