Mahesh Babu and SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi Nears Completion, OTT Deal Still Elusive

Mahesh Babu’s upcoming film 'Varanasi', directed by SS Rajamouli, is in the final stages of shooting and has become a focal point in Telugu cinema discussions. Rajamouli, known for his record-breaking successes with the Baahubali franchise and RRR, is steering this ambitious project that also stars Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran. Produced by KL Narayana, the film is scheduled for a theatrical release on April 7, 2027.

Despite the strong lineup of talent and Rajamouli’s reputation for closing major deals before release, the team has yet to secure a lucrative OTT agreement. According to reports, streaming giants Netflix and Prime Video have been approached, but there is a significant gap between the makers’ expectations and the platforms’ offers. Netflix’s highest bid so far stands at ₹150 crores for digital rights across all languages. Rajamouli has paused negotiations to focus on completing the shoot, with post-production already underway.

The team also explored partnerships with international studios to facilitate a global release, but talks have not yielded results. The reasons for these stalled discussions remain unclear. Nevertheless, the production is progressing as planned, and sources indicate there is no financial strain on the makers. Rajamouli’s previous films, including Baahubali and RRR, have set benchmarks for pan-Indian reach and international acclaim, making the current situation with Varanasi’s non-theatrical rights particularly notable.

In June, Netflix India’s Monika Shergill hinted at possible OTT interest during a trailer launch, but as of now, no agreement has been finalized. With the release date set for next April, industry watchers are keenly observing how Rajamouli and his team will navigate the digital rights landscape for this high-profile project.