Varanasi launch event rivals Lokah's budget, here's he staggering cost of the stage, performances, stay and travel
The first look launch of Mahesh Babu's globetrotter film, Varanasi, was held in Hyderabad, and crores of money were spent by the makers.
Varanasi event-Here's how much Rajamouli spent on the event
Last Updated: 07.21 PM, Nov 18, 2025
Whatever SS Rajamouli does is always special. The other day, he stunned one and all when he revealed the first look of his new film Varanasi in a star-studded event in Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad.
Rajamouli spends endlessly on Varanasi's first look launch
Titled as the Globetrotter event, the makers spent a whopping Rs 27 crore to host the mega launch. Ahead of the event, there was news going around that the cost of the event is close to Rs 15 crore, but Rajamouli has stunned everyone as she spent a whopping Rs 27 crore for the event.
This launch event cost as much as the super hit Malayalam film, Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, which was made on Rs 33 crore. Here is the breakdown of the stage performances, stay, and travel.
One of the sources close to the unit has revealed to us that Rs 8 crore itself was spent on the stage setup and lighting. The teaser of Varasani was unveiled on a 100-foot-long LEDK 4 K screen and became a center of attraction at the event, as it created a lot of issues to get going.
Then, the source goes on to add that the star heroine, Shruthi Haasan, was paid Rs 1 crore to perform live at the event. She sang the theme song Sanchari from Varanasi and impressed one and all.
Next in line are the stars. Their stay in the city, travel, and entourage costs, along with hosting the national and international media, cost the team a whopping Rs 10 crore.
Apart from all this, the Telangana police was also paid big bucks to safeguard the event. Along with all this, the makers also spent a bomb to erect the sets in Ramoji Film City, which was blocked for over two weeks and ran into crores.
Despite all the prep, the event saw so many technical glitches, with fans complaining about the parking facilities and various other issues that bothered them at the event.
But one should understand that if Rajamouli has spent an amount with which a blockbuster Malayalam film is made, imagine how much he is spending on the film, which has Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Prithiviraj Sukumaran in lead roles. Varanasi is up for a release in the summer of 2027. Stay tuned for more updates.
FAQs
Q. When will the first look of Mahesh Babu-Rajamouli be out?
A. The first look of the Mahesh Babu-Rajamouli film was out on November 15, 2025
Q. Who is playing the female lead in Mahesh Babu's next?
A. Priyanka Chopra Jonas plays the female lead in Mahesh Babu's next, titled Varanasi.
Q. When will Mahesh Babu's Varanasi release?
A. The SS Rajamouli film will release in summer 2027.