Even the mightiest near-400 crore grosser “Baahubali” has faced the allegations of plagiarism as the ‘infant’ poster of this film is pretty close to the look of a Hollywood film named “Simon Birch”. With such comparisons inevitable, a film that is actually supposed to boost patriotism among Indian film lovers has slipped into one.

“Phantom” is an upcoming movie directed by Kabir Khan, who is enjoying the super success of Bajrangi Bhaijaan. This film is a fiction, but based on the actual Mumbai 2008 shootouts by Pakistan based terrorists. First look of the film is released the other day and it’s just goosebumps.

However it is now being said that “Phantom” posters are a rip off Hollywood digital game “Homefront” posters. It is okay if a normal film gets inspired from any movie, but if a film that is said to be patriotic in nature gets tangled in that web, people get perplexed.

Meanwhile, posters show that both Saif Ali Khan and Katrina Kaif are blindfolded with Indian flag itself and that is being seen as a National insult by some netizens now. Creative freedom is at stake, any doubts about it?

The mighty Baahubali storm has not slowed down despite the stiff competition from Salman’s Eid blockbuster Bajarangi Bhaijaan. Both the films’ are in a close competition to edge past the other film. One man who is a common link between the two films is the star story writer Vijayendra Prasad. While the 72-year old writer penned story for Baahubali, he was credited for providing original story and screenplay for Bajarangi Bhaijaan.

Popular international magazine Forbes has now featured a special article on Vijayendra Prasad, a rare honour for India writers. The Forbes Contributor Rob Cain even equaled Baahubali’s war sequences to that of Hollywood’s epic socio fantasy film, Lord of the Rings trilogy. Talking about Vijayendra Prasad’s pen’s might in drafting the emotional drama in Bajarangi Bhaijaan, the Forbes said that the writer “brilliantly explored the themes of love and devotion, of prejudices across castes, religions, and political boundaries”.

Interestingly, on being asked how he could write to stories that talked about epic war, betrayal and violence in Baahubali and the gentle, non-violent story for Bajarangi Bhaijaan, Vijayendra Prasad replies to Forbes, “After you eat a sweet, don’t you like to eat something salty too?”

Who wouldn’t wish to visit the world of Mahishmathi especially after being aware of the never ending critical acclaim and unbelievable revenue generation? Even Governor of Telugu States isn’t an exception!

A special screening of ‘Baahubali’ was arranged at Prasad Labs in Banjara Hills for Governor Narasimhan, his wife Vimala and other family members on Friday evening.

During Manchu Mannoj’s Wedding Ceremony, Narasimhan & his Wife openly expressed their liking for Mahesh Babu in the presence of Namrata & Mohan Babu. This incident only sent the message that the duo were ardent movie buffs. With ‘Baahubali’, A confirmation was received in this regard.

‘Baahubali’ has created history by collecting a gross of Rs 400 crore and share of over Rs 225 crore within 15 Days. The historic Box Office run will continue for at least couple of weeks from now.

Filmmaker Gunasekhar says he’s been fascinated by the story of queen Rudhramadevi – on which his upcoming eponymous film is based – ever since he heard it as a school boy.

“I read about Rudhramadevi in school and since then her inspiring story has stayed with me. Her valour fascinated me so much that when I became a filmmaker, I decided to make a film on her story at any cost,” Gunasekhar told IANS.

The film, which features Anushka Shetty in the lead, is the story of the reigning queen of Kakatiya dynasty.After months of delay, the film will finally hit the screens on September 4.

“We’re in the final leg of post-production but we will definitely arrive on time. Besides Telugu, we also plan to release the film in Tamil and Malayalam. The Hindi version will be released at a later stage,” he said.

Touted to be India’s first stereoscopic 3D film, Gunasekhar said the delay in release was due to the 3D work.”Since the entire film was shot in 3D, designing visual effects turned out to be a daunting and time-consuming process,” said Gunasekhar, and added he spent nine years on research for this project.

“We had to be as authentic as possible in our recreation of the story. Since this is history, the recreation of every minute detail to perfection was very important. My research was backed by the inputs of several historians and industry veterans,” he said.

Although he hadn’t planned to make the film with Anushka, he feels she was destined to do it.”Even before I could approach her, a lot of my industry friends and well-wishers felt she’d be perfect for the lead character. Had it not been for her continuous support, we wouldn’t have completed the film smoothly,” he added.

The film also features Rana Daggubati and Allu Arjun in important roles. Nithya Menen, Prakash Raj, Catherine Tresa, Aditi Chengappa and Krishnam Raju are also part of the ensemble cast.

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan says the inaugration of new academic institutions provide philanthropists a platform to educate and embellish the human spirit and turn out to be a tribute to the “goddess of learning, Saraswati”.The 72-year-old will be inaugurating an academic institution on Saturday.

“Tomorrow is the inauguration of an institution of education and the task of presenting its opening through my chief-ness of guest ! Chief-ness ! Ha…an invented word,” Amitabh, who is son of late poet Harivanshrai Bachchan, posted on his blog on Friday.

“But yes education and its inauguration does find favour among many philanthropists…it also finds favour in its commerce and in its revenue…a revenue not just of giving of education and knowledge, but also a revenue of purpose…of perception…of glory to the Goddess of Learning, Saraswati…of the many manifestations it occupies in the lives of those that are gifted with the qualities required to impart, to teach, to give credence to a future, to embellish human spirit and form…

“Educate one so many can be educated ! Educate none and none shall be elevated (sic),” the 72-year-old added.The “Piku” star, who is UN ambassador for the girl child, was also the Guest of Honour at a function at the US consulate to celebrate the country’s Independence Day earlier this month.

He is also a recipient of ‘Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters’ — a civilian award by the French government.  Amitabh, who has been associated with the film industry since last four decades, was also honoured with the Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian award of India.

On career front, he will next be seen in Bejoy Nambiar’s “Wazir”. The film also stars Farhan Akhtar and Aditi Rao Hydari.