'Varanasi': SS Rajamouli and Priyanka Chopra's magnum opus costs 44% lesser than Prime Video's 'Citadel Season 1'- Deets inside

SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi, slated to hit theatres in 2027, features Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran in pivotal roles, along with Priyanka Chopra making her much-awaited return to Indian cinema.

It has been under a month since Rajamouli revealed the title of his next magnum opus, yet Varanasi is already at the centre of massive anticipation. The film isn’t just boosted by the director’s towering reputation it also brings together the star power of Mahesh Babu,  Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran. Unsurprisingly, despite the release still being more than a year away, the film has sparked enormous pre-release excitement, with OTT platforms reportedly racing to secure its digital rights.

What’s the budget of Varanasi

As per report, the budget of the filmmaker’s latest magnum opus is made at a budget of Rs 1400 crore, which happens to be 44% lesser than Prime Video’s show Citadel Season One.

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According to Hindustan Times, “  Varanasi is the hottest property from India in the global streaming market. The film follows the immense success of RRR in the West, as well as its Oscar win. Rajamouli’s previous film, Baahubali 2, had also earned over $62 million overseas. This has made the director a recognised name and face in the West. Naturally, his next has started almost a bidding war for the digital rights. Trade sources inform us that streaming platforms are considering paying big bucks for the film’s digital rights, equivalent to those for any Hollywood movie. The final figure can even go as high as ₹1000 crore.”

If this deal is finalised, it would set a new benchmark for pre-release revenue generated through digital rights for an Indian film. Combined with music, satellite, and theatrical distribution rights, Varanasi is already shaping up to be one of the biggest Indian films ever mounted.

With over 50,000 fans in attendance, the celebration with The Grand Globe Trotter Event at Ramoji Film City on November 15 became one of the largest live fan gatherings in Indian entertainment, showcasing a never-seen-before spectacle created exclusively for a film announcement.