“That Film Is Bigger”: Sandeep Reddy Vanga Weighs In on SS Rajamouli’s ‘Varanasi’ Amidst Box Office Speculation

The Indian film industry is already bracing for a cinematic collision of gargantuan proportions as the calendar turns toward 2027. With two of the most anticipated projects—Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit and SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi—scheduled for release just weeks apart, excitement is reaching a fever pitch.

Adding fuel to the speculation, filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga recently shared his candid thoughts on how these two massive blockbusters will coexist at the box office.

A Humble Take on a Mammoth Project

During a recent promotional event in Hyderabad for the film Romanchakam, Vanga was questioned about the proximity of his upcoming project, Spirit, to Rajamouli’s Varanasi. When the discussion turned toward both films being tipped as potential ₹1,000-crore earners, Vanga quickly pivoted, showing deep respect for his peer.

Reflecting on the scale of Rajamouli’s ambitious venture, Vanga remarked in Telugu, “Aa film inka peddadi andi”—which translates to, “That film is bigger.” The comment has resonated with fans, underscoring the immense anticipation surrounding Rajamouli’s global vision for the Mahesh Babu-starrer.

Managing the Box Office Window

With Spirit locked in for a March 5, 2027, release and Varanasi expected to hit theaters on April 7, 2027, industry analysts have raised concerns about the two giants cannibalizing each other’s business. However, Vanga remains remarkably unfazed by the roughly 37-day gap between the two releases.

“It will be enough; we have around 37 days,” Vanga stated confidently. When pressed jokingly about whether a potential clash might force him to change his release date, Vanga laughed off the suggestion, confirming that production is moving along steadily. He revealed that approximately 50% of Spirit has already been completed, keeping them firmly on track for the projected release window.

The Heavy Hitters of 2027

The star-studded lineups for both films ensure that 2027 will be a landmark year for Indian cinema:

• Spirit (March 5, 2027): Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, the film features a high-octane cast including Prabhas, Triptii Dimri, and Vivek Oberoi. Known for his intense cinematic style, Vanga has already hinted that the film is expected to receive an ‘A’ certificate from the CBFC, keeping in line with his bold narrative trademarks.
• Varanasi (April 7, 2027): Directed by the visionary SS Rajamouli, this project marks the first collaboration between the director and superstar Mahesh Babu. The ensemble cast also includes Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran, setting the stage for what many expect to be a historic theatrical event.

As the countdown to 2027 begins, all eyes are on these two filmmakers. While Vanga is focused on delivering another gritty, high-impact entertainer, his acknowledgment of Rajamouli’s project highlights the camaraderie and mutual respect shared by the industry’s top creators as they prepare to push the boundaries of Indian cinema on the global stage.