During the Globetrotter event at Ramoji Film City, director SS Rajamouli revealed an important update about Varanasi. He announced that the film will introduce new technology to Telugu cinema by being shot entirely in the Premium Large Format, also known as IMAX. Usually, most big films are shot with regular cameras and later converted to IMAX. Even Baahubali and RRR followed that method.
But Rajamouli said Varanasi will be different because it will be filmed directly in IMAX, giving audiences a true large screen experience.
On Sunday evening Rajamouli even tweeted, "I really hope that by the time Varanasi releases or even before, we'll at least have a 1.43 IMAX screen in India and an IMAX in my land Hyderabad. "
However, IMAX is currently available only in major Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore and Ahmedabad. Surat was the latest to join after Rajhans Cinemas introduced the format. IMAX also plans to expand with 65 new screens across fifteen locations in India by the end of 2026.
However, Telugu states still do not have a true IMAX theatre. Hyderabad has the PCX screen in Prasads, but it does not match the impact of a real IMAX. Because of this, many doubt whether Telugu audiences can watch Varanasi in true IMAX in 2027. Getting a 1.43 aspect ratio IMAX screen in Hyderabad before then feels unlikely unless something unexpected happens.
This is why many believe the IMAX version is aimed mainly at international markets. India has only 33 IMAX screens, which is too small for a large-scale release. Rajamouli and his team seem to be targeting global recognition for Indian cinema and mythology. To present Indian culture in its full glory with maximum visual impact, Rajamouli wants Varanasi to reach worldwide audiences in the grand IMAX format.
Even so, Telugu fans still hope that Rajamouli and the team will work toward bringing a real IMAX screen to Andhra Pradesh or Telangana, so they can experience Ramayana and Mahesh Babu as Lord Rama in IMAX on home turf.