SS Rajamouli’s upcoming film with Mahesh Babu, tentatively titled ‘Varanasi,’ faces a title clash as another production company, Rama Bramha Hanuma Creations, claims prior registration. Producers Council records confirm the title’s earlier registration, adding a layer of complexity to the ownership dispute. This controversy emerges alongside religious sentiments reportedly stirred by Rajamouli’s comments at the film’s grand reveal.
SS Rajamouli and Mahesh Babu’s much-awaited collaboration has been titled ‘Varanasi,’ and the announcement was made with a grand event in Hyderabad recently. But the question of who has the legal rights to the title has created a stir in the film industry. Although the title released by Rajamouli’s team is ‘Varanasi,’ the fact that the same name has already been registered with a production company called Rama Bramha Hanuma Creations has sparked a major controversy. The company, headed by C.H. Subba Reddy, is said to have held the title ‘Varanasi’ for many years.
Producers Council records confirm earlier registration
According to Telugu Film Producers Council records, the title ‘Varanasi’ has been with them since 2023 and has been renewed from June 24, 2025, to July 23, 2026. This entry is significant because the spelling of the title is different, but the pronunciation and meaning are the same. This has led to confusion between the two teams over title ownership.
Grand title reveal raises questions
SS Rajamouli’s team unveiled the title ‘Varanasi’ at a grand function held at Ramoji Film City on November 15, 2025. But it is not yet clear whether Subba Reddy has filed an official complaint for this. With both sides claiming ownership, the debate over who owns the title continues to grow. Industry experts believe that this could lead to an investigation by film organizations if necessary.
Religious controversy intensifies pressure while the film targets a 2027 release.
Meanwhile, SS Rajamouli’s comments about Hanuman at the ‘Varanasi’ event have also sparked controversy. Organizations, including Vanarasena and Gow Rakshak Sangh, have filed a police complaint, accusing him of inciting religious sentiments. In this context, the title rights issue has become a new challenge for the Rajamouli team. The film, starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj, is scheduled for a summer 2027 release. Who owns the title? Whether the final decision is made by the legal system or by mutual negotiation is a question to be considered. Go to Source
