There is a wide belief today that devotion-based films perform well at the box office and the mood of the nation, especially among Gen Z, seems strongly influenced by Hindutva themes. It appears that Rajamouli too may have taken note of this trend.
Rajamouli’s upcoming film Varanasi has been announced. Long time back, when news first broke that Mahesh Babu would star in a Rajamouli project with shooting planned in Kenya, many assumed it would be an action entertainer.
At one point there were even rumors of a James Bond–style film. But expectations have shifted.
After Prithviraj’s look from the film was revealed, audiences immediately recalled earlier movies. His appearance resembled Suriya’s villain look in 24 and some even compared it to the Krrish series.
Priyanka Chopra’s presence in Krrish and the similarity to Vivek Oberoi’s look sparked speculation that this might be a “superhero” film.
Now, comments about the teaser and the title 'Varanasi', which seem to reference Lord Rama and Hanuman, raised questions about whether Rajamouli is following the Hindutva trend rather than setting a new one.
Recent Telugu films like HanuMan, Karthikeya 2, Kalki 2898 AD and Mirai have earned huge collections by leaning into mythological themes.
Above all, even the film Kantara, despite its key Tulu-dialogue scenes not being understood by national audiences, succeeded because the devotional element worked and kept the box office ringing loud. So, devotional films are the most promising.
Some netizens point out another angle stating Rajamouli openly says he is an atheist yet he expresses his admiration for the Ramayana and Mahabharata; so an atheist making a devotion-driven film is understandably seen as interesting.
But they should remember that even Ram Gopal Varma, also an atheist, made Govinda Govinda earlier in his career.
Long before that the well-known atheist Akkineni Nageswara Rao acted in films like Mahakavi Kalidasu, Mahakavi Kshetrayya and even played Kabir Das in Sri Ramadasu as a deeply spiritual devotee.
An actor’s or technician’s personal beliefs do not always have to reflect in their professional work.
