look news india
The second most expensive and most awaited film in the history of Indian cinema, ‘Varanasi’ remains the most talked about topic in the film circles these days. Veteran director S.S. The budget of this film being made under the direction of SS Rajamouli is estimated to be around Rs 1200 to 1300 crores. South superstar Mahesh Babu is playing the lead role in the film, and veteran actors like Bollywood and Hollywood stars Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran will also be seen sharing the screen with him.
Currently, Mahesh Babu is on a short break from shooting and will return to the set soon. However, Rajamouli has not yet made any official announcement regarding the theatrical (for cinemas) or non-theatrical deals of this film, but in the meantime, Monica Shergill, Content Vice President of OTT giant Netflix India, has given a statement, from which it is almost clear that the digital streaming rights of the film have gone to Netflix’s account.
Monica Shergill gave a big hint at the trailer launch event
The whole affair started with the grand trailer launch event of Netflix’s first Telugu original series ‘Super Subbu’. Monica Shergill, Content Vice President, Netflix India was present as the chief guest on this special occasion. During the event, when the media asked him a direct question, “Has Netflix bought the streaming rights of Rajamouli and Mahesh Babu’s upcoming film ‘Varanasi’?” So Monica first gave a big mysterious smile and then said in an interesting manner – “Some things should remain a surprise for the future.”
Trade experts believe that if the talks between Netflix and the makers had not been finalized, Monica Shergill would have clearly answered ‘no’ or avoided this question completely. But his ‘surprise’ answer clearly indicates that the deal has been finalized behind the scenes and it will be officially announced when the right time comes.
“The greatest creators are always on Netflix”
During the conversation, when Monica Shergill was reminded that Netflix has taken Rajamouli’s blockbuster ‘Bahubali’ franchise and the Oscar-winning ‘RRR’ to every corner of the world and to international audiences, she proudly replied, “The best stories and the biggest creators of the country and the world are always on Netflix.” His confidence has doubled the enthusiasm of the fans and cinema lovers of Varanasi.
Rajamouli and Mahesh Babu are working without taking fees, what will be the price of the deal?
Let us tell you that some time ago it was revealed that due to the huge budget of the film, director S.S. Rajamouli and lead actor Mahesh Babu have not taken any remuneration for this project. Both the giants are working on ‘profit sharing model’.
Since the entire responsibility of finalizing the business and deals of the film rests on the shoulders of Rajamouli himself, he is taking every step very thoughtfully and with great strategic preparation. If we look at the history, Netflix had bought the digital rights of Rajamouli’s previous film ‘RRR’ for a record price of around Rs 325 crore in a big multi-language deal. In such a situation, it is being speculated that Netflix might have bid the biggest and record breaking amount in the history of Indian OTT for ‘Varanasi’ with a budget of Rs 1200 crore.