The craze for 'Baahubali' needs no introduction. It's a pan-Indian film that has enjoyed even international popularity. The average Indian movie buff knows its characters by name, right from Baahubali to Kattappa and Sivagami.

Even by these Baahubalian standards, however, the Prime Minister himself invoking not just a character's name, but a theme itself is huge. Delivering a campaign speech in Uttar Pradesh, Modi yesterday said, "In a movie, a character called Baahubali was killed by Kattappa in the end. After March 11, police`s baton will take care of them like Kattappa did," Modi has been quoted as saying.

"Punish Congress, SP and BSP for neglecting UP for years. Do whatever possible to defeat BJP, PM Modi dares SP-Cong and BSP; but don`t ruin the future of UP," Modi said.

Taking to twitter, writer Sira Sri congratulated Rajamouli: "I think this is the first time in history where a PM referred to a Telugu film in UP Election Campaign. You made it really big Rajamouli ji."

Well, indeed!