SS Rajamouli's Atheism Comments Spark Controversy at Film Launch

Renowned Indian filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli has stirred significant controversy following his recent comments about atheism during the launch event for his upcoming film, 'Varanasi'. Known for his epic films that draw heavily from Hindu mythology, Rajamouli's statements have prompted widespread discussion and mixed reactions from the public.

At the event, Rajamouli expressed his emotions candidly, stating, "This is an emotional moment for me. I don’t believe in God." He elaborated on his feelings of frustration regarding a series of technical issues that plagued the event, mentioning his father's belief in the protective power of Lord Hanuman. "My dad came and said Lord Hanuman will take care of things from behind. Is this how he takes care? Thinking of this, I am angry," he added.

The filmmaker's remarks were particularly striking given his history of integrating mythological themes into his work. His previous films, such as 'RRR' and 'Baahubali', have been noted for their rich tapestry of Hindu narratives, making his statements all the more surprising to fans and critics alike.

Rajamouli continued to share his family dynamics, noting that his wife also holds Lord Hanuman in high regard. He mentioned, "My wife is also fond of Lord Hanuman. She behaves as if he’s her friend and converses with him. I got angry at her as well." This personal anecdote added layers to his public declaration of atheism, leading many to question the apparent contradiction with his creative pursuits.

The director's comments have not gone unnoticed, as they have drawn criticism from various audience members. Some expressed confusion over his statements, particularly in light of his film's title and its mythological connections. One social media user remarked, "It was not fair on the part of Rajamouli, like saying he doesn’t believe in God. How come he titled the movie 'Varanasi' and used mythological characters? Doesn’t he know the people get hurt? Not expected from a man of his stature."

Conversely, another user defended Rajamouli, suggesting that whether or not he genuinely believed in a deity was irrelevant to his artistic expression. This user stated, "Let’s say Rajamouli lied about being an atheist, so what is the big deal? He’s not targeting any community, just taking Hindu mythology as inspiration for his characters, so what exactly is triggering leftists?"

During the event, Rajamouli also elaborated on his long-standing fascination with the Indian epics, particularly the 'Ramayana' and 'Mahabharata'. He reflected on how these stories have shaped his career, stating, "Since my childhood, I’ve spoken many times about what the Ramayana and Mahabharata mean to me, and how making them is my dream project. I never imagined I would get to shoot an important episode from the Ramayana this early." He recounted the emotional experience of seeing actor Mahesh Babu dressed as Lord Rama during a photoshoot, describing it as a moment filled with nostalgia and excitement.

Furthermore, Rajamouli provided insights into the extensive production efforts behind 'Varanasi', revealing that the pivotal mythological sequences were shot over a period of 60 days. He remarked, "Every single day was a challenge. Every episode and sub-episode felt like a film by itself. Everything had to be reimagined and freshly planned. Crossing all those hurdles, we finally wrapped the sequence. I believe it will be one of the most memorable portions of the film."

'Varanasi' is set to hit theatres in the summer of 2027, featuring a star-studded cast that includes Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Prithviraj Sukumaran. The film is highly anticipated, particularly given Rajamouli's previous successes, and it remains to be seen how his recent comments will influence audience reception.

As discussions continue around his remarks, Rajamouli's dual identity as a filmmaker steeped in mythology and a self-proclaimed atheist raises questions about the intersection of personal belief and artistic expression in contemporary cinema.