SS Rajamouli’s ‘Varanasi’ Makes Cinematic History with Full IMAX Shoot, 80% Complete

Blockbuster director SS Rajamouli’s highly anticipated film, tentatively titled ‘Varanasi’, has achieved a significant cinematic milestone, becoming only the second movie ever to be shot entirely in IMAX. Starring Mahesh Babu, Prithviraj Sukumaran, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, the project is rapidly progressing, with Rajamouli confirming that approximately 80 percent of the shoot is already complete.

Strategic Secrecy: Why Rajamouli Keeps ‘Varanasi’ Story Under Wraps

In an era where film plot details often leak, SS Rajamouli has taken a deliberate approach to maintain secrecy around ‘Varanasi’. The acclaimed filmmaker has chosen to keep the narrative under wraps, instead allowing the sheer scale, star power, and groundbreaking technical aspects of the film to build audience anticipation. Speaking to Variety India about the title announcement video, Rajamouli elucidated his strategy.

“I didn’t want to reveal too much because it wouldn’t do justice to the film,” Rajamouli stated. “Instead, we created a video that shows the kind of experience audiences can expect without giving away the story.” This calculated decision has effectively fueled mystery and excitement, focusing attention on the immersive cinematic experience rather than specific plot points. The promotional material released so far has successfully conveyed the film’s ambitious world, grand scale, and visual splendor, captivating audiences without divulging the core narrative.

Production Update: 80% of ‘Varanasi’ Filming Concluded

Providing a crucial update on the film’s progress, Rajamouli confirmed that a significant portion of ‘Varanasi’ has been filmed. “We’ve shot about 80 percent of the film. The remaining 20 percent is in progress,” he announced. The director further elaborated that the most extensive and intricate action sequences have already been successfully completed, with smaller scenes and other vital segments of the film currently being shot.

To ensure a smooth and efficient production timeline, Rajamouli detailed a streamlined workflow. “Every completed sequence is immediately edited and sent to the visual effects team, allowing different departments to work in parallel and keep the production on schedule,” he revealed. This concurrent approach to filming and post-production highlights the meticulous planning and coordination involved in bringing this large-scale global adventure to life.

‘Varanasi’ Joins Elite Club: Second Film Ever Shot Entirely in IMAX

Beyond its star-studded cast and epic scope, ‘Varanasi’ is setting a new benchmark in cinematic technology. Rajamouli confirmed that the entire movie is being filmed using IMAX cameras, making it only the second feature film in history to achieve this, following Christopher Nolan’s acclaimed ‘The Odyssey’. This groundbreaking decision positions ‘Varanasi’ as a pioneer, especially as the first non-English film to be shot entirely with IMAX technology.

This commitment to full IMAX capture underscores the director’s vision for an unparalleled theatrical experience, promising audiences breathtaking visuals and an immersive journey. The technical prowess employed in ‘Varanasi’ is expected to elevate the film to a global cinematic spectacle, solidifying its place not just as an entertainment event, but also as a significant achievement in film production.