Pushpa 2: The Rule currently holds the benchmark for the biggest theatrical business in Indian cinema history, with its theatrical rights across various markets reportedly adding up to around ₹625 crore worldwide. The Sukumar-directed sequel benefited from the enormous popularity of the Pushpa franchise and Allu Arjun’s pan-Indian appeal, allowing distributors to invest heavily even before its release. Now, SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi is reportedly on course to surpass that massive figure.
S. S. Rajamouli – The Brand
The Varanasi Telugu states rights are already attracting offers in the ₹300 crore range, while its overseas business is reportedly expected to contribute another ₹150 crore. That puts the combined value of these two territories at approximately ₹450 crore, even before factoring in the rest of India. North India, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala are collectively expected to contribute at least another ₹325 crore, taking the projected worldwide theatrical business to around ₹775 crore. If these estimates materialise, the Varanasi vs Pushpa 2 record comparison could end with Rajamouli’s film surpassing the ₹625 crore benchmark by at least ₹150 crore. However, these figures currently represent reported offers and projections, rather than fully finalised deals.
Taking Over World Cinema
What makes the Varanasi theatrical business record Pushpa 2 story particularly remarkable is that Rajamouli is potentially achieving this with a new story rather than an established franchise or sequel. Varanasi stars Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran in the lead roles, with Rajamouli directing from a story by his father and frequent collaborator Vijayendra Prasad. The film is an ambitious action-adventure epic that reportedly spans different time periods and locations, and is being mounted on a massive scale. Varanasi is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on April 7, 2027, with the combination of Rajamouli and Mahesh Babu generating enormous pre-release business interest.
