SS Rajamouli opens up about atheism; says ‘cinema is my god’

In a revealing moment from the Netflix documentary Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli, acclaimed filmmaker SS Rajamouli shared a deeply personal experience highlighting his atheism. Known for his grand cinematic works such as RRR and the Baahubali series, Rajamouli described how his faith—or lack thereof—remained unchanged during a harrowing family crisis.

Also read: Trailer for ‘Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli’ unveiled, documentary set to premiere on August 2

Rajamouli recounted a traumatic road accident involving his wife, Rama Rajamouli, while he was filming Magadheera. The incident, which left her severely injured and bleeding profusely, put Rajamouli in a state of panic. Despite the urgency of the situation, Rajamouli admitted he did not turn to prayer. Instead, he focused on practical actions, such as reaching out to every doctor he knew, while desperately trying to manage the crisis until they could get her to a hospital 60 kilometers away.

“I was absolutely terrified and just cried,” Rajamouli confessed. “A thought crossed my mind about praying to God, but I didn’t. I relied on karma yoga and my work as my guiding principle. Cinema is my god.”

The documentary, produced by Applause Entertainment and Film Companion Studios and directed by Raghav Khanna, also features insights from Rajamouli’s father, writer V Vijayendra Prasad, who commented on the family’s respect for Rajamouli’s moral integrity despite their spiritual differences. The film includes interviews with prominent figures such as James Cameron, Joe Russo, and Karan.