Controversy Surrounds S. S. Rajamouli’s ‘Varanasi’ Remarks
Filmmaker S. S. Rajamouli, globally celebrated for the Baahubali and RRR franchises, has found himself entangled in a significant religious and legal controversy following the announcement and subsequent discussions surrounding his next major project, temporarily titled Varanasi. The movie, which features superstar Mahesh Babu, has stirred up emotional and political responses, particularly after some of the director’s recent public comments and the initial promotional visuals were released.
The controversy primarily stems from the alleged objectionable nature of certain elements teased in the early stages of the project. Specifically, a group known as the Rashtriya Vanara Sena has taken strong exception to visuals, including one where Mahesh Babu is depicted sitting on the statue of Nandi, the sacred bull and vehicle of Lord Shiva. They claim such imagery is disrespectful and amounts to a mockery of Hindu deities and religious sentiments, particularly concerning the city of Varanasi, one of the holiest places in India.
The Rashtriya Vanara Sena has escalated their protest, announcing their intent to file multiple new legal cases against the director. Their grievance is not just limited to the Nandi visual but extends to the director’s comments referencing Lord Hanuman and the overall religious context of the film’s title announcement. The group alleges that the director’s statements concerning the project’s mythological and historical connections lack sensitivity and may misrepresent or distort ancient narratives for cinematic gain.
This backlash is particularly sensitive given the immense global visibility of Rajamouli’s projects and the devotional nature associated with the holy city of Varanasi. The film is expected to be a global action-adventure spectacle, and the use of the ancient, sacred name is drawing intense scrutiny from cultural watchdog groups. These organizations demand that the makers of Varanasi respect the religious sanctity of the subject matter and ensure the final product does not offend the beliefs of millions of devotees.
While the film’s production house has yet to release an official, detailed statement addressing these specific allegations, the controversy presents a significant hurdle for the highly-anticipated project. The legal action and public outcry put pressure on the director to either clarify his vision or make changes to the film’s promotional strategy. The Telugu film industry is closely watching how Rajamouli, who has previously handled mythological elements with widespread success, navigates this volatile mix of creative freedom and religious sensitivity. The ongoing legal pressure may potentially impact the film’s production schedule and its eventual release, making the coming weeks crucial for the Varanasi team.
