Big Twist in Rajamouli’s ‘Varanasi’

SS Rajamouli’s much-awaited global action adventure Varanasi, starring Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra, is once again making headlines, this time over fresh industry buzz suggesting that the film may now be released in two parts instead of a single film. While Rajamouli had earlier indicated that the project was being planned as a one-part film, the latest talk in trade and film circles suggests that the makers are now seriously evaluating a two-part release strategy due to a combination of business and distribution factors.
The film, which has already generated enormous anticipation as one of the biggest Indian projects currently in production, is being mounted on a massive scale and is expected to target not just the Indian market but also a strong international audience. Given the scale, budget and global ambitions attached to the project, every development related to the film is being closely watched by fans, trade analysts and streaming platforms alike.
According to the latest buzz, one of the key factors influencing the current discussions is the film’s release date, which is said to have been fixed keeping in mind IMAX screen availability. Since a film of this scale is expected to rely heavily on premium large-format screens for its theatrical run, the makers are reportedly trying to ensure that the release aligns with a window that gives the film maximum exposure in IMAX and other high-end exhibition formats. This has reportedly made the release strategy more sensitive and tightly structured.
At the same time, there is also strong talk that Rajamouli wants the film’s OTT rights to go only to Netflix, making the digital rights deal another crucial part of the film’s business planning. However, reports suggest that the negotiations and financial expectations tied to the OTT deal are not currently aligning smoothly with the broader release strategy. Trade buzz indicates that the offers coming in for the streaming rights are said to be lower than expected, especially considering the scale and global appeal the makers believe the film carries.
This combination of release planning and OTT negotiations is now said to be one of the main reasons behind internal discussions on whether splitting Varanasi into two parts would make more financial and strategic sense. According to industry speculation, a two-part format could help the makers recover investments more effectively, create a larger theatrical event, and potentially bridge any gap caused by underwhelming digital offers. If the project is split, it would also allow the team to maximize the storytelling scope and commercial value of a film that is already being treated as a landmark production.
What is particularly interesting is that despite all these ongoing discussions, the current buzz strongly suggests that the release date will not be changed, regardless of whether the film eventually arrives as a single feature or gets divided into two parts. That means the makers are reportedly trying to restructure the film’s business and presentation model without disturbing the release calendar that has already been worked out around exhibition planning.
If the two-part decision is officially taken, it would mark a significant shift from the film’s original positioning. Rajamouli is known for carefully planning his projects and balancing cinematic storytelling with long-term market strategy. So if a split does happen, it is likely to be presented not merely as a business move, but also as a way to preserve the scale and cinematic experience the film is aiming to deliver.
With Mahesh Babu headlining the project and Priyanka Chopra adding international appeal, Varanasi is already one of the most closely followed Indian films in development. The possibility of it expanding into a two-part franchise is only likely to increase the buzz further. For now, though, the two-part talk remains industry speculation, and fans will have to wait for an official clarification from the makers.
Until then, Varanasi continues to remain at the centre of trade conversations, with every new update adding to the curiosity around what is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious Indian films ever planned.
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