SS Rajamouli’s ambitious film Varanasi, starring Mahesh Babu in the lead role, is gearing up for a grand theatrical release on April 7, 2027. With shooting reportedly nearing completion, the makers have begun concentrating on the film’s pre-release business, but the latest industry buzz suggests that the offers coming their way may not have met their expectations.
According to reports, the OTT offer for Varanasi is lower than the amount anticipated by the team. Similar concerns are reportedly being raised over offers for other non-theatrical rights, adding another layer of complexity to the film’s business negotiations.
Given the film’s ambitious scale and reportedly massive budget, the makers are said to be firm on securing valuations that reflect the project’s commercial potential. Rather than rushing into agreements, the team is reportedly taking a cautious approach before finalising any major deals.
The business of Varanasi has attracted considerable attention because of the combination of Rajamouli’s global reputation and Mahesh Babu’s star power. However, translating those expectations into high-value distribution and non-theatrical deals remains a key challenge for the makers.
Priyanka Chopra, Prithviraj Sukumaran, and Prakash Raj play important roles in the film, which is among the most anticipated upcoming Indian projects.
Whether the market eventually meets the team’s expectations remains to be seen. For now, the reported concerns surrounding pre-release valuations are generating discussion, though the makers have not officially confirmed these claims.
