Maitri Movie Distributors Reportedly Acquire Varanasi Telugu Theatrical Rights for Rs 300 Crore

Maitri Movie Distributors LLP has reportedly taken the Telugu theatrical rights of 'Varanasi' for about Rs 300 crore. Business deals for the other language versions of the film, which Rajamouli is directing with Mahesh Babu in the lead, are said to be yet to be completed.

There is also talk about the OTT rights. Reports say Netflix has either taken or been offered the digital rights to the film. There is no consensus on the value of the deal. One report puts it at Rs 400 crore to 500 crore, including making-of videos and other exclusive content. Another report says Rs 500 crore to 700 crore for streaming rights in all languages.

Neither Netflix nor the producers have so far confirmed the OTT deal or its amount. The reports also recall that Netflix streamed Rajamouli's previous film, 'RRR'.

In the film, Mahesh Babu is seen as Rudra. Priyanka Chopra plays a key role, and this is her first Telugu film in many years. According to one report, she plays Mandakini, and Prithviraj Sukumaran appears as the villain Kumbha. Prakash Raj is also playing an important role.

K. L. Narayana and S. S. Karthikeya are producing the film under the Sri Durga Arts banner. Oscar winner M. M. Keeravani is composing the music. The film is described as an adventure mythological thriller set against a time-travel backdrop.

According to one report, the shoot is complete, and VFX and post-production work are under way. The film is set for a worldwide theatrical release in multiple languages on April 7, 2027. Earlier reports had put the budget at about Rs 1,300 crore, and that figure too has not been confirmed.

Separately, Priyanka Chopra Jonas's production house Purple Pebble Pictures has announced 'Ventilator 2', a sequel to the National Award-winning Marathi film 'Ventilator'.