Varanasi is not just a city. It is one of the oldest living places on earth, a temple town where faith and history meet the Ganga. A title like this carries weight before a single scene is shot. So when it became attached to SS Rajamouli's next film, starring Mahesh Babu, the name alone stirred excitement across the nation. Rajamouli's track record only added to that craze. Every project he touches turns into an event.
But behind this title lies a story that has little to do with box office buzz and everything to do with generosity. Director Subba Reddy from Tollywood had registered Varanasi as a movie title three years back under his own banner. He had already started shaping a story around it. Then he learned that Rajamouli's team wanted the very same title. Without hesitation, he decided to let it go.
Respect for Rajamouli, Mahesh Babu
Speaking at an interaction alongside Producers Council Secretary Prasanna Kumar and former Directors' Association President Veera Shankar, Subba Reddy called it an honor to be part of such a big project. Mahesh Babu is his favorite actor. The Baahubali maker is a director he admires. Producer KL Narayana, who is bankrolling the 2027 release, is a respected name in the industry. Contributing to their film, even in this small way, meant something to him. He was clear about one thing. He never saw the title as a business deal. He did not accept a single rupee for it. "A title is an emotion for me," he said. "It's not meant to be sold. I was happy to give it for a good film."
A healthy example:
Speaking to the media today, Veera Shankar shared more context behind the gesture. He said Subba Reddy was emotionally attached to the title at first. That is why the team did not approach him right away. Once they explained the situation, the response changed. They told him the film belonged to Rajamouli and KL Narayana, and that his decision would send a positive message across the industry. Subba Reddy agreed almost immediately. Veera Shankar believes this sets a healthy example for Telugu cinema. Titles, he said, should be shared with mutual respect. They should not always be treated as commercial assets to be bought and sold. He praised Subba Reddy's choice as one that builds a more cooperative spirit within the film community. The gathering also wished MM Keeravani and the Oscar-winning lyricist Chandrabose.
