Rajamouli’s Varanasi Faces Tough Global Box Office Challenge in 2027

Superstar Mahesh Babu’s highly awaited film Varanasi, helmed by visionary director SS Rajamouli, has officially locked its worldwide release for April 7, 2027. Known for redefining Indian cinema with RRR, Rajamouli now faces perhaps his toughest battle yet—not just completing the shoot, but ensuring Varanasi secures top-tier global screens amid fierce Hollywood competition.

The film’s shoot is currently underway, with around 80 days of filming left. Rajamouli is aiming to wrap up principal photography by Dasara this year, bringing together a star-studded cast including Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran. The production is touted as a massive action adventure, promising large-scale visual effects and spectacle on par with international standards.

However, the real test will come after the cameras stop rolling. The film’s release coincides with Hollywood blockbusters like Godzilla x Kong: Supernova and Panic Carefully, both slated to dominate IMAX and other premium formats worldwide. This overlap could severely limit Varanasi’s access to these lucrative screens, especially in North America and Europe, which are crucial for overseas collections. As per reports, “Hollywood studios reserve IMAX and premium screens months in advance,” making it a daunting task for Indian films to secure prime slots.

Despite these hurdles, the team remains optimistic about hitting the planned April release and making a global impact. With post-production expected to be extensive, all eyes are now on how Rajamouli and his team will navigate the international release calendar ahead of Varanasi’s grand debut.