Buzz 🔴 Rajamouli is under severe pressure as the #MaheshBabu starrer global biggie #Varanasi is going beyond the initial budget and recovery seems to be challenging 🤔 Reports from industry insiders suggest that Varanasi is shaping up to be one of the most expensive Indian films ever mounted, with its estimated production cost said to be between ₹1,200 crore and ₹1,400 crore. When the project was conceived, the financial model reportedly relied heavily on digital rights, with expectations that OTT platforms could contribute anywhere between ₹500 crore and ₹600 crore. However, the streaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation since then. According to trade sources, OTT players have become far more cautious with acquisitions and are currently reluctant to spend beyond ₹150 crore–₹200 crore for a single title, including a high-profile project like Varanasi. This sharp decline in digital valuations has added pressure on mega-budget productions, making expenditure control a key priority. While there are reports that director Rajamouli is open to reducing his compensation, such a move may not provide immediate financial relief. His earnings are believed to be tied largely to profit-sharing agreements rather than a substantial upfront salary, meaning any reduction would have a limited impact during production. Consequently, the makers are said to be evaluating alternative strategies to keep costs under control. These include trimming the overall shooting schedule and opting for cost-effective locations instead of expensive overseas destinations while maintaining the film's visual scale. The objective is to safeguard the project's creative ambitions without allowing the budget to spiral further. The concerns surrounding the economics of such large ventures are understandable. Even Dhurandhar 2, despite its massive expectations and widespread buzz, reportedly fell short of the ₹2,000 crore mark at the worldwide box office.