Varanasi Official Budget: SS Rajamouli, who is known for giving some of the biggest films in India, is once again redefining the scale of Indian cinema with “Varanasi.” Varanasi is an ambitious action-adventure, and it has officially become the most expensive Indian film ever produced.
The movie, which has Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, Prithviraj Sukumaran, and Prakash Raj, has a massive budget of $150 million (approximately ₹1361 crore). This budget has surpassed the director’s previous blockbuster, RRR. Varanasi’s humongous budget amount was revealed by the leading lady, Priyanka Chopra, in the latest interview with Variety.
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A Record-Breaking Budget in Indian Cinema
Rajamouli has always been associated with cinematic spectacle in India, and through Varanasi he will look to take that legacy forward on an unprecedented scale. The film’s officially confirmed budget has made Varanasi the costliest Indian production to date, as it has overtaken RRR, which was made for around $72 million.
The high investment highlights the film’s attempt at ambitious storytelling, extensive action sequences, and cutting-edge visual effects. Many industry experts are of the belief that this budget has positioned Varanasi as a global cinematic project and not just a regional or national release.
Priyanka Chopra’s Comeback to Indian Films
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The biggest highlight of Varanasi is Priyanka Chopra’s return to Indian cinema after nearly six years. Her first look from the film that features her in a saree with a fierce, action-ready avatar has already got massive buzz online, and it has resonated strongly with fans.
During a recent international interview, Priyanka Chopra revealed that she is very enthusiastic about the project and also shared a unique request she made to Rajamouli: she wanted to perform a dance sequence in the film. The request was based on her desire to reconnect with a familiar element of Indian cinema. Mahesh Babu reportedly joked that her decision meant he too would have to dance.
Global Production Scale and Visual Grandeur
The massive budget of Varanasi is linked to its globe-spanning production and visual ambition. The film has been shot across more than seven countries, and this includes remote locations such as the forests of Kenya and even Antarctica. It is an extremely rare choice for Indian filmmaking.
Rajamouli has also used IMAX cameras for key sequences that will further elevate the film’s cinematic experience. The combination of practical locations, advanced VFX, and international production came together and resulted in the project’s staggering cost.
Budget Comparison: Varanasi vs RRR
RRR, when it was released, set the new standards for Indian box office success. The film scored approximately $166 million worldwide. However, Varanasi has already surpassed it in terms of scale and investment.
The director is very dedicated to building on the global recognition that was earned from Baahubali and RRR, which has positioned Varanasi as a cross-market spectacle aimed at both domestic and international audiences.
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Rajamouli’s Unique Remuneration Strategy
Interestingly, SS Rajamouli has reportedly opted out of a direct salary for the film. Instead, he has secured the overseas theatrical rights, which are estimated to be worth around ₹160 crore. This could be a good move because if the film performs strongly at the global box office, then this deal could make him the highest-paid filmmaker in Indian cinema history, and it will surpass many top actors and directors.
Release Date and Industry Expectations
Varanasi is scheduled for release on April 7. And, going by the budget and the hype, the expectations are already sky-high. The film already has factors like a powerhouse cast, a massive budget, global filming locations, and Rajamouli’s proven storytelling prowess in its favour. It will be interesting to see how Varanasi will perform after its release.
Watch Varanasi Teaser
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