{"componentChunkName":"component---src-templates-article-js","path":"/big-hopes-low-offers-for-varanasi","result":{"data":{"prismicArticle":{"uid":"big-hopes-low-offers-for-varanasi","tags":["Entertainment","featured","one"],"first_publication_date":"2026-10-28T10:46:36+0000","last_publication_date":"2026-10-28T10:46:36+0000","data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Big Hopes, Low Offers for 'Varanasi'?"},"rating":null,"datetime":"2026-10-28T06:15:00+0000","img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/aRqsSLpReVYa4hnC_varanasiteam.JPG?auto=format,compress"},"embed":{"embed_url":null,"thumbnail_url":null,"author_url":null,"title":null},"content":{"raw":[{"text":"SS Rajamouli’s upcoming magnum opus 'Varanasi', starring superstar Mahesh Babu, has emerged as one of the most anticipated Indian films, with expectations running high across the country. The film is being prepared for a worldwide theatrical release on April 7, 2027, and its scale, star power and ambitious storytelling have generated considerable interest in the trade. As the project moves closer to completion, attention is reportedly shifting towards its pre-release business, with the makers exploring opportunities to secure lucrative deals across different distribution platforms."},{"text":"However, the latest buzz surrounding the film’s digital rights suggests that the offers received so far may not have matched the expectations of the production team. Industry speculation indicates that the proposed OTT deal has failed to meet the price the makers are reportedly seeking for a project of this magnitude. Given Rajamouli’s track record of delivering large-scale cinematic spectacles, the team is believed to be looking for a deal that reflects the film’s enormous commercial potential and the anticipation surrounding Mahesh Babu’s collaboration with the acclaimed filmmaker."},{"text":"The reported dissatisfaction is not said to be limited to the digital rights alone. There is also speculation that the offers for other non-theatrical rights have fallen short of the levels anticipated by the team. For a film mounted on such an ambitious scale, the business surrounding satellite, digital and other ancillary rights is expected to play a significant role in determining its overall pre-release commercial value. The makers may therefore be carefully assessing the available proposals rather than rushing into agreements that do not align with their financial expectations."},{"text":"Despite the growing discussion in trade circles, the production house has not officially confirmed the reported OTT negotiations or disclosed the figures involved. It remains unclear whether the team will continue negotiations with existing bidders or wait for more attractive offers as the film progresses towards its release. With Varanasi carrying substantial expectations in the domestic and international markets, its digital rights deal is likely to remain a talking point in the coming months. Until an official announcement is made, the reports about the alleged disappointment and the makers’ search for a higher-value deal should be treated as unconfirmed industry speculation."}]}}},"relatedArticles":{"edges":[{"node":{"uid":"ott-gives-overlooked-actors-a-lifeline","data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"OTT Gives Overlooked Actors a Lifeline"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ac138196-8a3b-4c32-b3fc-62c0bfc50104_OTT.JPG?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,2028,1000&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-10-28T06:47:00+0000"}}},{"node":{"uid":"nanis-love-story-14-years-strong","data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Nani’s Love Story, 14 Years Strong"},"img":{"url":"https://images.prismic.io/prad/ziyvEJXJnsHoKjKx_nanilovestory.JPG?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C101%2C400%2C197&w=2028&h=1000"},"datetime":"2026-10-28T03:45:00+0000"}}},{"node":{"uid":"zeenat-defies-her-ex-symbol-tag","data":{"third_party_url":null,"title":{"text":"Zeenat Defies Her $ex Symbol 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