Varanasi may face intense competition for IMAX screens when it releases in April 2027. Hollywood films, limited overseas slots and India’s shortage of premium theatres could influence the SS Rajamouli film’s box-office performance.
Varanasi Set for a Major Global Release
SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi is already being viewed as one of the biggest Indian film releases planned for 2027. Expectations are especially high in overseas markets following the international success of RRR, which expanded Rajamouli’s reach among global audiences and strengthened demand for large-scale Indian cinema.
The film is expected to arrive in theatres on April 7, 2027, with trade observers closely monitoring its release strategy. Unlike films that are converted into the IMAX format after production, Varanasi is reportedly being designed and filmed to make fuller use of the premium large-format experience.
That approach could make IMAX screens an important part of the film’s theatrical appeal. Audiences may prefer to watch Rajamouli’s visually ambitious project on the largest available screens, making premium-format availability crucial for its opening-week collections and international performance.
Hollywood Releases May Tighten IMAX Availability
The biggest challenge could come from Hollywood’s crowded release calendar. Godzilla x Kong: Supernova is scheduled to open on March 26, 2027, placing it less than two weeks before the release of Varanasi.
Another major film, Panic Carefully, is expected to arrive on IMAX screens on April 9, just two days after Varanasi reaches theatres. The close release dates could result in intense competition for premium screens, especially in North America and other major overseas markets.
Additional big-budget Hollywood productions may also enter the late-March to mid-April release window. Since IMAX theatres operate with a limited number of screens and fixed programming agreements, competing releases could reduce the number of shows available to the Rajamouli film.
Why the IMAX Battle Matters for Box Office
Premium large-format screens generally carry higher ticket prices and can contribute significantly to the opening collections of event films. Even when regular screens remain widely available, fewer IMAX shows could affect Varanasi’s overall revenue and its ability to attract audiences seeking a more immersive theatrical experience.
The final outcome may depend on advance distribution agreements, local audience demand, pre-release bookings and the box-office performance of competing Hollywood films. Strong advance sales could help Varanasi secure additional premium shows, while a crowded market may force exhibitors to divide IMAX timings among multiple major releases. The overseas performance of RRR has already created strong awareness around Rajamouli’s filmmaking. However, Varanasi may still need an effective international distribution strategy to secure enough premium screens during one of the busiest release periods of 2027.
India Still Faces a True IMAX Shortage
The situation is different in India, where the limited number of genuine full-scale IMAX theatres remains a major concern. Several multiplexes advertise IMAX auditoriums, but only a smaller number can provide the format’s complete projection, sound and large-screen experience.
The shortage has renewed discussion about whether cities such as Hyderabad could receive a new or upgraded IMAX theatre before Varanasi releases. Demand could be particularly strong in Hyderabad because of Rajamouli’s popularity and the expected scale of the film.
With Varanasi being developed as a major cinematic spectacle, premium-screen access could play an important role in its commercial performance. The coming months will reveal whether Indian exhibitors expand IMAX capacity and whether the film can secure enough premium locations to compete effectively with Hollywood releases at home and abroad.
