Tamil actor Daniel Balaji slammed the reports that his web series Godman, which has stirred up a controversy with its teaser release, is based on self-proclaimed godman and alleged rapist Nithyananda?

Zee5 released the two-minute teaser of the web series, titled Godman on May 26. The first look video has stirred up a new controversy with many right-wing activists condemning Daniel Balaji, who has been trolled heavily on social media after the video hit the internet.

After seeing the teaser of Godman many speculated that Daniel Balaji’s character is based on self-proclaimed godman and alleged rapist Nithyananda. But the actor slammed the reports in an interview with The News Minute. “Maybe there is a resemblance in the appearance, but other than that, the dialogues and journeys are very different,” he told TNM, when asked about it.

Talking about his role, Daniel Balaji added, “My character Ayyanar is first shocked that he too can become a godman, especially when he is not educated or refined. He doesn’t know any language other than his mother tongue and he has to learn Vedas and other scriptures. I am someone who has done several negative roles and for the first time I saw a character who is bad actually getting a chance to become good. Everyone has two sides to them and this role helps me show both.”

Meanwhile, Daniel Balaji admitted being spiritual but does not belong to any cults. He told TNM, “I am a spiritual person by nature, but not having been in any cult myself, I don’t have an opinion about this. Clearly these godmen are offering something that the followers want and believe in. No single man can form a cult. As long as followers believe what you say, you will remain a godman.”

After more than 17 years of Kadhal Konden release, Daniel Balaji has reunited with Sonia Agarwal, who plays a politician in the web series Godman, which is directed by Babu Yogeshwaran. The actor is all praises for both the actress and director.