Varanasi, starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran, is among the most anticipated Indian films currently in production.
Scheduled for release next year, the film has already generated strong buzz, with trade circles expecting massive box office numbers worldwide.
The biggest attraction of the magnum opus is director S. S. Rajamouli. With blockbusters like Baahubali 2: The Conclusion and RRR, Rajamouli has established himself as a powerful brand not only in India but also in international markets.
After the critical and commercial success of RRR, which created a huge global impact, expectations are sky-high for his next project.
According to sources, Varanasi has received a record offer of around Rs 160 crore for its overseas theatrical rights across all Indian languages.
The offer reportedly came from Phars Films, one of the leading distributors of South Indian films in overseas territories.
If confirmed, the Rs 160 crore deal would be the highest ever offered for the overseas rights of an Indian film.
However, the makers are yet to finalise the agreement, as they are reportedly expecting a higher valuation once the film’s promotions begin.
Even if the deal closes at Rs 160 crore, the film will need to perform exceptionally well to recover the investment.
Trade estimates suggest that with overseas rights valued at this level, Varanasi would need to collect around Rs 350–380 crore gross internationally to reach breakeven.
Given Rajamouli’s track record and the scale of the project, achieving those numbers may not be impossible.
However, the film will need strong content and extraordinary word-of-mouth to deliver big profits beyond breakeven.
