Hyderabad, India – Uppalapati Srinivasa Rao, a filmmaker and longtime friend of SS Rajamouli, has accused the renowned director of harassment and emotional distress in a video message he allegedly recorded before taking his own life. The video, reportedly sent to Mettu Police Station along with a letter, has surfaced online, raising serious allegations against the Baahubali and RRR filmmaker.
Allegations in Srinivasa Rao’s Video
In the video accessed by Big TV and shared by Mana Stars, Srinivasa Rao explicitly names SS Rajamouli and his wife, Rama Rajamouli, as the primary reasons for his distress. He claims that their actions led to his downfall, both personally and professionally.
“India’s number one director, SS Rajamouli, and his wife, Rama Rajamouli, are the reason for my suicide. This is my final letter,” said Srinivasa Rao in the video.
He further stated that their relationship, once built on trust and friendship, soured over the years, leading to alleged mental harassment. Srinivasa Rao referenced several prominent figures, including music composer MM Keeravaani and filmmakers Chandrasekhar Yeleti and Hanu Raghavapudi, claiming that they could attest to his close relationship with Rajamouli since the 1990s.
A Controversial ‘Triangle Love Story’ Claim
One of the most shocking claims in the video revolves around an alleged love triangle involving Rajamouli, Srinivasa Rao, and an unnamed woman. Drawing a parallel to the plot of Arya 2, a film directed by Sukumar, Srinivasa Rao alleged that Rajamouli pressured him to give up his love for the woman in question.
“He asked me to sacrifice my love for her. While I initially resisted, I eventually agreed. But he suspected that I disclosed this matter to others, and that’s when the harassment started,” Srinivasa Rao claimed.
He further mentioned that their professional collaboration lasted until Yamadonga (2007), but after Rajamouli rose to prominence, their friendship deteriorated.
“He tortured me ever since he became a big shot. I am 55 years old and have lived a single life,” he said in his statement, adding that he wanted authorities to conduct a lie detector test to verify his claims.
Legal and Industry Reactions
Following the emergence of the video, local authorities have acknowledged receiving Srinivasa Rao’s message. Officials at Mettu Police Station confirmed that an investigation is underway to verify the allegations and circumstances surrounding his alleged suicide.
Meanwhile, Rajamouli has yet to respond to the accusations. Industry insiders and well-wishers have expressed shock over the claims, with many awaiting a formal statement from the RRR director.
Past Collaborations and Friendship
Srinivasa Rao and Rajamouli were reportedly close friends for decades, collaborating on several projects. However, their professional relationship seemingly ended after Yamadonga in 2007.
While it remains unclear what transpired between the two over the years, this recent development has sparked intense discussions within the film industry. Some insiders suggest there may be underlying personal grievances that have remained unspoken until now.
Mental Health Awareness and Support
This incident sheds light on the importance of mental health awareness, especially in high-pressure industries like filmmaking. Industry professionals and mental health advocates urge those facing distress to seek professional help rather than suffering in silence.
Ongoing Investigation
As authorities delve deeper into the case, more details may emerge in the coming days. The entertainment industry, fans, and legal experts are closely monitoring developments, awaiting official statements from Rajamouli and law enforcement.
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