Filmmaker SS Rajamouli has sparked a controversy after remarks he made during the pre-release Globe Trotter event for his upcoming film Varanasi. While addressing technical glitches on stage, the director emotionally shared that he felt “let down” by Lord Hanuman, adding that he does not believe in God. The comment triggered criticism across social media, and a complaint was later filed against him for allegedly hurting religious sentiments.
Now, filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has stepped forward to defend Rajamouli, describing the backlash as unnecessary and rooted in insecurity rather than faith.
Ram Gopal Varma’s response
In a detailed post on X, Varma criticised the reactions aimed at Rajamouli. “Being an atheist in India is not a crime,” he wrote. He highlighted Article 25 of the Constitution, which protects freedom of belief, including the right not to believe.
Varma argued that Rajamouli is entitled to express his atheism just as others are free to express their beliefs. Responding to criticism about Rajamouli portraying deities in his films despite not believing in them, Varma wrote, “By that logic, should a filmmaker become a gangster to make a gangster film, or a ghost to make a horror film?”
He also stated that Rajamouli’s extraordinary success — despite his atheism — may be the real reason behind the outrage.
‘Rajamouli being an atheist does not reduce God’
Varma continued by saying that Rajamouli’s success challenges those who believe faith alone determines achievement. “The real problem is he succeeded without believing in God, and that scares the ones who failed even after praying,” he wrote.
He added that defending God in this context only undermines faith: “Rajamouli being an atheist does not reduce God. It only increases the insecurity of those who think faith collapses the moment someone stops believing. God is fine. Rajamouli is fine.”
He concluded by calling the backlash “plain jealousy masquerading as belief in God.”
How the controversy began
The debate started at Rajamouli’s Varanasi event when he apologised to fans for the disruptions caused by technical issues. Speaking in Telugu, he said:
“I don’t believe in God. My father said Hanuman will guide me. When this glitch happened, I felt angry. Is this how He helps me?”
Rajamouli was visibly emotional during the moment and paused his speech midway.
On November 15, the Vanara Sena organisation filed a complaint against him for allegedly hurting religious sentiments during the event.
About the film Varanasi
Varanasi stars Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran in lead roles. The film is scheduled for release during Sankranthi 2027.
