Filmmaker SS Rajamouli has become embroiled in controversy following remarks he made about Lord Hanuman during the promotional event for his upcoming film “Varanasi,” which stars Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra.
At the event held on November 15 at Ramoji Film City, Rajamouli, visibly frustrated by technical glitches, expressed his personal disbelief in God, recounting a conversation with his father and wife about their faith in Lord Hanuman.
He questioned the divine support after the technical failure, comments which quickly sparked outrage.
The remarks hurt the sentiments of many devotees, leading the ‘Rashtriya Vanara Sena’ organization to file a police complaint against Rajamouli at the Saroornagar police station in Hyderabad. The complaint accuses the director of hurting Hindu religious sentiments by his statements, escalating a heated online debate into a formal legal matter.
The police are currently investigating the complaint.This controversy is particularly notable as the film “Varanasi” itself incorporates Hindu mythology, including scenes inspired by Lord Hanuman.
Rajamouli has not yet responded publicly to the complaint or backlash. The film, featuring a star-studded cast and blending mythology with modern storytelling, is slated for release during Sankranti in 2027. This incident highlights the sensitive intersection of faith, art, and public discourse in Indian cinema today.