Mahesh Babu–Rajamouli’s ‘Varanasi’ eyes record ₹290 crore Telugu States deal, set to surpass ‘RRR’

According to industry trade reports, leading production and distribution company Mythri Movie Makers has reportedly secured the theatrical rights for the two Telugu states. If officially confirmed, the agreement would establish a new record for pre-release theatrical business in the region, surpassing the ₹225 crore reportedly fetched by Rajamouli's blockbuster RRR by a substantial ₹65 crore. Deccan Chronicle +1

The reported deal reflects the extraordinary commercial expectations surrounding the first collaboration between Mahesh Babu and Rajamouli, whose previous directorial ventures, including Baahubali and RRR, achieved remarkable box-office success.

Trade estimates suggest that distributors could require approximately ₹500 crore in gross theatrical collections from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to recover their investment and enter the profit zone. Such a target would place enormous expectations on the film's performance in its core Telugu market. Sacnilk

The ambitious adventure spectacle also features Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran in prominent roles. Mounted on a massive scale, the film is expected to combine international locations, elaborate visual effects and mythology-inspired storytelling.

Meanwhile, the makers celebrated the first anniversary of the film's grand GlobeTrotter promotional event, held at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad on November 15, 2025. The event, attended by an estimated 50,000 fans, unveiled the film's title and offered audiences an early glimpse of Rajamouli's ambitious cinematic vision. Hyderabad Mail

Marking the occasion, the film's official social media account thanked fans for continuing to share photographs, videos and memories of the event even a year later. The team emphasised its commitment to creating cinematic experiences that remain memorable long after their unveiling.

The film has been announced for a worldwide theatrical release on April 7, 2027. However, speculation about a possible postponement has emerged, with no official confirmation of a revised date. TrackTollywood

While the reported ₹290 crore distribution agreement is yet to receive formal confirmation from the filmmakers or Mythri Movie Makers, the figures have already generated considerable excitement across the Telugu film industry.

With Rajamouli's box-office reputation, Mahesh Babu's immense popularity and the film's international ambitions, Varanasi is shaping up to be one of Indian cinema's most closely watched releases. Its reported pre-release business suggests that the film could establish new commercial benchmarks even before audiences enter theatres.