Hyderabad: The grand title-launch event of Priyanka Chopra and Mahesh Babu’s SS Rajamouli film drew massive crowds at the Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad.
Known by the working title ‘Globetrotter’, the film was officially unveiled as ‘Varanasi’, with big LED screens flashing the official title of the project.
However, technical glitches kept disrupting the smooth screening of the ‘Varanasi’ glimpse, which irked Rajamouli who, in turn, left viewers displeased with his reaction to the delays and remarks on God.
Addressing the technical glitches, Rajamouli shared that he personally doesn’t believe in God, recalling how his father Vijayendra Prasad had once told him, “Hanuman will guide you in making this film,” but these technical glitches have only added to his frustration.
The filmmaker added that his wife Rama often speaks to Lord Hanuman as if she is talking to her friend.
The filmmaker’s comments didn’t sit well with the audience and drew sharp criticism from the devotees of Lord Hanuman and Hindu groups, who questioned him for working on mythological projects without having faith in God.
The devotees demanded a public apology for hurting religious sentiments.
Netizens, on the other hand, accused him for his hypocrisy — taking credit for success but blaming God when things don’t work out.
The event saw a dramatic entry by lead actor Mahesh Babu, who came on the stage riding a bull.
Besides Priyanka and Mahesh Babu, the film also stars Prithviraj Sukumaran in a pivotal role.
