Big Surprise From ‘Varanasi’.. What Is Rajamouli Planning To Show?

A film is currently being shot. Hero, heroine, huge sets, action sequences and hundreds of technicians — normally, audiences get to see all these things only after the film’s release, through making videos and behind-the-scenes content. But in the case of Mahesh Babu and SS Rajamouli’s ‘Varanasi’, the story seems to be starting a little earlier.

There are reports that the makers are planning to show audiences what is happening behind the film even before it reaches theatres. A special documentary on the making of ‘Varanasi’ is reportedly being planned, and that has now created a lot of interest.

The documentary could show how the film is being made, how Rajamouli’s team is handling such a massive project, and what goes on behind the huge action sequences, massive sets and advanced technology. If this happens, the usual ‘making video’ that comes after a film’s release could become a special piece of content released much earlier.

But why a documentary?

This is where Rajamouli’s strategy becomes interesting.

‘Varanasi’ is not a regular commercial film. It is being made on a massive scale with an international audience in mind. The film has Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra and the brand value of Rajamouli. For a project of this scale, posters, songs and a trailer may not be enough.

The idea seems to be to create curiosity not just about the film, but also about how the film is being made.

There is a strong contrast here.

The makers can keep the story of ‘Varanasi’ a secret, but show the audience how difficult and massive the filmmaking process is.

Think about it.

The audience may not know what exactly happens in the film. But they could get to see how huge the sets are, how the action scenes are being shot, how scenes involving animals are being planned, what kind of preparation Mahesh Babu is doing and how the technology is being used.

That can create one big question in the audience’s mind:

“If they are making it with so much effort, how is the final film going to look?”

That curiosity itself can become a powerful promotional tool.

The story stays secret.. but the making comes out!

This could be the biggest attraction of the plan.

Usually, big films try to keep their story and important scenes secret before release. ‘Varanasi’ can do the same. But at the same time, the makers can show the huge effort that is going into making the film.

In simple words:

The story stays secret. The making becomes public.

That is an interesting marketing strategy.

For example, if a few minutes of behind-the-scenes footage from a major action sequence is released, it could become more viral than a regular promotional video.

Because the audience will not just watch the scene.

They will also ask:

“How did they shoot this?”

That question has become a powerful tool in film marketing, especially in the age of social media.

Is the real target the international audience?

This is another important point.

‘Varanasi’ is being made with the international market in mind. But not every international viewer may know who Mahesh Babu is. Not everyone may know why Rajamouli is such a big name.

But a simple question can work anywhere:

“How is such a massive Indian film being made?”

Huge sets, action design, scenes involving animals, new technology and a massive filmmaking team can attract viewers regardless of language.

That is why the documentary could also become a way to introduce ‘Varanasi’ to international audiences.

Rajamouli has done this before

Rajamouli has always understood that his films can be promoted as more than just movies. He sells them as an experience.

During ‘Baahubali’, audiences were curious about how the massive world was created, how the characters were developed and how the war sequences were shot.

The same thing happened with ‘RRR’. The making of the songs, action sequences and huge sets became part of the film’s promotional campaign.

Now, Rajamouli could be taking that strategy one step further with ‘Varanasi’.

In other words:

Instead of promoting the film, promote the making of the film.

That strategy fits Rajamouli’s brand perfectly.

Why release the documentary before the movie?

This is probably the biggest strategic point.

‘Varanasi’ is scheduled to release on April 7, 2027. That means there is still a long gap before the theatrical release.

For a film of this scale, keeping the audience interested for such a long period with just one trailer is difficult.

That is where such content can help.

A making video today.

A story about a major action sequence tomorrow.

A video about Mahesh Babu’s preparation later.

A look at the huge sets after that.

By releasing content step by step, the makers can keep the film in the news for months.

Instead of creating hype all at once, they can build the excitement slowly and continuously.

But there is also a risk

Showing the making is useful, but the makers have to be careful about how much they reveal.

If important story details, character looks, key action scenes or major visual surprises are shown too early, the theatrical experience could lose some of its impact.

So the strategy has to be simple:

Don’t show the story. Show the effort behind the story.

Do not answer the question, “What happens?”

Instead, answer the question, “How was this made?”

That way, the mystery of the film remains intact while curiosity keeps growing.

Is this Rajamouli’s real plan?

If the documentary plan is indeed happening, it may be more than just a behind-the-scenes video.

It could be a way to bring audiences into the world of ‘Varanasi’ long before the film reaches theatres.

First, show how the film is being made.

Then build curiosity around its world.

Then introduce Mahesh Babu’s character, look and action sequences.

And finally, bring out the trailer and reveal the film itself.

If the makers follow such a strategy, ‘Varanasi’ could reach theatres with months of built-up curiosity and anticipation.

However, the team has not officially confirmed the documentary or its release plans yet. It remains to be seen whether the full documentary will arrive before the movie or whether only selected making footage will be released internationally.

Either way, if Rajamouli starts showing the making of ‘Varanasi’ before showing the actual film, he may once again be doing something he understands very well — not just making a movie, but building curiosity around the movie long before it reaches the audience.

— Surya Prakash Josyula