Rajamouli faced an online controversy after his comments at the title-glimpse event of his globe-trotting film Varanasi.
Frustrated by technical glitches during the event he jokingly said that Lord Hanuman didn’t come to help even though his wife Rama and father Vijayendra Prasad hoped the deity would guide the team. He also confirmed that he is an atheist.
These remarks sparked backlash from Hanuman devotees and Hindu groups on social media accusing him of blaming the deity for the issues. Some also questioned and pointed why an atheist should make films based on Hindu mythology.
Ram Gopal Varma (RGV) defended Jakkanna saying that being an atheist is not wrong and that Rajamouli has the right to express his beliefs as everyone has their own.
He also pointed out the irony that Rajamouli, even though he doesn’t believe in God he has achieved huge success.
In the context of all the venom being spewed by the so called believers on @ssrajamouli they should know that being an atheist in India is not a crime . Article 25 of the Constitution protects the right to not believe
So he has every right to say he doesn’t believe as much as the…— Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) November 21, 2025
