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Rajamouli's Global Outreach: Why is Varanasi Ignoring Indian Media?

By Screen Entry Desk · 4 August 2026

Rajamouli's Global Outreach: Why is Varanasi Ignoring Indian Media?

SS Rajamouli's latest film Varanasi has sparked a controversy after the director chose to promote it only on international media platforms, leaving Indian media on the sidelines.

SS Rajamouli's magnum opus, Varanasi, has been making waves in the Telugu film industry since its inception. The anticipation surrounding this project has been palpable, with fans and industry insiders eagerly awaiting every update about the film. However, a peculiar trend has emerged, leaving many questioning the director's tactics. It appears that Rajamouli has chosen to promote Varanasi primarily through international media channels, largely bypassing Indian media outlets.

This decision has not gone unnoticed, with many industry insiders and social media users weighing in on the matter. Some have speculated that this move may be a result of the director's desire to reach a broader audience, while others have questioned the wisdom behind overlooking Indian media. Whatever the reason, one thing is certain - this calculated approach has sparked a heated debate within the industry.

A closer look at Rajamouli's promotional strategy reveals that he has been actively engaging with international media outlets, sharing updates and insights about the film through platforms like Variety and The Hollywood Reporter. This targeted approach seems to be yielding results, with Varanasi generating significant buzz on the global stage. Meanwhile, Indian media outlets have been left to ponder why they were overlooked in favor of their international counterparts.

As the debate rages on, one question remains: What does this say about the current state of the Indian film industry? Is Rajamouli's decision a reflection of the industry's growing global aspirations, or is it a calculated move to tap into a broader audience? Whatever the answer, one thing is certain - Varanasi has become a hot topic of discussion, not only in the industry but also among film enthusiasts.