Ram Gopal Varma slams trolls targeting Rajamouli

Top director SS Rajamouli found himself in the middle of an online storm after his comments at the title-glimpse event of his globe-trotting adventure “Varanasi.” Irritated by repeated technical glitches during the show, Rajamouli remarked that Lord Hanuman did not come to his rescue, even though his wife Rama and father Vijayendra Prasad believed the lord would guide their team. He also reiterated that he is an atheist.

These comments triggered backlash from Hanuman devotees and several Hindu groups on social media, who accused him of blaming the deity for his team’s inefficiency.

They also questioned why an atheist should make films based on Hindu mythology.

Now, maverick filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has stepped in to defend Rajamouli.

He said being an atheist is not a crime and asserted that Rajamouli has “every right” to express his beliefs. RGV also pointed out the irony that, despite not believing in god, Rajamouli has enjoyed phenomenal success.