SS Rajamouli's 'Varanasi' Reportedly Shifting to Two-Part Release Strategy
In a significant development for Indian cinema, filmmaker SS Rajamouli's highly anticipated action-adventure film 'Varanasi' is now rumored to be adopting a two-part release format. This move comes on the heels of the monumental box office success of Rajamouli's previous films, 'Dhurandhar' and 'Dhurandhar The Revenge', which have collectively grossed over Rs 2,000 crore worldwide.
Contradictory Reports Emerge on Film's Structure
Despite Rajamouli explicitly denying such plans just last month, stating in international interviews that 'Varanasi' would be a standalone film with a runtime slightly exceeding three hours, fresh reports from BollywoodHungama indicate a strategic shift. According to these sources, the filmmaker and his team are now seriously considering splitting the epic time-travel saga into two distinct parts.
The report suggests that the creative team believes "three hours-plus would not be enough for Varanasi" and that adopting a two-part format would provide them with the necessary artistic liberty to expand the narrative without the constraints of a single film's runtime. This approach mirrors the successful strategy employed with 'Dhurandhar The Revenge', which was not a sequel but rather a single story divided into two cinematic installments.
Massive Budget and Star-Studded Cast
'Varanasi' is poised to become one of the most expensive Indian films ever produced, with its budget reportedly exceeding Rs 1,000 crore. The film features an impressive ensemble cast including Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu, global icon Priyanka Chopra, and acclaimed actor Prithviraj Sukumaran in pivotal roles.
If the two-part release materializes, 'Varanasi' will join a growing list of large-scale Indian productions opting for extended storytelling formats. This trend is gaining momentum in the industry, with other major projects like the upcoming 'Ramayana' films also planned for multi-part releases scheduled for Diwali 2026 and Diwali 2027.
Industry Context and Box Office Precedents
The potential shift in strategy for 'Varanasi' appears heavily influenced by the unprecedented commercial success of Rajamouli's 'Dhurandhar' franchise. The films have not only crossed the Rs 2,000 crore gross mark but have also established new benchmarks for Indian cinema at the global box office.
Industry analysts suggest that the two-part format offers several advantages:
- Enhanced storytelling without time constraints
- Increased revenue potential through multiple release windows
- Greater audience engagement over extended periods
- Reduced creative compromise in adapting complex narratives
While Rajamouli's team has yet to officially confirm these reports, the entertainment industry is closely monitoring developments. The decision would represent a significant departure from the director's previous statements and could potentially reshape how mega-budget Indian films are conceptualized and released in the coming years.
The success of such formats could encourage more filmmakers to explore extended cinematic universes and multi-part narratives, fundamentally changing the landscape of Indian commercial cinema. As anticipation builds for 'Varanasi', all eyes remain on SS Rajamouli's next move in what promises to be another groundbreaking chapter in his illustrious career.
