Varanasi: Controversy has started over the title of Rajamouli-Mahesh Babu-Priyanka Chopra’s film.
Controversy over the title rights of the upcoming film ‘Varanasi’ came to light when it was revealed that the rights were owned by CH Subba Reddy of Rama Brahma Hanuma Creations. Directed by Rajamouli, the film stars Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran.
A disagreement has arisen over the title rights of the film ‘Varanasi’ after director Rajamouli announced his upcoming project starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran. The confusion centers on the legal ownership of the film’s title. Rajamouli’s team revealed the project as ‘Varanasi’, but the title is currently held by CH Subba Reddy led company Rama Brahma Hanuma Creations.
As per the registration document of Telugu Film Producers Council, the title ‘Varanasi’ was registered a few years ago. He has it since 2023. The production house renewed the title from June 24, 2025 to July 23, 2026.
While Subba Reddy had registered ‘Varanasi’ as the title, Rajamouli and his team used a different spelling for the same title during the grand launch held at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad on November 15. It is unclear whether Subba Reddy had filed a complaint against Rajamouli and the team over the use of the title or not.
Thus the announcement of Rajamouli’s ‘Varanasi’ project has become the center of a title ownership dispute amid the production of the film. Industry observers have noted ongoing confusion regarding the legitimate title holder.
It remains to be seen whether Rajamouli and his producer-son SS Karthikeya will hold a meeting with Subba Reddy to discuss the matter or take it up legally. If Subba Reddy files the complaint, the film body is expected to investigate the matter and determine the rightful owner of the ‘Varanasi’ title if both the parties maintain their respective claims.
SS Rajamouli is already facing criticism for his remarks about Lord Hanuman during the program ‘Varanasi’. Following the incident, organizations including Vanarasena and Gau Rakshak Sangh submitted a written complaint to the Saroor Nagar Police Inspector, accusing Rajamouli of “deliberately insulting Hindu deities” and making comments “with the intention of inciting religious hatred”.
Meanwhile, ‘Varanasi’ stars Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran in lead roles. The film is expected to be released in theaters during the summer of 2027 in multiple languages.