Rajamouli's 'Varanasi' Two-Part Talk Driven by IMAX Constraints and OTT Pricing

The buzz around SS Rajamouli potentially splitting his upcoming magnum opus Varanasi into two parts isn't just creative ambition: it's a calculated response to some very real market challenges that reveal the complex economics of pan-India blockbusters today.

At the heart of these discussions lies a familiar constraint that has plagued several big-ticket releases: IMAX screen availability. For a filmmaker like Rajamouli, who elevated the visual spectacle of Indian cinema with the Baahubali duology and RRR, securing premium screens isn't just about prestige: it's about maximizing the theatrical experience that drives his brand of storytelling. The release date for Varanasi has reportedly been locked around IMAX availability, showing just how crucial these screens have become for event films.

But the more intriguing factor is the OTT rights situation. Industry sources suggest Rajamouli has his sights set specifically on Netflix for the digital streaming rights, which isn't surprising given their successful partnership on RRR's global reach. However, Netflix's current offer is apparently falling short of the team's financial expectations, creating a gap that the makers are scrambling to bridge.

This is where the two-part strategy becomes interesting from a business perspective. By splitting Varanasi, the team could potentially double their OTT revenue opportunity while also extending the theatrical window: a model that worked phenomenally well for Baahubali. It's a clever way to turn a budgetary challenge into a narrative advantage.

What's particularly noteworthy is that despite all these internal discussions, the team remains committed to their announced release date. This suggests they're confident about finding a solution, whether it's restructuring the Netflix deal or indeed going the two-part route.

For Mahesh Babu, this represents his most ambitious project yet, and for Priyanka Chopra, it's a significant return to Indian cinema. The stakes couldn't be higher, and Rajamouli's track record suggests he'll find a way to turn these constraints into creative opportunities that serve both the story and the box office.