SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi faces dispute over title: All you need to know

SS Rajamouli's next big action-adventure film, Varanasi, has hit a significant hurdle due to a title controversy. The movie, which boasts a star-studded cast of Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran, is set for a grand release in multiple languages in the summer of 2027.

Now, there's confusion over the legal ownership of the film's title. The production company, Rama Bramha Hanuma Creations, has claimed ownership of the title Vaaranasi, registered with the Telugu Film Producers' Council.

As per the registration document filed with the Telugu Film Producers' Council, Rama Bramha Hanuma Creations, a company led by CH Subba Reddy, registered the title Vaaranasi in 2023. Since then, the production house renewed the title from June 24, 2025, to July 23, 2026.

The dispute over the ownership arose when Rajamouli's team proceeded with the same title with a different spelling at the grand launch held at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad on November 15. The production house has not yet filed a complaint, but it's uncertain whether they will negotiate with Rajamouli's team or pursue legal action.

This controversy comes on the heels of another issue surrounding the film. During the teaser launch event, Rajamouli made comments about God that sparked backlash from certain Hindu organisations.

He stated, “This is an emotional moment for me. I don't believe in God. My dad came and said Lord Hanuman is behind me and is guiding me. Is this how he takes care – thinking of this, I'm angry. My wife is also fond of Lord Hanuman. She behaves as if he were her friend and converses with him. I got angry at her as well."

The remarks did not sit well with Vanarasena and Gow Rakshak Sangh, who accused Rajamouli of hurting their sentiments. They filed a written complaint with the Saroor Nagar Police Inspector, alleging that the director intentionally insulted Hindu deities and made statements "with the intent of provoking religious hatred."

If both sides continue to claim ownership of the title, the Telugu Film Producers' Council may need to intervene to determine the rightful owner.

During the event in Hyderabad, the makers unveiled the teaser of the film, showcasing a blend of action, adventure, and mythology with impressive visuals. And a post featuring the 'official synopsis' is also going viral online.

The

plot summary is interesting..... #Varanasi pic.twitter.com/0hrbF6Kfaj

— ₹₹₹ (@vennelacheekati) November 19, 2025

“When an asteroid hits the city of Varanasi in India, what are the events that it leads to? Is the world about to be doomed? Does it need a saviour who has to traverse across the continents and timelines to influence the most crucial moment in the history of Earth?" the post reads.

Rajamouli stated that the film will be shown in IMAX theatres and is set to be released in 2027. “Here you go… VARANASI to the WORLD…” he wrote on X.