Mahesh Babu–Rajamouli ‘Vaaranaasi’ Title Dispute Finally Settled After Complaint

The upcoming film featuring Superstar Mahesh Babu and director SS Rajamouli, tentatively referred to as Vaaranaasi, has been at the center of a title-related dispute even before its official announcement. Around the same time, director YV Subba Reddy revealed the title of his own project as Varanasi, which led to confusion and conflict between the two teams.

Subba Reddy’s film, which is currently in the scripting stage, had already completed its title registration. However, just two days after his official declaration, Rajamouli’s team also announced that their movie would carry the title Varanasi. Feeling that their title had been duplicated, Subba Reddy filed a formal complaint with the Film Chamber seeking action.

This issue surfaced shortly after Rajamouli’s remarks about Lord Hanuman at the Globe Trotter event stirred a major controversy. His statement—interpreted as dismissive—led to backlash from Hindu groups, who demanded an apology and even threatened to obstruct the film’s production. Rajamouli has not yet responded publicly, and the matter added further pressure around the Varanasi title conflict.

After several discussions, the title clash has reportedly come to an end. Both filmmakers have now finalized a solution that allows them to retain the title. Subba Reddy, who registered the name first, will release his film as Varanasi in Telugu. Meanwhile, the Mahesh Babu–Rajamouli project will use the name Rajamouli Varanasi for its Telugu version, while the release in all other languages will carry the simple title Varanasi.

With this decision, the prolonged controversy has finally been settled.