MUMBAI: Acclaimed director SS Rajamouli, the creative force behind global blockbusters like RRR and the Baahubali series, is currently at the centre of a significant controversy.
A police complaint, known as an FIR (First Information Report), has been filed against him. The legal action was taken by the Rashtriya Vanara Sena.
(ALSO READ: SS Rajamouli’s ‘Varanasi’ Grand Launch Event Now Streaming on YouTube)
The complaint alleges that the remarks Rajamouli made about God hurt religious sentiments.
The incident occurred on November 15, 2025, in Hyderabad during the first glimpse reveal event for his highly anticipated upcoming film, Varanasi.
The movie is a blend of mythology and modern storytelling, starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Prithviraj Sukumaran.
The event, held at Ramoji Film City, drew over 50,000 enthusiastic fans. However, it was marred by severe technical glitches that delayed the teaser presentation.
It was in this moment of intense frustration that Rajamouli, who consistently identifies as an atheist, spoke candidly. He referenced the pressure he felt from his family, who had tried to reassure him things would run smoothly with a divine blessing.
He was quoted as saying: “I don't have much faith in gods. This is an emotional moment for me. I don't believe in God.”
He then mentioned his father, who had suggested divine intervention: “My dad came and said Lord Hanuman will take care of things for me. After the glitch happened, I raised my voice at him, saying, 'Is this how he leads me?'”
He also revealed a personal argument with his wife: “My wife is a big admirer of Hanuman. She treats God like her friend and talks to him. I expressed my anger at her too, saying, 'Is this how he does things?'”
The irony is that the teaser for Varanasi itself reportedly features a brief but significant depiction of Lord Hanuman in a sequence inspired by the Treta Yuga, linking the film's narrative directly to the mythology Rajamouli discussed.
The film is slated for a 2026 release.
As of now, SS Rajamouli has not yet issued any public statement or clarification regarding the FIR or the ongoing social media backlash. The incident has stirred debate on the balance between artistic expression, personal belief, and public sensitivity in India.
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CREDIT: INDIA FORUM
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