Mahesh Babu and SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi has set a massive new benchmark before its release. Mythri Movie Makers has acquired the film’s theatrical rights for the Telugu states for an all-time record deal of ₹290 Cr.
The Biggest Deal Ever in the Telugu States
This is the biggest price ever paid for any film’s theatrical rights in the Telugu states.
The previous record belonged to Rajamouli’s own RRR, whose Telugu states rights were sold for close to ₹225 Cr. Varanasi’s deal is around ₹65 Cr higher.
Biggest Telugu States Theatrical Deals
- Varanasi: ₹290 Cr
- RRR: Close to ₹225 Cr
A Big Race for the Rights
The rights drew interest from several top producers and distributors. Mythri Movie Makers, Naga Vamsi and Dil Raju were among those in the race, along with a few others.
In the end, Mythri Movie Makers sealed the deal.
The Break-Even Target
A record price comes with a record target. To break even on the ₹290 Cr deal, Varanasi will need to collect around ₹500 Cr gross in the Telugu states, a number that would itself be a massive new record for the region.
Mythri’s Big Bet on Mahesh Babu
The deal also fits with Mythri’s wider plans with Mahesh Babu. The production house is said to have locked the actor’s next film, SSMB30, and is planning it as an international project, building on the global recognition Varanasi is expected to bring him.
With Varanasi’s Telugu release in its hands, Mythri is now a key partner in Mahesh Babu’s biggest phase yet.
Varanasi’s Massive Expectations
Varanasi is one of the most awaited films in Indian cinema. The film’s title glimpse last year set huge expectations, and the Rajamouli and Mahesh Babu combination is expected to deliver something on a global scale.
The film is officially set to release on April 7, 2027.
