Hyderabad: Hanuman’s Wrath: Rajamouli’s Raw Remark Sparks FIR
Director SS Rajamouli finds himself at the center of a storm after a heated moment at the launch event for his upcoming film Varanasi. What started as frustration over technical glitches quickly escalated into accusations of disrespect toward Lord Hanuman. The incident has ignited fierce debates on faith, free speech, and the weight of words from a filmmaker known for epic tales rooted in mythology.
The trouble unfolded on November 15 at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad during the GlobeTrotter event. As the team unveiled the first glimpse of Varanasi, repeated audio-visual failures left the crowd restless. Rajamouli, visibly emotional, took the stage to apologize to fans who had traveled far. In a candid outburst, he shared his atheism and frustration, saying he felt let down by Hanuman after his father invoked the deity’s blessings.
Complaint Ignites Legal Fire
Rashtriya Vanara Sena, a group advocating for Hindu sentiments, wasted no time in responding. They filed a formal complaint at Saroornagar Police Station in Hyderabad, charging Rajamouli with hurting religious feelings through derogatory remarks. The organization pointed to a perceived trend of insensitivity toward Hindu deities in cinema, demanding immediate action to prevent future incidents.
Police have registered the case, but no arrests or further steps have been announced as of November 18. Activists argue that such comments undermine cultural reverence, especially from someone whose blockbusters like Baahubali and RRR draw heavily from epics. They call for a thorough probe to set a precedent in the industry.
Social Media Erupts in Divide
The clip of Rajamouli’s speech spread like wildfire online, splitting opinions down the middle. Supporters view it as a raw, human reaction born of stress, praising his honesty amid chaos caused by leaks and glitches. Critics, however, label it unacceptable hypocrisy, questioning how a director profiting from mythological themes can dismiss faith so bluntly.
Key reactions include:
- Calls for a public apology to mend the divide.
- Defenses highlighting Rajamouli’s track record of respectful portrayals in films.
- Broader discussions on balancing personal beliefs with public influence.
This backlash comes just as Varanasi gears up, with whispers of a teaser leak adding to the pre-release buzz. Starring Mahesh Babu as a Rama-inspired figure, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Prithviraj Sukumaran, the film promises grand mythological sequences shot over 60 grueling days. Aimed for a 2027 Sankranti release, it explores themes of divinity and destiny in the holy city.
As the dust settles, the episode raises tough questions about where frustration ends and offense begins in India’s vibrant cultural space. Will Rajamouli address the uproar, or let his work speak? The coming days could shape more than just headlines.