Rajamouli’s ‘I Don’t Believe in God’ Remark Sparks Outrage During Varanasi Teaser Launch

When S.S. Rajamouli stood on stage at the teaser launch of his upcoming film Varanasi (SSMB29) in Hyderabad on November 17, 2025, he was expecting technical hiccups—not a national firestorm. But when a glitch cut the audio mid-presentation, he snapped in Hindi: “मैं भगवान को नहीं मानता.” Then came the punchline that ignited outrage: “My father told me Lord Hanuman would sort this out. But when I saw the mess? I got angry.”

From Nervous Joke to National Controversy

The moment, captured on multiple phones, spread faster than any promotional clip. Within hours, clips of Rajamouli’s outburst were trending across Twitter, Instagram, and WhatsApp. What started as a candid, frustrated remark—possibly meant as dark humor—was reframed by critics as a direct insult to one of Hinduism’s most revered figures. Lord Hanuman, the monkey god known for devotion, strength, and loyalty, isn’t just a mythological icon; he’s a cultural anchor for millions.

By the next day, Hindu Sena had acted. Its National President, Vishnu Gupta, filed a formal complaint with the Delhi Police, alleging that Rajamouli’s words violated Section 295A of the Indian Penal Code—intentionally outraging religious feelings. Gupta told reporters, “I didn’t just hear an insult. I felt it. When someone mocks Hanuman Ji after invoking his name for help, it’s not just disrespect—it’s a wound to the community.”

The Contradiction No One Can Ignore

What makes this more than a momentary slip-up is the stark contrast between Rajamouli’s personal views and his cinematic universe. His Baahubali films are steeped in Shaivite symbolism. RRR opens with a prayer to Lord Rama. His upcoming film, Varanasi, is set in one of Hinduism’s holiest cities. Critics aren’t just upset about his words—they’re questioning his motives.

“Here’s the thing,” said film historian Dr. Anjali Mehta in an interview with India Today. “Rajamouli doesn’t just use Hindu iconography—he elevates it to epic proportions. He builds entire blockbusters around gods and rituals. But when asked about belief? He says he doesn’t buy it. That’s not hypocrisy. It’s exploitation.”

A 2011 tweet resurfaced, where Rajamouli had written: “Ram is a story. Not a deity. But a great symbol.” That tweet, once buried under film reviews, was now pinned to headlines. Social media users pointed out the pattern: Use religion for box office success. Dismiss it in private.

Defense: It Was Just Stress

Not everyone agreed. Rajamouli’s loyal fanbase argued he was exhausted. The event had been chaotic. The teaser had been delayed for two hours. The sound system failed twice. “He’s not an atheist because he’s anti-religion,” said one fan on Reddit. “He’s an artist under pressure. He snapped. That doesn’t make him evil—it makes him human.”

Even some Hindu devotees offered nuance. “I’m a Hanuman bhakt,” said 68-year-old temple volunteer Rameshwar Prasad from Varanasi. “But I’ve seen people lose their cool when things go wrong. If he apologized, I’d accept it. But demanding jail for a moment of frustration? That’s not dharma. That’s politics.”

Legal Shadow Looms Large

Legal experts say the complaint has traction. Section 295A carries up to three years in prison. Section 504—for intentional insult to provoke breach of peace—adds another two. Prosecutors would need to prove intent to outrage religious feelings, not just that someone was offended. But in India’s volatile religious climate, intent is often inferred from context.

“Rajamouli didn’t just say ‘I don’t believe,’” said criminal lawyer Priya Nair. “He invoked Hanuman as a failed solution. That’s the key. He didn’t say ‘I don’t believe in God.’ He said ‘God didn’t fix my problem.’ That’s different. That’s personal failure projected onto divinity.”

The Delhi Police confirmed they’re reviewing the complaint. No FIR has been filed yet. But Rajamouli’s team hasn’t issued a public statement. The silence speaks volumes.

What This Means for Indian Cinema

This isn’t the first time a filmmaker has faced backlash for religious remarks. In 2016, director Karan Johar was criticized for a line in My Name Is Khan suggesting God doesn’t answer prayers. In 2022, a lyricist was arrested over a song referencing a temple ritual. But Rajamouli’s case is unique: he’s India’s most successful director internationally. His films are global exports. And now, he’s caught between global audiences who see him as a visionary—and domestic audiences who see him as a traitor to tradition.

The film Varanasi, starring Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra, is scheduled for release in December 2026. Box office projections are now uncertain. Will audiences boycott? Will theaters pull screenings? Will the government intervene?

Broader Questions

At its core, this controversy isn’t about one man’s offhand comment. It’s about who gets to define sacredness in a pluralistic democracy. Can an artist use religious imagery for storytelling without believing in it? Should public figures be held to a different standard than private citizens? And when does satire become sacrilege?

The answer won’t come from the courts. It’ll come from the streets, the screens, and the silence between the applause.