Rajamouli: Why He Filmed Varanasi in IMAX has finally been explained by the director himself. Until now, fans only knew that the high-budget project was being shot in the premium large format. In a recent interview with French outlet Tsounami, Rajamouli opened up about his creative decision. He stated that the film’s massive scale simply demanded a canvas large enough to capture its epic vision.
The director revealed that Varanasi features gigantic Antarctic ice formations that rise nearly 300 feet high. He also mentioned the massive Vanara Sena armies from the Ramayana. According to Rajamouli, the expanded aspect ratio of IMAX is essential for the audience to truly grasp the immense size and visual splendor of these sequences. He believes this format is the only way to deliver the immersive experience the story requires.
This new insight into Rajamouli: Why He Filmed Varanasi in IMAX gives the public a rare glimpse into the film’s ambition, even as the plot remains a closely guarded secret. The biggest action scenes have already been completed, and the production is about 80 percent finished. The movie stars Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Prithviraj Sukumaran, with Oscar winner MM Keeravaani composing the music.
Rajamouli’s choice to use IMAX for Varanasi clearly sets the stage for a cinematic spectacle that is meant to be seen on the biggest screens possible. With the release date scheduled for April 7, 2027, the project is one of the most anticipated worldwide. The director’s reasoning confirms that his primary goal is to offer a visual experience that is as monumental as the story itself.