Mahesh Babu–Priyanka Chopra Film ‘Varanasi’ Faces Title Dispute After Announcement

Filmmaker SS Rajamouli recently revealed his upcoming high-budget adventure film Varanasi, featuring a star-studded cast that includes Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran. The announcement generated massive buzz, but the excitement was short-lived as a title-related controversy emerged soon after.

According to Rama Bramha Hanuma Creations, a smaller production banner, the title—registered as Vaaranasi—has already been secured by them with the Telugu Film Producers Council. Their documents indicate the title has been under their ownership since 2023 and has been officially renewed until mid-2026.

While the difference on paper appears to be just an additional letter, the matter carries significant weight in Tollywood, where a film’s title can influence its marketing, identity, and future commercial appeal. For the moment, it remains uncertain whether the production house’s head, CH Subba Reddy, has lodged a formal complaint. However, insiders suggest that discussions—or even legal proceedings—may be unavoidable.

If the dispute escalates, the film council will ultimately determine which party is entitled to use the title.

The controversy arrives at a delicate time for Rajamouli. He is already dealing with accusations from two Hindu organisations alleging that he made “offensive remarks about Lord Hanuman” during the movie’s launch event.

For now, Varanasi remains in the spotlight—less for its massive scale and impressive cast, and more for a title conflict that has taken the industry by surprise.