📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Bollywood Hungama
Entertainment
Prakash Raj says SS Rajamouli faces trolling over his casting in upcoming film Varanasi
✍️ Gulf News
🗓 11 Nov 2026, 03:50 PM
👁 10
Actor Prakash Raj said director S.S. Rajamouli is being trolled for casting him in the upcoming movie titled Varanasi, questioning who would ban such a decision.
Veteran actor Prakash Raj told Gulf News that director S.S. Rajamouli is currently the target of online trolling after confirming his involvement in the filmmaker's next project, titled Varanasi. Rajamouli, known for his large‑scale epics, announced the casting of Raj in the film, prompting a wave of criticism on social media platforms.
Netizens have questioned the choice, arguing that Raj's age and screen persona may not suit the envisioned narrative. The backlash, however, appears to be more about the surprise element of the casting than any substantive artistic concern.
Raj responded by dismissing the criticism, asking rhetorically, "Who will ban it?" He emphasized that creative decisions rest with the director and that the film’s success will ultimately be judged by audiences, not by online detractors.
The film Varanasi, set against the backdrop of the historic city, is expected to begin shooting later this year, though no release date has been confirmed. Industry observers note that Rajamouli’s track record of box‑office hits could mitigate the current controversy.
Netizens have questioned the choice, arguing that Raj's age and screen persona may not suit the envisioned narrative. The backlash, however, appears to be more about the surprise element of the casting than any substantive artistic concern.
Raj responded by dismissing the criticism, asking rhetorically, "Who will ban it?" He emphasized that creative decisions rest with the director and that the film’s success will ultimately be judged by audiences, not by online detractors.
The film Varanasi, set against the backdrop of the historic city, is expected to begin shooting later this year, though no release date has been confirmed. Industry observers note that Rajamouli’s track record of box‑office hits could mitigate the current controversy.