A dispute has emerged over who holds the rights to the title of the film ‘Varanasi’. The director Rajamouli has announced his new project featuring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran.
According to reports, his team presented the film as ‘Varanasi’, though the title is currently held by Rama Bramha Hanuma Creations, headed by CH Subba Reddy.
The title ownership issue has turned into the focal point of discussion around the project, with industry observers noting the persistent uncertainty about who legally controls the name.
It remains to be seen whether Rajamouli and producer-son SS Karthikeya will meet Subba Reddy to negotiate or pursue a legal route. Should Subba Reddy choose to file a complaint, the concerned film body is expected to look into the matter and decide who rightfully holds the title ‘Varanasi’, provided both sides continue to assert their claims.
According to documents reportedly registered with the Telugu Film Producer’s Council, the title ‘Vaaranasi’ was secured a couple of years ago and has been with the production house since 2023. It was renewed for the period from June 24, 2025 to July 23, 2026.
Although Subba Reddy had registered the title as ‘Vaaranasi’, Rajamouli and his team used a different spelling at the grand launch on November 15 at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad, a section of the media highlighted.
It is not known whether Subba Reddy has lodged a complaint regarding the usage of the title.
Rajamouli is also facing criticism for his comments about Lord Hanuman during the ‘Varanasi’ event. After the event, organisations including Vanarasena and Gow Rakshak Sangh filed a written complaint with the Saroor Nagar Police Inspector, accusing him of “intentionally insulting Hindu deities” and making remarks “with the intention of provoking religious hatred.”
The film has Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran in the lead. It’s scheduled for a multilingual theatrical release in 2027.
During an event in Hyderabad, Rajamouli expressed that he wanted to present the scale and scope of the film through the teaser. In the video, Mahesh Babu’s Rudhra is reportedly seen riding an ox while holding a trishul.
According to another report, the trailer opens in the year 512 CE in Varanasi. The movie jumps to 2071 as meteors fall from the sky. They threaten to destroy the city.
The report, elaborating further about the movie, says that in Antartica, explorers search for an abandoned ship frozen in an iceberg.
It reportedly cuts to Africa. An animal kingdom and a group of ferocious hippos attempting to eat a monkey are some scenes that heighten the experience.
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