Prakash Raj Faces Legal Trouble Over ‘Ramayana Invasion’ Remark; Complaint Filed in Tirupati Court

Veteran actor Prakash Raj has landed in legal controversy after a criminal complaint was filed against him in a court in Tirupati over remarks allegedly made during a public event earlier this year.

The complaint was submitted before the IV Additional Judicial Magistrate of First Class by G. Bhanuprakash Reddy, a BJP leader and member of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Trust Board. The petition seeks legal action against the actor under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for allegedly hurting religious sentiments and promoting regional division.

According to the complaint, the controversy stems from statements allegedly made by Prakash Raj during the Kerala Literature Festival in January. The complainant stated that he came across a video of the actor’s speech on social media on April 17.

In the alleged video, Prakash Raj is said to have claimed that Lord Rama and Lakshmana travelled from North India to “invade” the South, which he reportedly referred to as “Lanka.” The remarks have triggered sharp reactions among sections of the Hindu community.

Bhanuprakash Reddy claimed in the petition that the actor’s statements were “derogatory, inflammatory and factually incorrect” with respect to the Ramayana, Hindu deities and religious beliefs.

The complainant further alleged that Prakash Raj attempted to promote the controversial “Aryan-Dravidian” narrative and create regional animosity through his comments. According to the petition, the actor’s statements undermined India’s cultural and religious unity.

Reddy stated that he had earlier issued a legal notice to the actor and also lodged complaints with the police in Tirupati. However, after no action was reportedly taken, he approached the court directly.

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The complaint invokes Section 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings by insulting religion or religious beliefs. It also cites Section 196, which relates to promoting enmity between groups on grounds such as religion, race, place of birth and acts prejudicial to communal harmony.

The matter has now drawn widespread attention on social media, where opinions remain sharply divided. While some users defended freedom of expression and interpretation, others accused the actor of disrespecting religious sentiments.

Prakash Raj, known for his outspoken political opinions and social commentary, has often found himself at the centre of public and political debates. However, the actor has not yet issued an official response regarding the latest complaint filed in the Tirupati court.

The legal proceedings are expected to determine whether the court will admit the complaint for further hearing and investigation in the coming days.