16 November,2025 04:00 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
SS Rajamouli (Pic/Yogen Shah)
SS Rajamouli has finally unveiled the much-awaited teaser of his upcoming magnum opus, Globetrotter. The film, starring Mahesh Babu as Rudhra, is officially titled Varanasi. It was announced at a grand event in Hyderabad, attended by fans from across the globe. However, repeated technical issues stopped the footage from playing properly. This made the RRR director angry, and he recalled how his dad had mentioned that Lord Hanuman was with the team, blessing them. His comment on the almighty has drawn flak from netizens.
Rajamouli said, "Naku devudu mida pedda nammakam ledu andi. Nannagaru vachi indaka HanumaùŠvenakala untadu, nadipistadu ani chepparu. Idi aina ventane kopam vachindi. Idena nadipinchedi ani? (I don't believe in God. My father mentioned that Hanuman will guide me. I got angry as soon as this (glitches) happened. Is this how He's helping me?)"
He also shared that his wife, Rama, is a strong devotee of Hanuman and speaks to Him like a friend. He added, "My wife has great devotion to Lord Hanuman. She talks to Him like He's her friend. I even got angry with her for a while. Let's see."
The statement has triggered discussion and debate online. Many fans expressed surprise, noting that Rajamouli's blockbuster films, including Baahubali and RRR, have drawn heavily from Hindu epics and mythology.
A social media user said, "It was not fair on the part of Rajamouli, like saying he doesn't believe in God. How come he titled the movie Varanasi and used mythological characters? Doesn't he know that people get hurt? Not expected from a man of his stature (sic)."
An X user wrote, "Too disappointed with S S Rajamouli sir's remarks regarding Lord Hanuman. He may be an atheist but making such comments about a god is completely unacceptable."
"He didn't give credits to God when he got success. But when he fails a bit, he is ready to blame God," wrote another user.
"Why should you blame Hanuman when your team couldn't work? Blame your team and technicians instead," criticised another user.
The event drew massive attention, with lead actors Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra Jonas presenting the first glimpse. Also spotted were Prithviraj Sukumaran, Namrata Shirodkar and Sitara Ghattamaneni, who cheered for Mahesh from the front rows. Adding to the evening's grandeur, actress-singer Shruti Haasan delivered a live performance.
