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Kajol Brands Ramoji Film City `Haunted,` Igniting Online Uproar
Updated on: 28 June, 2025 09:00 AM IST |Amruta Karulkar
Kajol in Maa
An off-the-cuff remark by Bollywood star Kajol, labelling Hyderabad`s iconic Ramoji Film City as "one of the most haunted places in the world," has sparked a significant backlash online. The comment, made during promotions for her upcoming horror film `Maa`, has resurrected a long-standing urban legend while simultaneously drawing the ire of many who view the film city as a national treasure.
It was her subsequent example that set the internet ablaze. Kajol pointed to the sprawling film studio founded by the late Ramoji Rao as a "prime example" of a haunted location. "There are quite a few places like that. A prime example is Ramoji Rao Studios in Hyderabad, which is considered one of the most haunted places in the world. I am lucky enough not to have seen anything (ghosts), though," she stated.
The reaction to Kajol`s statement was swift and largely critical, with many social media users accusing her of leveraging a "foolish belief" to generate buzz for her film. The sentiment was particularly strong among Hyderabad locals, who see the world`s largest film studio complex as a point of immense pride.
"With due respect to Kajol, if Ramoji Film City were truly haunted, lakhs of people wouldn’t be visiting it every year. It’s Hyderabad’s pride in film tourism,” an X user wrote. Another commenter on Reddit dismissed her claim as promotional fodder, writing, “For movie promotions, say whatever trash you can say." The criticism highlighted Ramoji Film City`s stellar reputation for hosting blockbuster productions like "Baahubali," "RRR," and "Pushpa," with one user pointing out that so many major films are shot there without incident.
Also Read: Maa Trailer: Kajol Turns Into a Fierce Mother to Protect Her Daughter
Both Kajol and her husband, Ajay Devgn, have frequently filmed at the 1,666-acre studio. `Maa`, a horror film directed by Vishal Furia and also starring Ajay Devgn, is slated for a June 27 release. As the debate rages on, Kajol`s comments have undeniably cast a renewed, albeit controversial, spotlight on the legendary film city.
A Promotional Stop Takes a Spooky Turn
While on a promotional tour for her supernatural thriller `Maa`, Kajol was asked in an interview if she had ever encountered negative energies. The acclaimed actress responded affirmatively, describing experiences of unease during certain film shoots. "I have experienced this multiple times. Call it negative energy or vibes, but sometimes, when you go to a place, you feel like something isn’t right," she shared.It was her subsequent example that set the internet ablaze. Kajol pointed to the sprawling film studio founded by the late Ramoji Rao as a "prime example" of a haunted location. "There are quite a few places like that. A prime example is Ramoji Rao Studios in Hyderabad, which is considered one of the most haunted places in the world. I am lucky enough not to have seen anything (ghosts), though," she stated.
The reaction to Kajol`s statement was swift and largely critical, with many social media users accusing her of leveraging a "foolish belief" to generate buzz for her film. The sentiment was particularly strong among Hyderabad locals, who see the world`s largest film studio complex as a point of immense pride.
"With due respect to Kajol, if Ramoji Film City were truly haunted, lakhs of people wouldn’t be visiting it every year. It’s Hyderabad’s pride in film tourism,” an X user wrote. Another commenter on Reddit dismissed her claim as promotional fodder, writing, “For movie promotions, say whatever trash you can say." The criticism highlighted Ramoji Film City`s stellar reputation for hosting blockbuster productions like "Baahubali," "RRR," and "Pushpa," with one user pointing out that so many major films are shot there without incident.
Also Read: Maa Trailer: Kajol Turns Into a Fierce Mother to Protect Her Daughter
An Old Legend Rekindled
Despite the backlash, Kajol is not the first celebrity to allude to supernatural occurrences at the film city. The urban legend that Ramoji Film City is haunted by the spirits of soldiers from the Nizam era, on whose alleged burial grounds it was built, has circulated for years. Supporters of Kajol`s claim pointed to similar anecdotes shared by other industry figures, including actresses Taapsee Pannu and Rashi Khanna and Tamil director Sundar C. One user noted that director Ravi Babu was so affected by an experience at a hotel within the film city that it inspired his horror film `Avunu`.Both Kajol and her husband, Ajay Devgn, have frequently filmed at the 1,666-acre studio. `Maa`, a horror film directed by Vishal Furia and also starring Ajay Devgn, is slated for a June 27 release. As the debate rages on, Kajol`s comments have undeniably cast a renewed, albeit controversial, spotlight on the legendary film city.
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