SS Rajamouli opens up about being an atheist at ‘Varanasi’ teaser launch

SS Rajamouli talks about being an atheist

Celebrated filmmaker SS Rajamouli recently unveiled the teaser and title of his much-anticipated film, Varanasi (SSMB29 /Globetrotter), starring Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra, but it was one candid confession that really caught everyone’s attention.

Despite working on films with strong mythological and spiritual undertones, the Baahubali and RRR director freely acknowledged that he is an atheist while speaking at the Globetrotter event in Hyderabad.

The audience was impressed by his directness and honesty, which revealed a side of Rajamouli that is just as transparent and unafraid as his filmmaking.

The excitement around Varanasi reached fever pitch when he finally showcased the long-awaited teaser at Hyderabad’s Ramoji Film City. Around 50,000 fans flocked to the launch, though only those with special passport-style passes could enter, which quickly turned into prized collectibles.

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The teaser itself promises a cinematic journey unlike any other. From Antarctica to Africa, and even back to 72,000 BCE for a startling glimpse of Hanuman, the story transports viewers across continents.

Finally, the journey lands at Varanasi's famous Manikarnika Ghat, where Rudra, played by Mahesh Babu, makes a dramatic entrance while riding a white bull and brandishing a huge trishul. The teaser teases a story that spans time and space in a matter of minutes.

Varanasi is shaping up to be one of the biggest global projects in Indian cinema, featuring international stars Priyanka Chopra, Mahesh Babu, and Prithviraj Sukumaran.

The entire lead cast, along with Rajamouli and Oscar-winning composer MM Keeravani, were present at the launch. Shruti Haasan, who lends her voice to one of the Telugu songs, delivered a high-energy live performance that electrified the arena.

Fans worldwide got a first look at Rajamouli's imaginative storytelling thanks to the event's live streaming on Jio Hotstar and Variety's YouTube channel for those who were unable to attend in person.