Varanasi
OTT
Rights:
Even
as
its
theatrical
release
is
still
more
than
a
year
away,
SS
Rajamouli’s
upcoming
film
Varanasi
has
already
entered
discussions
for
one
of
the
most
expensive
digital
deals
in
Indian
cinema.
Industry
sources
indicate
that
the
global
OTT
streaming
rights
for
the
film
are
being
negotiated
at
figures
that
could
reach
as
high
as
₹1000
crore,
reflecting
the
scale
of
international
demand
surrounding
the
project.
According
to
a
report
by
Hindustan
Times,
Varanasi
has
emerged
as
one
of
the
most
sought-after
Indian
titles
in
the
global
streaming
market.
The
report
notes
that
multiple
platforms
are
actively
competing
to
acquire
the
digital
rights,
driven
by
the
sustained
international
interest
in
Rajamouli’s
films
after
the
global
success
of
RRR.
Trade
sources
quoted
by
Hindustan
Times
stated
that
the
filmmaker’s
growing
recognition
in
Western
markets
has
placed
his
next
project
on
par
with
major
international
productions
in
terms
of
valuation.
The
director’s
track
record
overseas
has
played
a
key
role
in
shaping
these
expectations.
Baahubali
2
reportedly
earned
over
$62
million
from
international
markets,
while
RRR
went
on
to
receive
unprecedented
global
attention,
culminating
in
an
Oscar
win
for
its
song
“Naatu
Naatu.”
These
milestones
have
significantly
expanded
Rajamouli’s
reach
beyond
traditional
Indian
markets,
making
Varanasi
an
attractive
prospect
for
global
streaming
services.
Slated
for
a
theatrical
release
in
2027,
Varanasi
stars
Mahesh
Babu
in
the
lead
role,
marking
his
first
collaboration
with
Rajamouli.
The
cast
also
includes
Prithviraj
Sukumaran
in
a
pivotal
role
and
Priyanka
Chopra
Jonas,
who
is
making
her
return
to
Indian
cinema
with
this
project.
The
music
is
composed
by
M.
M.
Keeravaani,
a
long-time
collaborator
of
the
director.
The
film
is
being
produced
by
KL
Narayana
and
SS
Karthikeya
under
the
banners
Sri
Durga
Arts
and
Showing
Business.
While
no
official
confirmation
has
been
issued
regarding
the
reported
OTT
valuation,
industry
observers
point
out
that
a
deal
of
this
scale,
if
finalised,
would
set
a
new
benchmark
for
pre-release
digital
revenue
for
an
Indian
film.
Beyond
streaming
rights,
the
film
is
also
expected
to
command
significant
amounts
from
satellite,
music,
and
theatrical
distribution
across
domestic
and
overseas
markets.
Early
Promotions
and
Character
Reveals
Generate
Buzz
Public
interest
in
Varanasi
has
been
noticeable
through
recent
promotional
activities.
On
November
15,
a
fan
event
held
at
Ramoji
Film
City
reportedly
attracted
tens
of
thousands
of
attendees.
The
gathering
was
organized
in
connection
with
the
film’s
announcement,
indicating
the
level
of
early
attention
the
project
has
received.
The
makers
have
also
revealed
first-look
visuals
of
key
characters.
Prithviraj
Sukumaran’s
introduction
as
a
character
named
Kumbha
and
Priyanka
Chopra
Jonas’ appearance
as
Mandakini
received
wide
circulation
on
social
media,
further
pushing
online
engagement
around
the
film.
Despite
the
growing
speculation
around
its
commercial
prospects,
the
production
team
has
maintained
silence
on
the
reported
OTT
valuation.
For
now,
Varanasi
remains
in
active
development,
with
audiences
expected
to
wait
until
2027
for
its
theatrical
debut.
Until
official
announcements
are
made,
the
figures
surrounding
its
digital
rights
remain
based
on
industry
sources
and
trade
reports,
including
those
cited
by
Hindustan
Times.