- Varanasi is set for a global theatrical release on April 7, 2027
- Marketing began with a cryptic installation in the city of Varanasi
- The release aligns with multiple major Indian festivals
- The film stars Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Prithviraj Sukumaran
- Oscar-winning composer MM Keeravani reunites with Rajamouli
The producers behind S.S. Rajamouli’s highly anticipated action-adventure epic Varanasi have shared insights into the carefully crafted theatrical release and marketing strategy for the film, which is scheduled to hit theaters worldwide on April 7, 2027. Produced by K.L. Narayana and S.S. Karthikeya under the banners Sri Durga Arts and Showing Business, the film aims to build anticipation through cultural resonance, timing, and immersive storytelling.
According to producer S.S. Karthikeya, the decision to kick off the film’s promotional campaign in the ancient city of Varanasi was both symbolic and instinctive. “Varanasi lies at the heart of this film, so beginning the release conversation from the city itself felt natural,” he explained. The campaign began with a cryptic on-ground installation that offered no direct explanations, instead encouraging audiences to piece together clues on their own. The strategy paid off, generating organic buzz and curiosity across social media and fan communities.
Equally deliberate was the selection of the film’s release date. April 7, 2027, was chosen to take full advantage of a powerful festive window in India. The date coincides with Ugadi and Gudi Padwa, regional New Year celebrations in southern and western India, flows seamlessly into a weekend, and is followed by Ambedkar Jayanti and Rama Navami. Together, these holidays create an extended theatrical window that maximizes footfall and audience availability.
“This date works perfectly for us and for all our stakeholders,” Karthikeya said, emphasizing that the alignment between cultural calendars and theatrical performance was a key consideration. Rama Navami holds particular relevance to the film, as Varanasi draws inspiration from Indian mythology, including a pivotal sequence influenced by the epic Ramayana. The festival celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, a central figure in the story’s thematic fabric.
Narratively, Varanasi is ambitious in scale. The film spans thousands of years and crosses continents, with key sequences set in locations ranging from Antarctica and Africa to the historic ghats of Varanasi. This global scope is matched by a star-studded cast led by Telugu cinema superstar Mahesh Babu, alongside Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran.
The project also marks a major reunion for Rajamouli and composer MM Keeravani, following the unprecedented success of RRR. Keeravani, who won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for “Naatu Naatu,” returns to score Varanasi, further raising expectations for the film’s music and emotional impact.
With RRR having become a global phenomenon and one of the highest-grossing films in Indian cinema history, expectations for Varanasi are immense. By grounding its release strategy in culture, mythology, and timing, the producers are positioning the film not just as a theatrical event, but as a cinematic experience designed to resonate deeply with audiences in India and around the world.
