Ram Gopal Varma supports Rajamouli amid protests: Being an atheist is not a crime in India
Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma defends SS Rajamouli’s right to be an atheist amid protests. This debate raises questions about freedom of faith and artistic expression in India.
Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma (RGV) has defended director SS Rajamouli, who is facing criticism after he announced during the promotional event of his upcoming film ‘Varanasi’ that he does not believe in God. RGV said that Rajamouli has every right to express his faith, and argued that the outrage over his atheism stems more from jealousy than genuine religious concern.
At the Globetrotter event in Hyderabad, Rajamouli expressed his disappointment after technical glitches and leaks during his Varanasi teaser launch. In an emotional address, he said, “I don’t believe in God.” He also mentioned his father’s belief in Lord Hanuman and said that his father once told him, “Lord Hanuman will take care of things for me,” and he questioned that belief after things went wrong.
His comments drew sharp reactions online, with some accusing him of insulting religious sentiments. A complaint was filed by Rashtriya Vanar Sena, alleging that his remarks were derogatory towards Hindu beliefs.
Ram Gopal Varma strongly defended Rajamouli on X. He reminded critics that Article 25 of the Indian Constitution protects religious freedom, including the right not to believe.
RGV challenges critics who ask, “If he doesn’t believe in God, why make mythological films?” Drawing a parallel he said: By that logic, filmmakers who make gangster or horror films must be gangsters or ghosts.
In reference to the poison being spewed by so-called believers @SSRajamouli They should know that being an atheist is not a crime in India. Article 25 of the Constitution protects the right not to believe
Therefore he has every right to say that he does not believe that much – Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) 21 November 2025
He said that Rajamouli’s success despite his lack of faith may be a real issue for some people, “The real problem is that he succeeded without believing in God and that scares the people who failed miserably even after praying like crazy,” he wrote.
RGV argued that Rajamouli’s atheism does not hurt God, it only shakes those who believe in him and leaves them out of insecurity.
Rajamouli has discussed his philosophical views at length. In the programme, he said that his attraction towards Hindu epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata is not due to religious devotion but because of their storytelling power. He also acknowledged being influenced by thinkers such as Ayn Rand, whose work helped him move away from traditional religious beliefs.
Rajamouli’s critics argue that his comments were defamatory, while supporters, including RGV, see it as a matter of fundamental rights and freedom of expression.