Rajamouli’s next big test: Can Varanasi beat Dhurandhar 2 records?

India’s top director S. S. Rajamouli is currently working on his ambitious project, “Varanasi”, a fantasy spectacle blending timelines, mythology, and adventure.

The film features superstar Mahesh Babu in dual roles: a present-day man named Rudra and Lord Rama from the Treta Yuga, unfolding across two timelines. The title glimpse has already created massive buzz, raising expectations to a fever pitch.

Trade circles are confident that Rajamouli’s next will shatter records worldwide, including in North America. As of now, his own “Baahubali 2” remains the highest-grossing Indian film in North America with over $21 million.

However, the benchmark is now set to change. “Dhurandhar: The Revenge” (Dhurandhar 2) is on track to become the new all-time record holder, with projections pointing towards a $25 million-plus lifetime gross. The film is expected to rake in around $13 million in its opening weekend alone, a historic feat for an Indian film.

One of the striking aspects of “Dhurandhar 2” is its relatively moderate ticket pricing (around $12), making its massive numbers even more impressive.

In contrast, Telugu films in North America are typically priced between $20 and $25 per ticket. For “Varanasi”, there is already speculation that distributors might push premium pricing — possibly $30 to $35 for opening weekend shows — to maximize returns.

Regardless of pricing strategies, the success of “Dhurandhar 2” has raised the bar significantly. Rajamouli now faces the challenge of surpassing these numbers to maintain his dominance and reputation as India’s biggest box office director.

Interestingly, Rajamouli has already praised director Aditya Dhar for delivering an immersive and emotional blockbuster, indicating the level of competition and respect in play.

Currently being shot in Hyderabad, “Varanasi” is slated for release on April 7, 2027.