There’s a strong perception today that devotion-themed films are dominating the box office. The cultural mood, especially among Gen Z, appears to be heavily aligned with Hindutva-influenced storytelling. Many believe that even S.S. Rajamouli may have taken note of this trend.
Rajamouli’s upcoming film Varanasi has now been announced. Years ago, when news first emerged that Mahesh Babu would collaborate with Rajamouli for a film with portions planned in Kenya, most assumed it would be a large-scale action entertainer. At one stage, there were even whispers that it might resemble a James Bond–style spy thriller.
But expectations have changed dramatically.
After Prithviraj’s look from the film surfaced, audiences immediately drew parallels to earlier characters—some felt it echoed Suriya’s villain role in 24, while others compared it to the aesthetic of the Krrish series. Priyanka Chopra’s presence in both films and the similarity to Vivek Oberoi’s character only strengthened speculation that Varanasi could have superhero tones.
The teaser and the title itself—Varanasi—have further fueled discussion. Many viewers felt the imagery carried references to Lord Rama and Lord Hanuman, prompting questions about whether Rajamouli is following the current wave of Hindutva-centred narratives rather than breaking new ground as he usually does.
It’s undeniable that recent Telugu films like HanuMan, Karthikeya 2, Kalki 2898 AD, and Mirai have enjoyed massive box-office success by tapping into mythological and devotional elements. Naturally, many assume this genre is the safest and most commercially promising today.
Some netizens, however, highlight an interesting contrast: Rajamouli has openly described himself as an atheist, yet he frequently expresses deep admiration for the Ramayana and Mahabharata. This leads many to wonder how an atheist might approach a devotion-driven film. But such speculation overlooks the fact that personal beliefs and professional work don’t always mirror each other.
Ram Gopal Varma, another outspoken atheist, made Govinda Govinda early in his career. Long before that, legendary actor and well-known atheist Akkineni Nageswara Rao played spiritually profound characters in Mahakavi Kalidasu, Mahakavi Kshetrayya, and even portrayed Kabir Das in Sri Ramadasu.
The truth is simple: an actor’s or filmmaker’s private beliefs do not necessarily dictate the stories they choose to tell. Creativity often transcends personal ideology.
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