Director SS Rajamouli has been accused of torture and harassment by Uppalapati Srinivasa Rao, a senior Telugu technician who claims to have been a close friend of the filmmaker since 1990. In a video statement and a letter to Mettu Police Station on Thursday, Srinivasa Rao alleged that the RRR director was responsible for his personal and professional struggles, stating that their dispute stemmed from a woman.

“I have no option but to die by suicide. Rajamouli is the reason I am still single at 55. We worked together until Yamadonga, but he ruined my career for a woman,” Srinivasa Rao alleged in his statement. He claimed that despite repeatedly explaining his situation to Rajamouli, the director failed to understand him, allegedly under the woman’s influence.

While making these claims, Srinivasa Rao admitted he could not provide concrete evidence, stating that the events involved only three people. No other close associates have come forward to support his allegations. Given the seriousness of the claims, police are reported to have asked for substantial proof before taking further action. Rajamouli, who is currently busy helming SSMB29 with Mahesh Babu, has yet to respond to the controversy.