BY SUNIT JANGIR

Hyderabad, February 5 - Pan India superstar Prabhas' romantic horror comedy The Raja Saab is all set to make its digital debut on February 6 on JioHotstar. The Maruthi-directed entertainer will be available to stream in Telugu along with Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada versions, while the Hindi version will stream after 8 weeks of theatrical release. Just ahead of the digital premiere, JioHotstar has made a big announcement that The Raja Saab will have an extended cut, which will be bigger than the theatrical print. The movie is originally 3 hours and 3 minutes long, but the latest announcement by the streamer has confirmed new footage for its digital version. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) While the streamer confirmed that audiences will get to watch an expanded version with additional footage, the platform has not yet revealed the exact runtime of the extended cut. The move appears to be aimed at offering a more detailed narrative experience, possibly restoring scenes that were trimmed for cinemas. Directed by Maruthi, The Raja Saab features Prabhas in a rare romantic-comedy avatar blended with supernatural elements. Despite good pre-release hype and the star's massive fanbase, the film failed to perform at the box office, ending its theatrical journey on a disappointing note. Mixed word of mouth and its lengthy runtime were cited as key reasons behind its underwhelming reception. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Allu Arjun's global popularity continues to scale new heights as his latest blockbuster, Pushpa 2: The Rule, has officially entered the elite list of the Top 10 highest-grossing Indian films in Japan. Released across Japanese territories on January 16, 2026, the film has achieved this significant milestone in just 14 days of its theatrical run, showcasing the growing footprint of the Pushpa brand in international markets. As of the conclusion of its second week, Pushpa 2 has amassed a total collection of ¥105 million. With this performance, it has officially overtaken the long-standing record of Aamir Khan's Dhoom 3, which had held the tenth spot with ¥104.5 million since 2014. The film's steady trajectory indicates strong word-of-mouth, particularly in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, where the high-octane action and Allu Arjun's performance have resonated with the local audience. The Japanese box office for Indian films has historically been dominated by the works of SS Rajamouli and the enduring legacy of Rajinikanth. While RRR remains the undisputed leader with a monumental ¥2.42 billion, Pushpa 2's entry into the Top 10 is notable as it represents the first major breakthrough for the franchise in this territory. Given the current momentum, trade analysts expect the film to challenge the lifetime figures of Rajinikanth's Enthiran and SS Rajamouli's Magadheera in the coming weeks. Indian Films in Japan: Market Insights & Facts 1. The RRR Phenomenon: Record Holder (First Indian film to cross the ¥2 Billion mark in Japan) 2. Muthu's Legacy: Historical Hit (Held the #1 spot for 24 years before being surpassed by RRR) 3. The Rajamouli Factor: Dominance (SS Rajamouli has 3 films in the All-Time Top 10 in Japan) 4. Pushpa 2 Speed: Trend Setter (First Indian film of 2026 to enter the Top 10 within 14 days of release) (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   The historical landscape of the Japanese box office for Indian cinema reflects a unique blend of high-octane action and emotional dramas. SS Rajamouli remains the dominant force in the territory, with RRR sitting as the undisputed leader at ¥2.42 Billion, having shattered the 24-year-old record held by Rajinikanth's Muthu (¥405 Million) in 2022. While cultural classics like 3 Idiots and English Vinglish achieved their Top 5 status as sleeper hits through consistent word-of-mouth, the recent entry of Pushpa 2: The Rule signifies a rapid shift in audience preference. By amassing ¥105 Million in just 14 days, the Allu Arjun-starrer successfully displaced Aamir Khan's Dhoom 3 (¥104.5 Million) from the all-time Top 10. This list also highlights the enduring brand power of Prabhas and Rajamouli in Japan, with titles like Baahubali 2, Saaho, and Magadheera maintaining strong theatrical holds over the years, alongside the notable art-house success of The Lunchbox. Top 10 Highest Grossing Indian Films in Japan RANK MOVIE NAME JAPAN COLLECTION (YEN) 1RRR¥ 2.42 Billion 2Muthu¥ 405 Million 3Baahubali 2: The Conclusion¥ 305 Million 43 Idiots¥ 170 Million 5English Vinglish¥ 160 Million 6The Lunchbox¥ 150 Million 7Saaho¥ 131 Million 8Magadheera¥ 130.1 Million 9Enthiran (Robot)¥ 109.6 Million 10Pushpa 2: The Rule¥ 105 Million* (2 Weeks)

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Following the historic theatrical run of Dhurandhar, the digital rights for its sequel, Dhurandhar 2, have reportedly been locked for a record-breaking sum. In a major scoop reported by Bollywood Hungama, Jio Hotstar has secured the digital rights for the second installment for a staggering ₹150 crore, marking a significant shift in the current OTT landscape. The journey of the Dhurandhar digital rights reflects the massive growth of the franchise's brand value. Prior to the release of the first part, Netflix reportedly offered a combined deal of ₹175 crore for both installments. However, Jio Studios opted to wait, banking on the theatrical potential of the film. This strategy has paid off significantly. While the digital rights for Dhurandhar (Part 1) were sold to Netflix for ₹85 crore, the sequel has fetched nearly double that amount, setting a new benchmark for Ranveer Singh's digital market value. The digital rights for the sequel have been officially locked with Jio Hotstar for a staggering acquisition price of ₹150 crore. This deal marks a significant escalation in the franchise's value, nearly doubling the ₹85 crore that Netflix paid for the digital rights of the first installment. Fans of the series can look forward to the digital debut of Dhurandhar 2, which is expected to premiere on the platform in May 2026. This premium valuation is a direct result of the film's unprecedented theatrical performance and All-Time Blockbuster status.Dhurandhar maintained extraordinary momentum throughout its 60-day run, eventually amassing a massive India Net of ₹836.95 crore and an India Gross of ₹1004 crore. With a final worldwide collection of ₹1303 crore, the film's historic success created the high-market demand necessary to secure such a record-breaking OTT deal for the sequel. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   The film's ability to draw audiences in the Hindi belt (earning over ₹836 crore net) created a high-demand environment for the sequel’s digital premiere. Trade sources indicate that while OTT platforms have recently slowed down on high-value acquisitions, the blockbuster demand for Dhurandhar 2 forced a premium valuation. The digital premiere of Dhurandhar has mirrored its theatrical success, shattering viewership records on Netflix. The film garnered a massive 7.6 million views within its first three days, marking the highest opening weekend for any Indian film on the platform (excluding direct-to-digital releases). This explosive debut propelled the film to the #1 spot worldwide in the Non-English movies category. Its global appeal was further cemented by ranking at the top spot in seven different countries and maintaining a position in the Top 10 across 22 nations, showcasing an extraordinary international footprint for a post-theatrical digital launch. Fans expecting to see the sequel on the small screen will have to wait. Dhurandhar 2 is scheduled to make its digital debut on Jio Hotstar in May 2026, following its theatrical release. This deal marks one of the largest standalone digital acquisitions in recent years, further cementing the franchise's status as a top-tier asset in the Indian entertainment industry.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, February 5 - Netflix has locked the premiere date for Boyfriend On Demand, the much-awaited romantic comedy series starring BLACKPINK's Jisoo in the lead role. The K-drama is set to stream globally on March 6, 2026, marking Jisoo's first acting role since last year's romantic fantasy zombie comedy Newtopia. The upcoming rom-com, directed by Kim Jung-sik, pairs Jisoo with singer-actor Seo In-guk, and the series has already generated massive buzz among K-drama and K-pop fans worldwide, especially in India. Boyfriend On Demand revolves around a unique and quirky concept where a subscription-based virtual dating service allows users to experience romance on demand, until emotions begin to blur the line between digital fantasy and real-life feelings. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) In BOD, Jisoo plays the role of a hardworking webtoon producer who signs up for the service out of curiosity, only to find herself entangled in unexpected romantic situations. Seo In-guk essays the role of a mysterious and charming man connected to the service, bringing humour, warmth, and emotional depth to the narrative. The series promises a mix of lighthearted romance, modern relationship commentary, and heartfelt moments. Produced as part of Netflix's 2026 Korean content slate, Boyfriend On Demand will premiere simultaneously across all major regions, including India, where it is expected to premiere in multiple languages. With its fresh premise, star-studded cast, and global fan anticipation, the show is expected to be one of Netflix's most talked-about K-drama releases of the year. Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK TEAM

Mumbai, February 4 - Netflix's upcoming film Ghooskhor Pandat, headlined by Manoj Bajpayee, has landed in controversy soon after its official announcement, with the title becoming the biggest point of contention. The film, which features Bajpayee as a corrupt police officer, drew sharp criticism on social media for allegedly being offensive and casteist in nature. The backlash stems from the use of the word "Pandat/Pandit" in the title, which many users and community members claim unfairly associates the Brahmin community with corruption. Several netizens argued that even if the story revolves around bribery and systemic rot, the title unnecessarily targets a specific identity, thereby hurting religious and social sentiments. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The outrage has now escalated beyond social media, with legal action being threatened. Reports suggest that complaints have been filed with authorities, and concerned people have publicly warned Netflix and the makers of potential court proceedings if the title is not changed. The complainants allege that the title could amount to promoting hatred and stereotyping, which may invite legal scrutiny. As of now, Netflix and the film's makers have not issued an official statement addressing the controversy or confirming any changes to the title. Meanwhile, boycott calls continue to trend online, putting the project under pressure even before its release. It remains to be seen whether the streaming giant will opt for damage control or stand by the original title amid the growing legal and public backlash. Stay tuned...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Mumbai, February 1 - Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar has made its digital debut recently, but not before scripting history at the box office. It not only became the biggest Bollywood grosser domestically but also emerged as the most-watched Bollywood film in Hindi in the post-pandemic era, registering an extraordinary 3.65+ crore admissions during its theatrical run. Released solely in Hindi, Dhurandhar's massive numbers highlight its unparalleled acceptance among audiences, making it a landmark film for an original Hindi release in the post-COVID box office landscape. Despite not being a Pan India release, the film came remarkably close to the overall Bollywood footfall record held by Shah Rukh Khan's Jawan, which remains the number one Bollywood film across all versions with approximately 3.80 crore admissions, including approximately 3.30 crores in Hindi, since the health crisis. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) It is not an exaggeration to say that Dhurandhar could have comfortably surpassed Jawan had it been released in other languages and might have also topped 4 crore (40 million) admissions overall. Even so, achieving such proximity to Jawan's all-version tally with just a single-language release underlines the film's historic theatrical pull. Meanwhile, Allu Arjun's pan-India blockbuster Pushpa 2 continues to dominate on another front, standing as the most-watched film of the post-COVID era in the Hindi language, with an estimated 3.88 crore Hindi admissions. Pushpa 2 was a phenomenon before Dhurandhar, largely due to its sequel factor and extraordinary hype around it. Together, these numbers reflect the evolving dynamics of the post-pandemic box office, where original Hindi films like Dhurandhar are competing head-to-head with large-scale pan-India productions. Ranveer Singh's film, in particular, has proven that strong content and audience connection can deliver record-breaking theatrical results even without the advantage of multiple language versions. Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK TEAM

The box office journey of Dhurandhar is nothing short of a cinematic miracle. As the film enters its 9th Friday (Day 57), it continues to rake in the moolah, recording a steady collection of ₹0.25 Crore. While most films lose their breath by the fourth week, this Aditya Dhar-directed spy thriller is proving that it has a never-say-die attitude, even in the face of massive digital and theatrical competition. What makes this Day 57 performance truly extraordinary is the timing. Dhurandhar officially began streaming on Netflix on January 30 (yesterday). Conventionally, the moment a blockbuster hits an OTT platform, its theatrical occupancy crashes to zero. However, the Dhurandhar Craze is so intense that audiences are still choosing the big-screen experience over the comfort of their couches. The film is currently trending at No. 1 in India on Netflix, yet the ticket counters at multiplexes remain busy, showing the immense repeat value of this Ranveer Singh starrer. The resilience of the film is further highlighted by the ongoing Border 2 juggernaut. Despite Sunny Deol's war epic dominating the majority of screens and capturing the patriotic pulse of the nation, Dhurandhar has managed to retain its own dedicated audience. It is rare to see two massive films of the same genre—high-octane action and patriotism—co-existing so successfully. While Border 2 is bringing in the masses, Dhurandhar is sustaining its legacy as a long-term blockbuster. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   To put this ₹0.25 Crore Day 57 collection into perspective, one must look at the historical benchmarks. When compared to the biggest industry titans at the same stage of their release, Dhurandhar stands tall. On their 57th day, legendary hits like Jawan and Dangal were struggling to stay above the ₹0.05 Crore mark. Even the mighty Baahubali 2 (Hindi) had slowed down to approximately ₹0.10 Crore by its 9th Friday. By earning double those figures, Dhurandhar has officially entered the league of the most consistent long-run performers in Indian cinema history. The film's dominance isn't just restricted to the Indian borders. As per the latest streaming data, #Dhurandhar is trending in multiple countries worldwide. It has secured the No. 1 spot in India, No. 7 in Qatar, and No. 8 in Bahrain. The surge in Middle Eastern markets is particularly noteworthy; since the film faced theatrical restrictions in certain Gulf regions due to its bold geopolitical narrative, fans in those countries are now flocking to Netflix to finally witness the spectacle. As it stands, Dhurandhar is no longer just a movie; it is a cultural phenomenon. With its combined success on the big screen and its explosive debut on Netflix, the film is on track to set a Total Gross record that might remain unbeaten for years to come. Whether it's the 70mm screen or the smartphone screen, the world is currently under the spell of the Dhurandhar wave.

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Hyderabad, February 4 - The makers of Ram Charan's upcoming film Peddi have officially announced that the film's theatrical release has been postponed. Originally slated to hit cinemas on March 27, 2026, the highly anticipated action drama will now arrive a month later, with a new release date set for April 30, 2026. The postponement was confirmed through a new poster shared by the team. According to reports, the decision was made to avoid a box-office due to pending work and to avoid a clash with Pawan Kalyan's Ustaad Bhagat Singh, which has secured the March 26 release. The makers felt April would provide a better and less crowded slot for Peddi to reach a wider audience. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Directed by Buchi Babu Sana, Peddi is described as an intense rural sports drama and marks Ram Charan's first collaboration with the filmmaker. The film stars Janhvi Kapoor as the female lead, with music composed by A.R. Rahman, adding to the already high expectations surrounding the project. Despite the delay, buzz around Peddi remains strong, with fans eagerly awaiting promotional material in the coming weeks. With its new April 30 release date, the Ram Charan starrer is now positioned as one of the biggest summer attractions of 2026. Stay tuned...

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The sequel to the iconic war epic, Border 2, continues to maintain a steady grip at the domestic box office as it completes its twelfth day of release. Starring Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, and Diljit Dosanjh, the film has shown resilience during its second week, trending well on weekdays despite the typical drop following a high-grossing second weekend. On its second Tuesday (Day 12), the film earned an estimated ₹ 5.75 crore net in India, taking its total domestic tally toward a significant milestone. With the current trend, Border 2 has now reached a cumulative India net collection of ₹ 286.75 crore. The film is expected to breach the ₹ 300 crore mark by the end of its second week or the start of its third Friday. The steady footfall in the Hindi heartland and mass circuits has been the primary driver for these numbers, as the film continues to capitalize on the patriotic sentiment and the legacy of its predecessor. Border 2 Day 12 Box Office Collection ReportCategoryCollection DetailsIndia Net Collection (Day 12)₹ 5.75 CrTotal India Net Collection₹ 286.75 CrIndia Gross Collection₹ 342.5 CrOverseas Collection₹ 50.0 CrWorldwide Total Collection₹ 392.5 Cr (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   On the global front, Border 2 is on the verge of entering the ₹400 crore club. The worldwide collection currently stands at ₹392.5 crore, supported by a decent contribution of ₹50 crore from the overseas markets. While the domestic market remains the powerhouse for this war drama, the international numbers have provided a stable cushion, especially in regions with a significant Indian diaspora like North America and the UAE. Read Also: [OTT Release This Week Feb 2 to Feb 8: List of Indian Movies] When compared to Sunny Deol's previous historic blockbuster, Gadar 2, the second Tuesday performance of Border 2 shows a more conventional weekday decline. For context, Gadar 2 had recorded a massive ₹ 12.10 crore on its second Tuesday, following a ₹ 13.50 crore second Monday. While Border 2 is trailing behind the record-breaking pace of Gadar 2, it remains one of the highest-grossing films of the year, maintaining a Super-Hit trajectory with strong theatrical legs.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The highly anticipated Pan-India action entertainer Dacoit, starring Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur, has officially locked in a new release date. According to an exclusive report by Bollywood Hungama, the makers have decided to release the film on April 10, moving it from its previously planned slot of March 19. This strategic realignment comes as the production team seeks to avoid a crowded theatrical window and ensure the film receives maximum visibility across both South Indian and Hindi markets. The decision to shift the release to April 10 is aimed at capturing the long weekend advantage, providing a stronger platform for the film's box office performance. With several big-ticket films slated for release in late March and early April, the team behind Dacoit—led by Annapurna Studios has opted for a window that allows the film a clearer run at the ticket windows. Dacoit is described as an intense, gritty action-drama and a soul-stirring love story. The film marks the directorial debut of Shaneil Deo, who has previously worked as a cinematographer on Adivi Sesh's acclaimed projects like Kshanam and Goodachari. The film is being shot simultaneously in Hindi and Telugu, underscoring its Pan-India appeal. Adivi Sesh, known for his impeccable track record in the thriller and drama genres, is coming off a string of back-to-back successes. His previous theatrical outings, including the biographical action drama Major (2022) and the investigative thriller HIT: The Second Case (2022), were both critical and commercial hits. Beyond Dacoit, Sesh is currently working on the high-budget sequel G2 (Goodachari 2), which is expected to further solidify his standing in the action genre. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   Mrunal Thakur has also established herself as a formidable name in the South Indian film industry following her blockbuster debut in Sita Ramam (2022) and the successful emotional drama Hi Nanna (2023). Her ability to draw audiences in both the North and South makes her a key asset for Dacoit. Apart from this film, Mrunal has a packed 2026 schedule featuring a slate of high-profile Hindi projects. Her upcoming lineup includes the Sanjay Leela Bhansali production Do Deewane Seher Mein (Feb 20, 2026) alongside Siddhant Chaturvedi, and David Dhawan’s romantic comedy Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai (June 5, 2026) featuring Varun Dhawan. Additionally, she will be seen in the thriller Pooja Meri Jaan and a special musical project titled Bheegi Bheegi, which reunites her with her Sita Ramam co-star Dulquer Salmaan. Read Also: [OTT Release This Week Feb 2 to Feb 8: List of Indian Movies] The collaboration between Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur is one of the primary highlights of Dacoit, as it brings together two performers known for their strong screen presence and choice of content-driven cinema. With the new release date set for April 10, the marketing campaign for the film is expected to intensify in the coming weeks, targeting a wide audience base across multiple languages.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

The Indian digital space has a new undisputed king as the high-octane actioner Dhurandhar has officially shattered all previous viewership records for an Indian film on Netflix. According to the latest data tracking the first-weekend performance of theatrical releases on the platform, Dhurandhar debuted with a staggering 7.6 million views, comfortably surpassing the massive benchmarks set by previous record-holders like Ranbir Kapoor's Animal and Hrithik Roshan's Fighter. This performance marks a historic moment for Indian content on the global streaming giant, as it is the first time a post-theatrical digital premiere has crossed the 7 million mark within its opening weekend. Netflix's viewership metric, which calculates the total hours watched divided by the film's runtime, shows a clear dominance of big-budget commercial entertainers. While Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Animal held the top spot for a significant period with 6.2 million views, Dhurandhar has now outpaced it by a margin of 1.4 million. Even the highly anticipated pan-India sequel Pushpa 2: The Rule falls into the fourth position with 5.8 million views, trailing behind the air-force action drama Fighter. This data highlights that while theatrical box office is one measure of success, the digital life of a film can often see different titles emerging as the primary choice for global audiences. As per the records compiled by Filmy View, here is the list of the top 10 Indian movies with the highest first-weekend views on Netflix: Top 10 Indian Movies: Highest 1st Weekend Views on NetflixRANKMOVIE NAME1ST WEEKEND VIEWSRECORD WINDOW1Dhurandhar7.6 Million3 Days (Weekend)2Animal6.2 Million3 Days (Weekend)3Fighter5.9 Million3 Days (Weekend)4Pushpa 2: The Rule5.8 Million3 Days (Weekend)5Raid 25.6 Million3 Days (Weekend)6Crew5.4 Million3 Days (Weekend)7Gangubai Kathiawadi5.3 Million6 Days8Jawan5.2 Million3 Days (Weekend)9Idli Kadai5.2 Million5 Days10Lucky Baskhar5.1 Million3 Days (Weekend) (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   The list also reflects the immense popularity of various genres across different languages. Ajay Devgn's Raid 2 and the female-led heist comedy Crew have shown exceptional staying power, both crossing the 5.4 million mark in their respective opening weekends. Interestingly, Shah Rukh Khan's Jawan, which was a monster at the box office, sits at the eighth spot with 5.2 million views, tied with the Tamil hit Idli Kadai. The diversity of the top 10—ranging from the intense biographical drama Gangubai Kathiawadi to the financial thriller Lucky Baskhar—proves that Netflix India has successfully bridged the gap between regional cinema and a global mainstream audience. Read Also: [OTT Release This Week Feb 2 to Feb 8: List of Indian Movies] In terms of the technical tracking of these numbers, Netflix typically follows a standardized window where Friday releases are tracked over 3 days, while Thursday releases are tracked over 4 days. However, certain films like Gangubai Kathiawadi and Idli Kadai were monitored over slightly longer periods (6 and 5 days respectively) to reach their 5M+ milestones. Despite these variations, the arrival of Dhurandhar at the top spot within a standard 3-day weekend window signals a massive shift in digital consumption patterns, solidifying its status as a certified OTT blockbuster.

BY CHRISTA LINCY

Following the monumental global success of RRR, visionary director S.S. Rajamouli is set to return with his most ambitious project to date, titled Varanasi. Scheduled for a 2027 release, the film has already ignited a massive conversation across the globe. In a recent high-profile interview with DiscussingFilm, the lead cast—Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Prithviraj Sukumaran—shared deep insights into the movie's plot, its decade-long development, and the grueling production process that took them into the heart of the African wilderness. The road to Varanasi has been a testament to Rajamouli's unwavering commitment. Mahesh Babu revealed that he has been waiting for this collaboration for over 15 years. He noted that he first met the director long before the Baahubali franchise changed the landscape of Indian cinema. Despite the massive delays caused by Rajamouli's other commitments and the pandemic, the director stuck to his word. Mahesh confessed that when he finally heard the narration after the release of RRR, the sheer scale of the vision was so intimidating that he felt a sense of nervousness, though he has since embraced the challenge of playing the lead role of Rudhra. In terms of plot, Varanasi is described as a high-concept, time-travel action epic. Mahesh Babu portrays Rudhra, a fervent devotee of Lord Shiva, the God of destruction and transformation. The narrative follows Rudhra as he is sent on a perilous mission through time to secure an ancient cosmic artifact. The journey is fraught with danger, as he discovers that he is being hunted by a brilliant but evil mastermind who intends to use the artifact for global domination. This blend of ancient Indian mythology and futuristic sci-fi elements marks a new chapter for Indian cinema, aiming for a truly globetrotting feel. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   The primary antagonist, Kumbha, is played by Malayalam superstar Prithviraj Sukumaran, who described the role as the most unpredictable character arc of his career. Kumbha is a technologically advanced villain, characterized by his use of a high-tech wheelchair and Doctor Octopus-esque mechanical arms. Prithviraj highlighted Rajamouli's unique directorial style, noting that despite the humongous visual effects and sets, the director’s priority remains the actor's close-up. He emphasized that Rajamouli pushes his actors out of their comfort zones to ensure an honest and powerful performance, making the villainous Kumbha a truly formidable threat. The production of Varanasi has also broken new ground in terms of filming locations. A significant portion of the movie was shot in Maasai Mara, Kenya, where the cast had unprecedented access to wildlife. Priyanka Chopra Jonas remarked that the support from the Kenyan government allowed the team to film in a way that has rarely been attempted in cinema before, providing a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Mahesh Babu added that the first day of shooting in Africa, surrounded by wild animals, was a memory he would never forget. With a budget estimated to exceed ₹1,000 crore and a release planned for the premium IMAX 1.43:1 format, Varanasi is shaping up to be a historic cinematic event in 2027.