The long-awaited reunion of Dhanush and Vetrimaaran is finally official. After days of speculation, fan theories, and analysis, Dhanush announced that he will collaborate with the acclaimed filmmaker for Thamizh Murugan. The announcement has created curiosity around Vetrimaaran’s approach to a film centered on religion. Known for his gritty realism and powerful storytelling, the filmmaker has often explored themes such as caste oppression in his films. Fans are now eager to see how he showcases a subject rooted spirituality. However, Vetrimaaran is not the first filmmaker to explore religion through cinema. Before him, a few atheist directors have explored religious themes.
Before Tamizh Murugan Director Vetrimaaran, Two Other Atheist Filmmakers Explored Religion In South Indian Cinema — Can You Guess Their Names?
has identified as an atheist, yet his films are influenced by Indian epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana. While he does not personally follow religious beliefs, he has often expressed admiration as extraordinary works of storytelling. In , Rajamouli incorporates cultural and spiritual shows, including references to Lord Shiva through moments like the Shivuni Aana chant and the iconic lifting of the Shiva Lingam. His views on faith came under discussion again during the launch event of his upcoming film Varanasi, starring Mahesh Babu. During the event, technical issues caused frustration “This is an emotional moment for me. I don’t believe in God. My dad came and said Lord Hanuman will take care of things from behind. Is this how he takes care, thinking of this, I am angry.”
SS Rajamouli explores concept of Ramayana in Varanasi
is an atheist yet he has showed mythology and spirituality through his films. Despite questioning the existence of God, In his film Dasavathaaram, this showed a rationalist scientist whose journey becomes connected to his past rooted in a story between Shaivites (devotees of Lord Shiva) and Vaishnavites (devotees of Lord Vishnu). The film’s opening sequence, set in the 12th century, portrays the tension between the two under a Chola king devoted to Lord Shiva.
Kamal Haasan spoke on religion in Anbe Sivam and Dasavatharam
Kamal Haasan’s character (Nallasivam) explains that the true definition of God is not found in rituals or blind faith, but rather in pure acts of selflessness. A popular line in the film goes “Munna pinna theriyaatha oru paiyanukkaaga kanneer vidra antha manasu irukke… adhaan Kadavul.” This show what Kamal Haasan’s definition of God Is.
About Tamizh Murugan
Sai Abhyankkar will compose the music for the upcoming film, marking another collaboration with Dhanush after Om. Dhanush will back Thamizh Murugan under his Wunderbar Films banner. The film is inspired from Arivumathi’s book. The production banner Miles To Go will also support the project. Meanwhile, fans feel that his is Kollywood’s response to Jr NTR, Triviram Srinivas Telugu film God Of War.