The business surrounding S.S. Rajamouli and Mahesh Babu’s highly anticipated film Varanasi is generating intense curiosity across the industry, particularly regarding its reported remuneration and rights structures.
Remuneration and Rights Valuations
S.S. Rajamouli’s Remuneration: According to a highly placed industry source, director S.S. Rajamouli is believed to be targeting around ₹250 crore from the film’s overseas rights as part of his compensation arrangement, though achieving this valuation could prove challenging as the highest offer so far is reportedly significantly lower.
M.M. Keeravani’s Music Rights: Oscar-winning composer M.M. Keeravani has reportedly secured a lucrative deal linked to the film’s music rights, with industry estimates valuing it between ₹50 crore and ₹75 crore, which could make it one of the largest music-rights agreements for an Indian film.
OTT Rights Targets and Offers: Sources indicate that the film’s OTT rights are being targeted at around ₹500 crore, while the highest offer received so far stands at approximately ₹150 crore from a leading platform, with the final deal potentially settling closer to ₹200 crore.
Mahesh Babu’s Compensation and Industry Speculation
Significant uncertainty surrounds Mahesh Babu’s specific compensation, leaving open the question of whether he is receiving a conventional remuneration package or securing a stake in the film’s business and profits. While Rajamouli’s past protagonists have traditionally not received proportionately large profit shares, industry observers note that Mahesh Babu could potentially negotiate a more favorable arrangement, especially with Namrata Mahesh Babu reportedly involved in the discussions. As the film’s overall business is expected to scale unprecedented heights, these financial structures remain a major talking point.
