Rajamouli’s Varanasi sets new benchmark in overseas market

S. S. Rajamouli’s upcoming magnum opus “Varanasi “is already creating waves in the trade circles, a year before its theatrical release.

According to industry sources, the film has received a record offer of around Rs 160 crore for its overseas theatrical rights across all Indian language versions. The offer is said to have come from Phars Film.

If finalized, this will become the highest amount ever offered for the overseas rights of an Indian film, surpassing previous benchmarks set by other films. However, the makers are reportedly not in a hurry to close the deal. Sources say they believe the valuation could go even higher once the film’s promotional campaign begins and more details about the project are revealed.

“Varanasi” is being mounted on a massive scale and is expected to be one of Rajamouli’s most ambitious films yet. The director, who delivered global blockbusters like RRR and Baahubali: The Beginning, enjoys tremendous credibility in overseas markets. “Baahubali 2” grossed massive 22 million amount in North America alone.

Even if the deal closes at Rs 160 crore, the distributor will need exceptional box-office performance overseas to recover the investment.

Starring Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra in the lead roles, “Varanasi” will arrive in theaters in April 2027.