Acclaimed Indian filmmaker SS Rajamouli is once again at the centre of a cultural and social media storm after an old social media post resurfaced in which he stated he “never liked Lord Ram” and expressed a preference for Lord Krishna as his favourite avatar of the Hindu deity Lord Vishnu.
The comments, originally shared on X (formerly Twitter) more than a decade ago, have gained fresh traction on social platforms in the wake of Rajamouli’s recent high-profile film announcements that draw heavily from Indian mythology.
Old Social Media Post Sparks Fresh Backlash
The now-viral post, made on Ram Navami in 2011, showcased the filmmaker’s personal sentiment towards Hindu mythological figures, revealing that despite being at the helm of films rooted in cultural narratives, he admitted to having less affinity for Lord Ram while favouring Lord Krishna.
Many followers condemn the statement as insensitive and disrespectful, suggesting that Rajamouli expressed dissatisfaction with Lord Ram and identified Lord Krishna, known for his philosophical teachings and charismatic charm, as his preferred avatar.
Link to Mythology-Based Projects Adds Fuel to Debate
Rajamouli’s latest cinematic venture, “Varanasi,” is reportedly inspired by episodes from the Ramayana, with superstar Mahesh Babu; a scene depicts him in a Lord Ram avatar. Making a Ramayana-themed film after expressing dislike for Lord Ram has escalated public debate.
During the GlobeTrotter event in Hyderabad (Nov 2025), held to launch the much-anticipated Varanasi teaser, Rajamouli experienced a series of technical setbacks. Frustrated, he was quoted making remarks that also touched upon his spiritual beliefs, further intensifying the controversy.
At the event, he reportedly remarked that his lack of faith contributed to his emotional response during the glitch-plagued presentation. He vented his frustrations, saying that despite his father’s optimism, citing Lord Hanuman as his ‘guide,’ the technical failures left him questioning the divine intervention he was encouraged to trust.
Polarised Public Reaction on Social Media
Social media platforms have lit up with contrasting views:
- Critics argue that Rajamouli’s remarks are disrespectful to Hindu communities, calling for an apology and accountability.
- Defenders insist the comments were personal in nature, made years before his current projects, and do not undermine his cinematic contributions.
- Netizens note the importance of freedom of expression, emphasising that personal belief systems shouldn’t overshadow artistic endeavours.
The heated debate is trending with multiple hashtags, some criticising Rajamouli, while others seek clarification and context.
Rajamouli’s Complex Relationship with Mythology
Despite the backlash, film analysts and industry experts point to Rajamouli’s consistent use of Indian mythology as storytelling tools. Blockbusters such as Baahubali and RRR have integrated themes of dharma, valor, and ethos drawn from age-old scriptures and folklore, earning global recognition.
Interestingly, while the director has identified as an atheist in past interviews, his work reflects deep engagement with mythological concepts, an aspect many fans argue separates personal belief from professional craftsmanship.
Industry Responses and Looking Ahead
Several Bollywood and Telugu film industry figures have remained diplomatic, calling for calm and respectful discourse around sensitive cultural topics.
As this matter unfolds and public sentiment continues to evolve, Rajamouli’s next public statement, if any, will likely play a pivotal role in shaping the narrative around artistic freedom, personal belief, and cultural respect.
By – Sonali