Why IMAX? Rajamouli reveals the real reason behind Varanasi’s massive scale

SS Rajamouli has revealed why Varanasi is being designed for the IMAX format, saying the decision was driven by the scale of the story rather than promotional value. The film has already drawn international attention after being announced as the first Indian non English language project to feature sequences in the 1.43:1 IMAX format.

In a recent interview, Rajamouli explained that several locations, massive architectural structures, and large scale war sequences in Varanasi required a format capable of capturing their full visual impact. He specifically cited the towering ice formations set in Antarctica and battles inspired by the scale of ancient Roman armies as examples.

According to the filmmaker, IMAX allows audiences to feel immersed in the world of the film rather than simply watching it on a screen. The format is intended to enhance the sense of height, depth, and scale, making Varanasi one of the most technically ambitious Indian films ever produced.