Acclaimed filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli has found himself at the centre of a controversy after an alleged remark about Lord Hanuman during a promotional event led to public outrage and a police complaint. The incident reportedly occurred at the ‘GlobeTrotter’ festival in Hyderabad, where the team of the upcoming film Varanasi was showcasing its teaser, title, and first-look visuals.
According to several attendees, a technical glitch briefly stalled the programme, during which Rajamouli is said to have remarked, “I don’t believe in Hanuman.” The comment quickly triggered backlash, with critics alleging that it hurt Hindu sentiments. An organisation named Vanara Sena has since filed a formal complaint.
Officials confirmed to ANI that the complaint was submitted at the Saroornagar police station on Tuesday. However, a case has not yet been registered. Authorities say they are examining the legal aspects before taking further action. “We have received the complaint and an inquiry is underway,” an officer said, adding that the context and intent behind the alleged remark need verification.
The event drew thousands of fans from India and abroad, amplifying the visibility of the controversy. The alleged comment is said to have occurred while technicians attempted to resolve the glitch. Videos and discussions from the event have gone viral, though investigators say the exact circumstances will only be clear once statements are recorded.
Meanwhile, Varanasi itself continues to attract attention. Starring Mahesh Babu in the lead, the film also features Prithviraj Sukumaran as Kumbha and Priyanka Chopra as Mandakini. Set for a Pongal 2027 release, the film’s scale and cast have already created significant anticipation. The controversy has inadvertently added further spotlight to the project.
