05 December,2025 07:03 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The team of Varanasi
SS Rajamouli's Varanasi has been making noise over a year before its release. The film which will be released in January 2027 stars Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran in the lead. According to industry sources, may fetch a staggering Rs 1000 crore for its global streaming rights. The film, slated to release in 2027, features Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran in pivotal roles, along with Priyanka Chopra making her much-awaited return to Indian cinema.
It has been under a month since Rajamouli announced the title of his next magnum opus, yet Varanasi is already at the centre of massive anticipation. Driven not only by the director's towering global reputation, the film also unites the star power of Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran. Understandably, despite being more than a year away from release, the film has triggered enormous pre-release buzz, with OTT giants reportedly racing to secure its digital rights.
According to Hindustan Times, "Varanasi is the hottest property from India in the global streaming market. The film follows the immense success of RRR in the West and its historic Oscar win. Rajamouli's previous film Baahubali 2 had also earned over 62 million dollars overseas, making the director a recognised name in global markets. Naturally, his next project has sparked a bidding war for digital rights, with trade sources stating that streaming platforms are considering Hollywood-level payouts. The final figure could go as high as Rs 1000 crore."
If finalised, this deal would set a new benchmark for pre-release digital revenue for an Indian film. Combined with music, satellite, and theatrical distribution rights, Varanasi is already shaping up to be one of the biggest Indian films ever mounted.
With over 50,000 fans in attendance, the Grand Globe Trotter Event at Ramoji Film City on November 15 became one of the largest live fan gatherings in Indian entertainment - showcasing a never-seen-before spectacle created solely for a film announcement.
Prithviraj Sukumaran's fierce first look as Kumbha and Priyanka Chopra Jonas' powerful portrayal of Mandakini have already been unveiled, igniting a social media frenzy and amplifying anticipation nationwide. Now, excitement has reached its peak as audiences await this epic cinematic marvel, set to hit the big screens in 2027.
