The global promotional campaign for Varanasi kicked off this week at CCXP, one of the world’s largest pop culture conventions. The film, directed by S. S. Rajamouli, was featured in a panel discussion led by producer S. S. Karthikeya, who also unveiled exclusive new footage and behind-the-scenes glimpses.
The event marked a major step in the film’s international outreach, placing it alongside major Hollywood titles like Avengers: Doomsday and Dune Part Three. Moderated by ScreenRant’s Liam Crowley, the panel included a video message from Rajamouli, who reflected on the global success of Baahubali and RRR, while highlighting cross-cultural influences, including connections with Mexican audiences.
However, the spotlight quickly shifted online after images and videos from the session circulated on social media. Some visuals appeared to show empty seats in the front rows, while clips suggested attendees moving around or leaving during the presentation. These moments triggered criticism from some users, who described the turnout as “embarrassing” and questioned the film’s appeal in international markets.
The reaction was particularly notable given the massive global success of Rajamouli’s previous film, RRR, which had generated strong enthusiasm among Western audiences. Critics online expressed concern that Varanasi might not be receiving the same level of interest, especially during a high-profile launch event.
At the same time, many fans and observers pushed back against the narrative. Several attendees shared alternative photos and videos showing a more engaged crowd, including images of Karthikeya interacting with fans after the session. Others argued that the widely circulated visuals captured only brief moments and did not reflect overall attendance.
Some also pointed out that fluctuating crowd movement is common at large conventions like CCXP, where multiple panels compete for attention. In this context, people walking in and out of sessions is not unusual and does not necessarily indicate lack of interest.
Written by Vijayendra Prasad, Varanasi is described as a time-travel adventure blending Indian mythology, history, and science fiction. The film stars Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran, and is scheduled for a theatrical release in April 2027.
As the film continues its promotional journey, the mixed response from CCXP highlights both the challenges and the scrutiny that come with launching a global cinematic project of this scale.
