Mahesh Babu's Varanasi Sets Telugu States Record

Mahesh Babu and SS Rajamouli’s much awaited film Varanasi has reportedly created an all time record in Telugu theatrical business even before its release. Mythri Movie Makers has acquired the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana theatrical rights for a whopping Rs. 290 crore, making it the biggest ever deal in the Telugu states.

The deal has reportedly surpassed the previous record held by Rajamouli’s RRR, whose Telugu states theatrical rights were valued at around Rs. 225 crore. Several prominent industry players, including Naga Vamsi and Dil Raju, were said to be interested in acquiring the rights. However, Mythri Movie Makers eventually emerged successful in the race.

A deal of this scale naturally brings enormous expectations at the box office. Based on industry estimates, Varanasi may need to collect around Rs. 500 crore gross in the Telugu states for distributors to reach the break even point. Achieving that figure would itself be a major milestone for Telugu cinema.

Mythri Movie Makers' reported acquisition also comes amid strong expectations surrounding its association with Mahesh Babu. The production house is reportedly planning another project with the superstar, tentatively referred to as SSMB30, with international ambitions. Meanwhile, Varanasi features Mahesh Babu as Rudhra, alongside Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Mandakini and Prithviraj Sukumaran as Kumbha. Directed by Rajamouli, the ambitious adventure is officially scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on April 7, 2027.

- Veda