Why is ‘Varanasi’ director SS Rajamouli facing a police complaint?

Renowned filmmaker SS Rajamouli, celebrated for blockbusters like ‘RRR’ and ‘Baahubali,’ has found himself embroiled in controversy following a police complaint lodged by the Vanara Sena organization. The complaint alleges that Rajamouli made remarks perceived as atheist during a promotional event for his upcoming film ‘Varanasi,’ held at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad on November 15. The organization claims that Rajamouli’s statement, ‘I don’t believe in God Hanuman,’ hurt Hindu sentiments. The event, attended by thousands of fans and the film’s lead cast, including Mahesh Babu, Prithviraj Sukumaran, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, marked the release of the teaser and title reveal for ‘Varanasi.’ While the Saroornagar police station has received the complaint, no formal case has been registered yet, and investigations are ongoing. Rajamouli reportedly made the remarks while addressing technical glitches during the event. ‘Varanasi,’ set to release during Sankranti 2027, stars Mahesh Babu in the lead role, with Chopra Jonas portraying Mandakini and Sukumaran as Kumbha.