S.S. Rajamouli's upcoming film Varanasi has created history by becoming the first Indian film to have its promotional content screened at the iconic Le Grand Rex theatre in Paris. The announcement teaser of the film, which had already generated considerable excitement among fans, was showcased at the legendary cinema hall on January 5, 2026, at 9 PM.
Le Grand Rex, opened in 1932, is the largest cinema in Europe and a renowned Parisian landmark celebrated for its art deco design, vast auditorium, and one of the biggest movie screens on the continent. The venue is a regular host to world premieres and major international film events, making it a fitting stage for Varanasi's historic teaser reveal.
The screening was confirmed by Aanna Films, a French distributor of Indian cinema, and is expected to draw significant global attention. The teaser was presented on the grand screen in an immersive format. Industry insiders estimate that a single screening of the teaser at Le Grand Rex, including venue use and technical setup, could cost between €25,000-€50,000 (roughly ₹22-₹45 lakh).
Varanasi, directed by S. S. Rajamouli, is reportedly being produced on a budget exceeding ₹1,300 crore, making it the most expensive Indian film ever. The film boasts a star-studded cast, with Tollywood superstar Mahesh Babu in the lead role, alongside Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra playing a pivotal role, and Mollywood star Prithviraj Sukumaran as the antagonist. The film's music is composed by Oscar-winning composer M. M. Keeravani, and the story and screenplay are penned by Vijayendra Prasad. The film is produced by K. L. Narayana under the Sri Durga Arts banner, in association with S. S. Karthikeya of Showing Business.
Rajamouli aims to position Varanasi as a global event film, taking Indian cinema to the next level. Filming is expected to continue for another eight months, with the makers eyeing a theatrical release in March 2027.
With Varanasi, Rajamouli is building upon the pan-Indian film concept he established with Baahubali and the international recognition gained by RRR. The massive success of RRR, which won several global awards, including an Oscar, has raised expectations for Varanasi. Rajamouli is leaving no stone unturned to keep Varanasi in the international spotlight.
