'Is This How Hanuman Protects Us?': SS Rajamouli Faces Backlash For 'Not Believing In God' Remark

SS Rajamouli's upcoming movie, which will be titled Varanasi, was unveiled in a lavish affair in Hyderabad on Saturday. It goes without saying that the title teaser for the movie was great, and fans were excitedly anticipating its release. However, there were a few technical issues with the event that was livestreamed on JioHotstar. Amidst this, the filmmaker's startling admission that he doesn't believe in god lingered longer, leaving viewers perplexed as to why he keeps making movies that capitalise on Hindu mythology.

SS Rajamouli openly said on stage that he does not believe in God. "When my father talked about Hanuman and suggested that I rely on his blessings for success, I got angry, so much." Many spectators who disagreed with SS Rajamouli's stance were perplexed because films are frequently filled with references to the Hindu religion and mythology.

SS Rajamouli added that Mahesh Babu's character represents Lord Ram and that Varanasi will have a relation to the Hindu epic Ramayana. Fans were upset that he continued to 'milk the mythology' for his own gain since his earlier films, RRR and Baahubali, included an excessive amount of Hindu mythology.

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The RRR director crafts films based on Hindu deities while not being a believer, and his remarks during the Varanasi event offended Hindu emotions, which infuriated many fans. However, some people have also expressed support for the director for being open about his ideas.

#Rajamouli states that he lacks faith in God & shares a personal story about getting angry when his father suggested relying on Hanuman's blessings for success.

Is he using/blaming Hinduism only to sell his films? Thoughts?#Varanasi #GlobeTrotterpic.twitter.com/MGyXoy9tDv

— VCD (@VCDtweets) November 16, 2025

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 using mythological characters. Doesn’t he know the people get hurt . Not expected from a man of his stature .@ssrajamouli pic.twitter.com/n8pm4mOp9E

— DrA JaganMohanReddy (@Jaganmo05121164) November 16, 2025

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About SS Rajamouli's Upcoming Flick Varanasi

Mahesh Babu led Varanasi also stars Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran, in significant roles. The movie, which has music by MM Keeravani, will be released in theatres in the summer of 2027.