The Controversial Moment

At a high-profile event in Hyderabad to unveil the first glimpse of Varanasi, Rajamouli faced a major technical glitch. Frustrated, he expressed anger: “I don’t believe in God,” he said, recalling how his father had once insisted that Lord Hanuman would “take care” of things behind the scenes. Rajamouli added that his wife is deeply devoted to Hanuman — she “talks to him like a friend” — and admitted he had grown angry even at her for her faith.

Backlash and Legal Action

The director’s candid expressions provoked swift backlash online. Critics accused him of hypocrisy — questioning how someone who disavows personal faith can meaningfully use mythological themes so powerfully in his films.

More seriously, a group called Rashtriya Vanara Sena filed a formal complaint at Saroornagar Police Station in Hyderabad. They claim Rajamouli’s remarks are offensive to Hindu religious sentiments, especially given his repeated use of mythological imagery in earlier blockbusters.

Rajamouli’s Perspective

Rajamouli appeared visibly emotional during his speech, tying his personal frustration to the glitches and leaks the event suffered.   He clarified that while he doesn’t subscribe to divine belief, he still deeply respects dharma — the philosophical and ethical core of Hindu tradition.

He also apologized to fans, acknowledging their disappointment and explaining how the technical failure overshadowed what was supposed to be a celebratory moment.

Why This Struck a Chord

The controversy touches a nerve because Rajamouli’s filmmaking is deeply rooted in Indian mythological epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.   For many, his rejection of religious belief feels contradictory coming from someone who draws so heavily on spiritual stories for cinematic inspiration.

Beyond that, the incident illustrates a broader tension: where does personal belief end and public responsibility begin? For some, Rajamouli’s words are a personal reflection; for others, they’re seen as an affront to faith traditions.