Overview
- A clip from the Hyderabad launch at Ramoji Film City went viral, with many social media users calling the comments disrespectful and urging a public apology.
- Rajamouli has not responded to the criticism or issued an apology in the coverage published so far.
- At the event, he said he does not believe in God and recounted anger that prayers did not prevent a teaser leak or technical issue.
- The launch unveiled the first look of Varanasi and highlighted casting, with Mahesh Babu set to portray Lord Rama and other roles and Priyanka Chopra associated with the project.
- An India Today opinion piece contends that creative freedom allows a non-believer to interpret epics and argues that faith is not a prerequisite for making such films.