Empty seats or online hype? Rajamouli’s Varanasi panel triggers controversy

The first global promotional outing for director S S Rajamouli’s upcoming film Varanasi has sparked widespread discussion online after its panel at CCXP (Comic Con Experience) in Mexico reportedly saw a limited audience presence.

The film, which stars Priyanka Chopra, Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran, was presented by producer S S Karthikeya, who showcased exclusive footage and behind-the-scenes content during the session. Rajamouli also appeared via a recorded message, reflecting on his earlier works and the global vision of the project.

Following the event, clips and images circulating on social media appeared to show empty seats and audience movement during the presentation. These visuals triggered mixed reactions online, with some users questioning international interest in the film, while others argued that the footage did not represent the full attendance and may have been misinterpreted.

Supporters of the film also pointed out that attendance at promotional panels can vary across sessions and that similar patterns are seen at large entertainment conventions. Despite the online debate, the film continues to generate attention due to its scale and star cast.

Varanasi, written by Vijayendra Prasad, is described as a large-scale time-travel project blending mythology, history and science fiction. It is currently scheduled for theatrical release on 7 April 2027, with reports suggesting a possible two-part release.