SS Rajamouli faced controversy and a police complaint after making remarks about Lord Hanuman during the launch event of his film "Varanasi." Due to technical failures at the teaser launch held at Ramoji Film City, Rajamouli, visibly emotional, expressed skepticism about divine intervention, saying in Telugu that he did not strongly believe in God and referenced his father's statement about Lord Hanuman's blessings amid the glitches. He also mentioned his wife's devotion to Hanuman, which contrasted with his own doubtful stance. These comments were perceived by many as disrespectful to Hindu religious sentiments, especially given Rajamouli's renowned mythologically influenced films like "Baahubali" and "RRR." This triggered outrage on social media and led the Rashtriya Vanara Sena to file a formal complaint alleging hurt religious sentiments and derogatory remarks against Lord Hanuman, demanding legal action. The police had yet to take action at the time of reporting[1][2][3][4][5][6]. The teaser of "Varanasi" hinted at a time-travel storyline with mythological visuals, elevating sensitivity around the remarks. Fans and users demanded a public apology from Rajamouli, some even calling for boycotts of the film, which stars Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran and is slated for release during Sankranti 2027[2][5].
Citations
1.https://www.gulte.com/movienews/382431/police-complaint-filed-on-rajamouli-what-happened
2.https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/ss-rajamouli-blames-lord-hanuman-after-technical-failure-at-varanasi-teaser-launch-triggers-outrage-online-fans-seek-public-apology/articleshow/125366154.cms
3.https://www.indiatvnews.com/entertainment/regional-cinema/fir-filed-against-ss-rajamouli-over-lord-hanuman-statement-varanasi-movie-mahesh-babu-priyanka-chopra-2025-11-18-1017995
4.https://www.thestatesman.com/entertainment/southern_cinema/ss-rajamouli-under-fire-complaint-lodged-over-i-dont-believe-in-god-hanuman-remark-at-varanasi-event-1503513773.html
5.https://www.instagram.com/p/DRMLzjkk-y-/
6.https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/rajamoulis-controversial-comments-lord-hanuman-religious-debate-varanasi-trailer-launch-2821912-2025-11-18
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Citations
1.https://www.gulte.com/movienews/382431/police-complaint-filed-on-rajamouli-what-happened
2.https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/ss-rajamouli-blames-lord-hanuman-after-technical-failure-at-varanasi-teaser-launch-triggers-outrage-online-fans-seek-public-apology/articleshow/125366154.cms
3.https://www.indiatvnews.com/entertainment/regional-cinema/fir-filed-against-ss-rajamouli-over-lord-hanuman-statement-varanasi-movie-mahesh-babu-priyanka-chopra-2025-11-18-1017995
4.https://www.thestatesman.com/entertainment/southern_cinema/ss-rajamouli-under-fire-complaint-lodged-over-i-dont-believe-in-god-hanuman-remark-at-varanasi-event-1503513773.html
5.https://www.instagram.com/p/DRMLzjkk-y-/
6.https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/rajamoulis-controversial-comments-lord-hanuman-religious-debate-varanasi-trailer-launch-2821912-2025-11-18
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This email was sent automatically with n8n