The recent controversy surrounding remarks made by filmmaker S. S. Rajamouli during the launch event of his film Varanasi has been making rounds in newspapers, digital news platforms, and on social media platforms. It is an example of how comments by public figures can be taken out of context, how one-sided reporting shapes narratives, and how sensationalism has become the trend.
Let’s look at the facts of what happened and the reactions that followed.
Varanasi Launch
During the promotional event for Varanasi on 15 November 2025 at Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad, a technical glitch delayed the trailer screening. After the issue was resolved, Rajamouli made the following remark (in Telugu) :
“I don’t have much faith in God. My father said that Lord Hanuman will be with me during this event and make sure things run smoothly. When this happened (the glitch), I got angry and felt is this how He (Lord Hanuman) makes things run smoothly? My wife is very fond of Lord Hanuman. She treats Him like a friend and keeps talking to Him. I got angry at her too, wondering is this how He (Lord Hanuman) takes care?”
It appears that Rajamouli was simply recounting a conversation he had with his father and expressing frustration toward his family members for insisting that “God will take care” of the event.
Rajamouli’s Past Comments
In an interview during the RRR (2022) press tour, Rajamouli clarified his views on spirituality and said that he doesn’t believe in God or religion the way it is potrayed today and that the idea of an eternal superpower is a complex subject beyond his understanding. He went on to say that he cannot ascertain his belief or disbelief in god with a simple yes or no. (paraphrased without altering intent)
Public Reactions
Social media particularly X (formerly Twitter) saw users express mixed reactions towards Rajamouli’s statements. Some users felt his comments were disrespectful to Hindu beliefs and called for a boycott of the film Varanasi. Others argued he profits from depicting Hindu mythology while personally rejecting belief in God. Many defended him, noting that personal faith is an individual matter and that he meant no harm to practicing Hindus.
Legal Action
On 18 November 2025, a complaint was filed by the Rashtriya Vanara Sena (a Hindutva organisation that aims to work for the protection of temples in Telangana) at the Saroornagar Police Station, Hyderabad. The complaint alleged that Rajamouli’s statements hurt Hindu sentiments.
Political Reactions
Madhavi Latha, BJP MP, expressed her dissent on X, stating that a public figure of Rajamouli’s stature should be careful about sharing personal beliefs because they may influence large audiences. T. Raja Singh, BJP MLA, responded aggressively, urging people to boycott the film and calling for legal action against the director for allegedly hurting religious sentiments.
(This is a paraphrased summary of their statements. Readers are encouraged to refer to their complete posts for full context.)
Constitutional Context
An important point to highlight to the public and media is that legal experts note that Article 25 of the Indian Constitution protects not only the right to practise religion but also the right to not hold any religious beliefs, or even hold religious disbelief and this provision of Article 25 has been repeatedly upheld by the Supreme Court.
Creative Freedom and Public Responsibility
A filmmaker or storyteller draws inspiration from a wide range of sources and does not need to believe in everything they portray. Rajamouli has previously stated his liking for Indian epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, and as a storyteller, he has the creative liberty to draw from them irrespective of his personal beliefs.
It is important for the public to respond responsibly to such incidents instead of resorting to baseless online outrage. Similarly, the media bears the responsibility of avoiding misinterpretation, sensationalism, and removal of context as doing so distorts public perception.
