Can Varanasi Achieve the Same Global Recognition as RRR?

• A Stunning Glimpse That Raised Big Questions
• The RRR Factor
• But the Film Has Its Own Unique Global Appeal

Varanasi is the official title of SS Rajamouli’s upcoming magnum opus starring Superstar Mahesh Babu as Rudra. The team unveiled the first glimpse yesterday in a grand event held at Ramoji Film City, marking the beginning of what promises to be another monumental cinematic journey from India’s most celebrated filmmaker of the decade. The film also stars Priyanka Chopra as the female lead, with Prithviraj Sukumaran portraying the antagonist.

Rajamouli’s last outing, RRR, became a global phenomenon—winning accolades worldwide and earning the historic Oscar for Best Original Song for “Naatu Naatu.” With such unprecedented international recognition behind him, Rajamouli appears to be aiming for a similar global footprint with Varanasi. As part of this strategy, he even invited several Hollywood media outlets to cover yesterday’s launch event, ensuring worldwide visibility right from the start.

A Stunning Glimpse That Raised Big Questions

The first glimpse stunned audiences with its grand concept art, sweeping mythological visuals, and a powerful closing shot of Mahesh Babu riding a bull with fierce intensity, accompanied by rhythmic, chant-like bells in the background. The scale, ambition, and visual grandeur instantly set social media abuzz.

However, the spectacular visuals have also sparked a debate:

Can Varanasi replicate the kind of Western acclaim that RRR enjoyed?

The RRR Factor

One reason RRR resonated so strongly with global audiences was its premise—two revolutionaries taking on British colonial rule. The story’s emotional universality, anti-colonial theme, and larger-than-life heroism struck a powerful chord with Western viewers.

In contrast, Varanasi appears, based on the glimpse to be rooted in mythological fantasy, interconnected timelines, and elements from Treta Yuga, which may feel unfamiliar to international audiences. The imagery of a protagonist riding a bull, while culturally rich and visually striking, may not immediately carry the same universal appeal that RRR’s themes did.

But the Film Has Its Own Unique Global Appeal

Despite these doubts, Varanasi comes with several aspects that could attract a worldwide audience:

• A multi-era narrative, blending mythology, fantasy, and sci-fi.
• Rajamouli’s signature storytelling style, which has universal emotional depth.
• A massive Hollywood push and strategic promotional rollout.

Rajamouli has repeatedly proven that emotions transcend cultural boundaries and if Varanasi balances its mythological core with universal themes, it could once again break barriers.

Verdict

For now, whether Varanasi will be embraced by Western audiences like RRR remains an open question. The film certainly has the scale, ambition, and cinematic energy to turn global heads, but the genre shift makes it a different challenge altogether.

As more material rolls out, the picture will become clearer—but one thing is certain: the world will be watching Rajamouli’s next move, and expectations are sky-high.