A fresh controversy has erupted in the Telugu film industry following SS Rajamouli’s announcement of his upcoming film Varanasi, starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran. The dispute centers on the ownership of the film’s title, which another production house claims was registered long before Rajamouli unveiled his project.
According to records with the Telugu Film Producer’s Council, the title Vaaranasi has been registered with Rama Bramha Hanuma Creations, headed by producer CH Subba Reddy, since 2023. The production house also renewed the title for another year, valid from June 24, 2025 to July 23, 2026.
While Rajamouli’s team used the spelling Varanasi during their high-profile launch event on November 15 at Ramoji Film City, Subba Reddy’s team maintains that the title, with a slightly different spelling, already lies with them. Industry insiders say that although alternate spellings sometimes offer room for negotiation, disputes often arise when both parties intend to use phonetically identical titles for major projects.
It remains unclear whether Subba Reddy has formally approached the council or filed a complaint against Rajamouli’s team. However, the announcement has triggered confusion within industry circles. Many have pointed out that title ownership conflicts are not uncommon when large-scale films are involved.
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If both sides continue to stake claim over the title, the Producer’s Council may be required to step in and establish the rightful owner. Observers note that Rajamouli and his son, producer SS Karthikeya, may either opt for a meeting with Subba Reddy to resolve the issue amicably or prepare for a legal route should talks fail.
The title row comes at a time when Rajamouli is already facing another controversy. At the launch event, his remarks about Lord Hanuman drew strong criticism from certain Hindu organisations. Groups including Vanarasena and Gow Rakshak Sangh have reportedly submitted written complaints to the Saroor Nagar Police Inspector, alleging that the filmmaker “intentionally insulted Hindu deities” and made statements “with the intention of provoking religious hatred.”
The multilingual epic is expected to hit theatres in the summer of 2027.
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