Is Baahubali 2 south Indian cinema or Indian film? AR Rahman's comment sparks debate

Music maestro AR Rahman's comment appreciating SS Rajamouli's Baahubali 2 (Bahubali 2) has split the audience and sparked a debate on whether the Prabhas-starrer is a south cinema or Indian film.

AR Rahman found some time off from his busy schedule to watch Baahubali 2 on Sunday and took to his Facebook account to praise the film unit. He wrote: "To Rajamouli garu, Keeravani garu and the whole team of BB2... Just finished watching it in Chennai. I hope it crosses 2000 cr and above at the box office. You guys have opened the flood gates for South Indian cinema to the world and given it a new identity."

AR Rahman is an Oscar award-winning music and getting appreciation from him was very special for director SS Rajamouli, who was quick in thanking the composer. The Baahubali creator wrote: "Thanks you very much sir. Your appreciation makes it very special.."

Many south Indian fans were happy with AR Rahman categorising Baahubali 2 as South Indian cinema. Many responded to his post. Sachin Deshpande commented: "Bollywood has always classified their movies as Indian Cinema and rest of them as regional cinema. After the success of this movie, they have started owning it and called BB as Indian cinema. Success has many fathers. But I am glad Rahman in a subtle way called it 'South Indian cinema to the world'."

Akshay Nalendran wrote: "I find no fault in his statement where he mentions B2 as a gate opener for South Indian cinema into world cinema recognition. I say so because over all these years, people who reside from other nations watching Indian films knew only about Bollywood. It's high time they should understand down the south there is a lot of talent they fail to see. Through Baahubali that dream is finally happening. The centre of Indian Film Industry is no more residing within the hands of the overrated.."

However, AR Rahman's comment did not go well with some north Indian fans, who couldn't stop expressing their disappointment. They said that the Hindi version of Baahubali 2 has a bigger share in its collection than other versions. So, he should have mentioned it as a success of Indian cinema rather than South Indian film.

Nilesh Sahu commented: "Not expected... South india cinema..... Common man.... It grosses more in hindi ....... So ... It gives new identity to indian cinema.... Including south.... You broke my heart . Rehman sahib."

Karan Agrawal posted: "Not south Indian cinema.. Indian cinema.. sir we don't expect such comments from you.. you are India's legend and not of a particular region."

Fahad Donzai wrote: "It would have been better if you had mentioned it as INDIAN CINEMA .....adding SOUTH wasn't really necessary.... #JustSayin."