Overview
- On November 21, Ram Gopal Varma posted a detailed defense on X, saying atheism is protected under India’s Constitution and challenging critics who question an atheist portraying deities on screen.
- The row began on November 15 at the Varanasi title launch in Hyderabad, where SS Rajamouli, frustrated by technical glitches and leaks, said he does not believe in God and questioned reliance on Lord Hanuman.
- The Rashtriya Vanara Sena filed a complaint at the Saroornagar police station on November 17, alleging Rajamouli insulted Hanuman and hurt Hindu sentiments.
- BJP-aligned figures including MLA T. Raja Singh and VHP representatives condemned the remarks, urging legal action, an apology, and a boycott of Rajamouli’s films.
- Rajamouli has not issued a public apology or clarification and is continuing work on Varanasi, a big-budget feature starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran slated for a 2027 release.