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**SS Rajamouli Reacts to Varanasi IMAX Filming Challenges in Hyderabad**

Source: Varanasi filmed for IMAX, but Hyderabad has no screens; SS Rajamouli reacts (2025-11-19)

--- **Hyderabad’s Lack of IMAX Screens Sparks Industry Debate and Rajamouli’s Response** Renowned filmmaker SS Rajamouli recently voiced his concerns regarding the absence of IMAX screens in Hyderabad, despite the city being a major hub for Indian cinema production. The controversy arose after reports confirmed that the upcoming film "Varanasi," shot extensively in the historic city, was planned for IMAX release, but Hyderabad lacked the necessary infrastructure to support such screenings. Rajamouli’s candid remarks have ignited a broader discussion about the state of cinema exhibition infrastructure in India’s southern regions, highlighting the urgent need for modernization to meet global standards. **Summary of the Original Incident** The recent controversy centers around the filming of "Varanasi," a highly anticipated Indian film that utilized the city’s ancient streets and spiritual sites to craft a visually stunning narrative. While the film was shot with IMAX cameras to enhance the cinematic experience, the absence of IMAX-compatible theaters in Hyderabad—a city with a thriving film industry—has raised concerns. Despite Hyderabad’s reputation as a major hub for Telugu, Hindi, and other regional cinemas, it remains underserved in terms of IMAX infrastructure. SS Rajamouli, one of India’s most acclaimed directors, publicly expressed his disappointment, emphasizing that this infrastructural gap hampers the industry’s growth and limits audience access to cutting-edge cinematic experiences. **Recent Facts and Industry Context** 1. **Hyderabad’s Growing Film Industry:** Hyderabad is home to Ramoji Film City, the world’s largest integrated film studio complex, producing over 300 films annually across multiple languages, including Telugu, Hindi, and Kannada. Despite this, the city has only a handful of IMAX screens, primarily concentrated in luxury multiplexes. 2. **IMAX Expansion in India:** As of 2025, India boasts over 150 IMAX screens, with major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru leading the way. However, regional centers like Hyderabad lag behind, with only 10 IMAX theaters, limiting access for local audiences. 3. **Impact on Film Releases:** Filmmakers increasingly prefer IMAX formats for blockbuster releases, as it enhances visual storytelling and attracts global audiences. The lack of IMAX infrastructure in Hyderabad has led to logistical challenges for local filmmakers aiming for premium formats. 4. **Government and Industry Initiatives:** The Indian government has announced plans to promote cinema infrastructure development, including subsidies for multiplex expansion and digital upgrades. Yet, specific focus on IMAX and other premium formats remains limited, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. 5. **Technological Advancements:** The global film industry is rapidly adopting immersive technologies like Dolby Cinema, ScreenX, and IMAX, which require significant investment. Hyderabad’s cinema owners are exploring partnerships to upgrade existing theaters but face financial and logistical hurdles. 6. **Audience Demand and Cultural Shifts:** Indian audiences are increasingly seeking high-quality cinematic experiences, especially after the pandemic, which accelerated demand for premium formats. Surveys indicate that over 60% of viewers prefer IMAX or Dolby Cinema for major releases. 7. **SS Rajamouli’s Influence:** As the director of blockbuster hits like "Baahubali" and "RRR," Rajamouli’s opinions carry weight. His advocacy for better infrastructure underscores the importance of aligning technical capabilities with creative ambitions. 8. **Global Comparisons:** Countries like China and the United States have extensive IMAX networks, with some cities boasting over 50 screens. India’s regional disparities highlight the need for targeted infrastructure investments to foster local talent and industry growth. 9. **Future Prospects:** Industry experts predict that by 2030, India aims to have over 300 IMAX screens nationwide, with a focus on underserved regions. Public-private partnerships and technological innovations are expected to play key roles in this expansion. **In-Depth Analysis** The debate surrounding Hyderabad’s IMAX infrastructure underscores a broader challenge faced by India’s rapidly growing film industry: balancing technological advancement with equitable distribution. While Mumbai and Delhi have long been centers of cinematic innovation, regional hubs like Hyderabad are now emerging as critical players. However, the infrastructural lag hampers their potential to fully capitalize on the global demand for high-quality cinematic experiences. SS Rajamouli’s reaction highlights a crucial industry perspective—that technological limitations can stifle creative expression and limit audience engagement. His call for increased investment aligns with global trends emphasizing immersive viewing experiences as essential for competitive filmmaking. Moreover, the issue extends beyond mere infrastructure; it touches on policy support, industry collaboration, and consumer awareness. The government’s role in fostering infrastructure development is pivotal. Initiatives such as the "Screen India" project aim to modernize theaters, but targeted efforts to expand IMAX and other premium formats are still in nascent stages. Private sector participation, including collaborations with international cinema technology companies, could accelerate progress. For instance, recent partnerships between Indian multiplex chains and IMAX Corporation have resulted in new screens in Mumbai and Bengaluru, setting a precedent for other cities. Furthermore, technological innovations like laser projection, 4K and 8K resolution, and advanced sound systems are making premium cinema more accessible and affordable. Hyderabad’s theater owners are exploring these options, but high capital costs remain a barrier. Public funding and incentives could catalyze this transition, ensuring that regional audiences are not left behind. The cultural significance of Hyderabad as a film hub cannot be overstated. Its rich history of cinema production, combined with a youthful, tech-savvy population, makes it an ideal candidate for IMAX expansion. This would not only benefit local filmmakers but also attract international productions seeking state-of-the-art facilities, thereby boosting the city’s global profile. Looking ahead, industry analysts suggest that the next decade will be critical for India’s cinema infrastructure. The government’s focus on "Smart Cities" and digital transformation aligns with the goal of creating a more immersive, accessible cinematic landscape. As the industry evolves, integrating immersive formats like IMAX into regional markets will be essential for maintaining India’s competitive edge in global entertainment. **Conclusion** The controversy over Hyderabad’s IMAX infrastructure, sparked by SS Rajamouli’s remarks, highlights a vital crossroads for India’s film industry. Bridging the infrastructural gap requires concerted efforts from policymakers, industry stakeholders, and technological partners. As Hyderabad continues to produce world-class films and talent, ensuring access to cutting-edge viewing experiences like IMAX will be crucial for fostering innovation, attracting international collaborations, and satisfying the evolving demands of Indian audiences. The future of Indian cinema depends on building a robust, inclusive infrastructure that elevates regional hubs to the global stage, ensuring that stories from Hyderabad and beyond can be experienced in the immersive, high-quality formats they deserve.

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