Filmmaker SS Rajamouli sparked a controversy over his comments on God during the ‘Varanasi GlobeTrotter’ event on November 15. The event was organized to release the first glimpse of his upcoming film with Mahesh Babu. However, Rajamouli’s frank comments on what he believes in sparked outrage on social media as netizens termed his comments hurtful to religious sentiments.
The reports further state that the director visibly looked irritated as his team struggled to get past the technical glitches during the ceremony. While speaking in Telugu, Rajamouli said, “Naku devudu mida pedda nammakam ledu andi… Nannagaru chepparu Hanuma venakala untadu ani. Idi aina ventane kopam vachindi. Idena nadipinchedi ani?” Translation: He said he didn’t have strong faith in God and jokingly questioned if these technical glitches were how Lord Hanuman guided him, as mentioned by his father, writer V. Vijayendra Prasad. He paused for a moment to compose himself and then later said, “My wife, Rama, is very devoted to Lord Hanuman and speaks to Him as though He were her close friend.
A lot of people felt this way after the speech #SSRajamouli & Many felt the way you mentioned #Hanuman was unnecessary especially coming from you.#MaheshBabu fans were surprised to hear that kind of statement if the team wasn’t ready, why bring God into it. That’s what… pic.twitter.com/nBybYgbxBo
— The South Cinemaa (@southcinemaaaa) November 15, 2025
The remarks sparked furious reactions on social media. A complaint was filed by Rashtriya Varana Sena at the Saroornagar police station, alleging that Rajamouli’s comments were derogatory and hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus. The organisation demanded action against the RRR director, claiming his statements at a public cultural event were inappropriate and offensive.
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It was amidst all the controversy that the event also managed to throw up a big high point – the first look of Mahesh Babu as Rudra. A striking poster, which had Mahesh in a fierce, trident-wielding avatar riding a bull, was set against the majestic backdrop of Kashi’s ancient temples. The visuals hinted at a sprawling narrative rooted in mythology and history, spanning timelines from 512 CE Varanasi to 7200 BC, with references such as the Uggra Bhatti caves and imagery of Lord Hanuman setting Lanka ablaze.
