The title controversy surrounding SS Rajamouli and Mahesh Babu's ambitious film Varanasi has finally come to an end. When the makers unveiled the film's first glimpse and announced its title, it sparked controversy as the title Varanasi had already been registered with the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce by director Subba Reddy.
After Rajamouli officially announced the title, Subba Reddy initially objected, stating that it had been registered under his name. However, the issue has now been amicably resolved.
On Thursday, Subba Reddy voluntarily handed over the title rights Varanasi to producer KL Narayana for the Rajamouli-Mahesh Babu film without accepting any financial compensation.
Speaking at a media interaction alongside Producers Council secretary Prasanna Kumar and former Directors' Association President Veera Shankar, Subba Reddy revealed that he had registered the title in 2023 under his production banner and had even begun developing a story around it.
However, after learning that the same title was required for Rajamouli's prestigious project, he decided to part with it in the larger interest of Telugu cinema. "It is an honour to contribute, even in a small way, to such a landmark project featuring my favourite actor Mahesh Babu, director SS Rajamouli, and producer KL Narayana," Subba Reddy said.
He clarified that he never viewed the title as a business opportunity and did not even consider accepting a single rupee in return. "A title is an emotion for me. It's not meant to be sold. I was happy to give the title for a good film," he said.
Former Directors' Association president Veera Shankar said that Subba Reddy was emotionally attached to the title initially, which was why they did not approach him immediately.
"Later, when we explained that the title was needed for Rajamouli and KL Narayana's film and that it would send a positive message across the industry, Subba Reddy readily agreed," Veera Shankar said.
He added that the gesture sets a positive example for the Telugu film industry, demonstrating that film titles should be shared with mutual respect rather than treated as commercial assets. He praised Subba Reddy's decision for promoting a healthy and cooperative atmosphere within the industry.
On the occasion, they also extended their best wishes to director SS Rajamouli, producer KL Narayana, music director M.M. Keeravani, and lyricist Chandrabose, expressing confidence that Varanasi would take the glory of Telugu cinema to even greater heights on the global stage.
