Dispute erupts over SS Rajamouli, Mahesh Babu's Varanasi title - here's everything to know

Varanasi

Just days after SS Rajamouli revealed the name of his upcoming anticipated film as Varanasi in a grand manner, a disagreement has now reportedly arisen over the title rights. The forthcoming film starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran, who were also present at the grand title reveal event held at at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad. The disagreement has now created confusion on the legal ownership of the film's title.

Varanasi title registered?

Rajamouli's team announced the name of the project as Varanasi. However, the title currently lies with Rama Bramha Hanuma Creations, a company led by CH Subba Reddy. According to reports, the title of 'Vaaranasi' was registered a couple of years ago as per the registration documents with the Telugu Film Producers' Council. It has been with them since 2023. The production house has even renewed the title from June 24, 2025 to July 23, 2026.

Notably, while Subba Reddy had registered Vaaranasi as the title, Rajamouli and his team have used a different spelling for the same title, which was revealed during the grand launch held on November 15. Additionally, it is also unknown if Subba Reddy had registered a complaint against Rajamouli and the team over the use of the title.

Thus, the announcement of Rajamouli's Varanasi has found itself in the middle of a title ownership controversy as the film continues in its production stage.

What happens next?

Now it remains to be seen if Rajamouli and his producer-son SS Karthikeya, who is also involved in the project, hold a meeting with Subba Reddy to negotiate the matter or decide to take it up legally. In case of Subba Reddy filing a complaint, the film body will likely investigate the matter and decide the rightful owner of the title Varanasi.

Meanwhile, SS Rajamouli is already facing backlash and legal trouble over his remarks about Lord Hanuman during the Varanasi event. Hindu organisations, including Vanarasena and Gow Rakshak Sangh, have submitted a written complaint to the Saroor Nagar Police Inspector, accusing Rajamouli of "intentionally insulting Hindu deities" and passingbremarks "with the intention of provoking religious hatred."

Varanasi, featuring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran in lead roles, is expected to hit theatres in multiple languages during the summer of 2027.