Ram Gopal Varma Defends Rajamouli in Hanuman Controversy, Hits Back at Critics

Director Ram Gopal Varma (RGV) has once again stepped into a major industry controversy—this time to defend filmmaker SS Rajamouli. Varma, who often says he is naturally drawn to disputes, has been relatively silent in recent months. But the uproar surrounding Rajamouli has now pulled him back into the spotlight.

The issue began at an event in Varanasi, where some Hindu groups accused Rajamouli of disrespecting Lord Hanuman. What started as a small criticism quickly escalated into a major debate, attracting political involvement and even leading to cases being filed against the director. Rajamouli, however, has not made any public statement about the matter so far.

Amid increasing backlash and online trolling, RGV came forward defending Rajamouli’s right to personal beliefs. He questioned why people were targeting Rajamouli for being an atheist and pointed out that the Indian Constitution grants everyone the freedom to believe—or not believe—in religion.

Varma argued, “If Rajamouli doesn’t believe in God, that doesn’t take away his right to express his views. Those attacking him in the name of devotion seem to forget that atheism is not illegal. Just as they have the right to declare their faith, he has the right to say he doesn’t believe.”

Responding to critics who questioned why an atheist makes films with divine characters, Varma countered with a comparison: “A director making a gangster film doesn’t become a gangster. A ghost-film director isn’t a ghost. So why should a filmmaker have to follow the beliefs of the characters he creates?”

He further said that Rajamouli’s success itself proves that divine blessings do not depend on belief alone: “Even without believing in God, Rajamouli has achieved enormous fame, wealth, and love from audiences—far more than many who call themselves devotees.”

According to RGV, the real issue is jealousy, not devotion: “People are upset because Rajamouli succeeded without relying on prayer. If God has no problem with him, why are believers getting stressed? This insecurity comes from their fear that their faith looks weaker when someone who doesn’t believe prospers.”

Varma stated that Rajamouli never intended to disrespect God and that the uproar comes from people who misunderstand both devotion and filmmaking. He concluded by saying that from Varanasi itself, God seems to be blessing Rajamouli with even more success. “Those who envy him will continue to complain. This outrage is nothing but jealousy disguised as devotion. Jai Hanuman,” he wrote.

His statement has now gone viral across social media.

Our first look at #Varanasi from #RRR director SS Rajamouli - starring Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra Jonas pic.twitter.com/fn0DcCGfyW

— Fandango (@Fandango) November 15, 2025