SS Rajamouli is facing backlash for his comments on Lord Hanuman at his latest Hyderabad event. A video from the first-look event of his upcoming film Varanasi has gone viral. Nobody expected something like this coming from him. The director is being criticised for comments that many believe were disrespectful to Lord Hanuman. #HanumanJi and #Rajamouli trended online, with netizens demanding a public apology.
SS Rajamouli Viral Video: Did Varanasi Director INSULT Lord Hanuman?
The controversy began on November 15, when Rajamouli and his team unveiled the world of Varanasi during a grand event in Hyderabad. The stage was set with huge anticipation as the film’s lead stars (Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran) joined thousands of fans for the reveal. However, the excitement dipped when a technical glitch disrupted the first-look showcase. Earlier that day, a part of the glimpse was leaked online during a mock test, which further added to the team’s frustration.
Rajamouli addressed the issue during his speech, but his words sparked outrage. According to translations circulating online, including those shared by AI chatbot Grok, Rajamouli mentioned that he does not have strong faith in God. He also recalled how his father, writer K Vijendra Prasad, repeatedly assured him that Lord Hanuman would support their efforts.
SS Rajamouli shared that his father had told him that Lord Hanuman would guide him through the work. But when the technical glitches started, he said he became upset and wondered how this was supposed to be Hanuman’s help. He grew so emotional while speaking that he had to stop for a moment.
He then spoke about his wife, Rama, who is a strong devotee of Hanuman. He said that she talks to Hanuman like a close friend. Rajamouli added that he was annoyed with her faith for some time. Later, when the team tried to play the video again, Rajamouli addressed the crowd and said they all wanted to watch the glimpse one more time. He then said that if his father believed Hanuman helped him once, he now wanted to see whether his wife’s Hanuman would help them again.
Rajamouli Faces Backlash Online
This statement did not sit well with many viewers. Several users felt Rajamouli mocked their beliefs, particularly because the film itself features references to Lord Ram and Lord Hanuman. Angry comments flooded social media, with fans accusing him of disrespecting Hindu sentiments.
One user wrote, “We know you are an atheist @ssrajamouli. But don’t dare to comment on our Hanuman and beliefs. Didn’t expect this sweeping statement from you.” Another added a harsh critique: “Because of his filthy mind, his entire event failed miserably. And he is blaming Hindu Gods.”
A longer post also went viral for its strong tone. It read, “Atheism against #HanumanJi is unacceptable, Mr Rajamouli. On the contrary, trying to fool the audience and making money in the name of #ShreeRam is truly disappointing. Please remember… never underestimate the aam janta.”
Reads some more comments online:
“Because of his filthy mind, his entire event failed miserably. And he is blaming Hindu Gods.”
“Frankly he should say sorry. Muje bhi ssr ki movies pasand h, but jo galat kaha h woh nhi kehna chahiya tha.”
“Rajamouli is overrated Copycat of Hollywood Movies.”
“It seems like Rajamouli will have to apologise for hurting sentiments, which will save him from further damaging Varanasi. The movie is scheduled for Sankranti 2027.
Despite the chaos, the team eventually managed to screen the glimpse without further glitches. The short teaser hinted at a mix of mythology and time travel, ending with the tag #TimeTrotter. It also teased brief visuals of Lord Ram and Lord Hanuman, suggesting a strong Ramayana connection.
Varanasi, starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran, is expected to be one of Rajamouli’s biggest films yet.
