The makers of Varanasi, directed by S S Rajamouli, have outlined the thinking behind the film’s carefully planned theatrical release and its distinctive promotional approach, which began with a cryptic on-ground installation in the holy city of Varanasi.
The ambitious action-adventure epic is being produced under the banners of Sri Durga Arts and Showing Business, with K L Narayana and S S Karthikeya serving as producers.
According to the team, the April 7, 2027 release date was chosen with precision to maximise the film’s theatrical potential.
The date falls during the festive period of Ugadi and Gudi Padwa, leads into a weekend, and is followed closely by Ambedkar Jayanti and Rama Navami.
This sequence of holidays creates an extended and uninterrupted theatrical window, allowing the film to benefit from sustained footfalls across regions.
The narrative of Varanasi spans thousands of years and unfolds across multiple continents, with key locations ranging from Antarctica and Africa to the sacred Indian city that lends the film its title.
One of the film’s major sequences draws inspiration from a chapter of the Indian epic Ramayana, centred on Lord Rama.
The timing of the release around Rama Navami, which marks the birth of Lord Rama, adds cultural and thematic relevance to the film’s storyline.
The film features Mahesh Babu in the lead role, alongside Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran in pivotal roles.
With its scale, mythology-driven elements, and festival-aligned release plan, Varanasi is being positioned as a major theatrical event aimed at maximising both cultural impact and box-office performance.