Speaking in detail about the project’s technical scale, Rajamouli revealed that over 80% of principal photography is already complete, with all major large-scale action sequences wrapped across international locations.
Visual Scale & The IMAX Decision
Explaining why Varanasi was designed specifically for native large-format IMAX rather than adapted during post-production, Rajamouli noted that the narrative’s sheer geographic and temporal expanse demanded maximum visual height and depth:
Massive Set Pieces: The film features visual sequences ranging from 300-foot-high ice walls in Antarctica to battle sequences inspired by Ancient Rome, as well as subterranean landscapes in Africa and futuristic depictions of the holy city of Varanasi.
Expanded Aspect Ratio: Utilizing the full 1.43:1 IMAX format provides up to 26% more image on custom dual-laser IMAX screens, framing massive vertical structures and larger-than-life ancient architectural builds.
"From 300-foot-high ice walls in Antarctica to gigantic armies of Ancient Rome, the scale is massive. We wanted to capture their immensity in the best possible way, and the IMAX ratio allowed us to do that... It makes audiences feel immersed in the world of the film rather than simply watching it on a screen."
— S.S. Rajamouli, Director
Spanning Centuries & Continents: The Narrative Timeline
Produced by Sri Durga Arts with music by Academy Award winner M.M. Keeravani, Varanasi spans an extraordinary timeline stretching from 512 CE to the year 2071:
Trade Verdict: By securing full native IMAX certification and locking in an unprecedented 120+ country global theatrical release strategy, Varanasi sets a new technical ceiling for Indian cinema. Rajamouli’s commitment to premium large formats reinforces the project's positioning as one of global cinema's most anticipated event films for 2027.
