Varanasi: SS Rajamouli lands in trouble over the title of his next with Mahesh Babu, case filed

Rajamouli made headlines after he launched the first look of his new film Varanasi the other day in Hyderabad. As the promo was facing technical glitches, Rajamouli got emotional and stated that he does not believe in God, and that Lord Hanuman, whom his father believes in, did not help them much as the teaser had leaked online. 

Varanasi title lands in massive controversy

These statements have hurt the religious sentiments of many, and the Rashtriya Vanara Sena Sangh has filed a case against Rajamouli in Hyderabad.

If this was not enough, Rajamouli has landed in yet another controversy regarding the title Varanasi. A young director named Subba Reddy now claims that the title Varanasi was registered by his producers, Ramabrahma Hanuma Creations, a few months ago. 

He has filed a case in the Film Chamber stating that Rajamouli did not take any permission from them and simply used the title for the Mahesh Babu starrer. A copy of the complaint and proof that the title belongs to the young team have gone viral on social media.

Now, Rajamouli is in a difficult spot as he responds to these cases. There are only two ways he can solve these issues. First, he could change the title, which he is unlikely to do, especially now that it is widely known. 

Second, he could speak to the young team and officially buy the title rights from them, which is the most likely outcome. The grand globetrotter event was held at Ramoji Film City and streamed live on OTTplay Premium. 

Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Prithviraj Sukumaran play the main leads in this film, which features music by MM Keeravani. Mahesh Babu plays Lord Ram in this film, which has a deep connection to Varanasi, hence the title. KL Narayana and Rajamouli's son, SS Karthikeya, are co-producing the film on a massive scale.

Rajamouli is a master when it comes to filmmaking, but for the first time, he has been embroiled in such controversies. As of now, neither he nor his team has responded to these cases. Let’s see how all of this pans out in the days to come.

Also read: Varanasi movie title teaser breakdown: Reincarnation and time-travel? SS Rajamouli plants visual cues and easter eggs in this Mahesh Babu’s epic globetrotting film

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 Vilayath Buddha release?

A. Prithviraj Sukumaran's Vilayath Buddha will release on November 21.