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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 (2025-11-20)

--- **Hyderabad’s Lack of IMAX Screens Sparks Industry Debate and Rajamouli’s Response** In a recent statement that has garnered widespread attention, acclaimed filmmaker SS Rajamouli addressed the ongoing challenges faced by filmmakers in India, particularly regarding the lack of IMAX screens in Hyderabad, despite the city’s growing reputation as a hub for high-budget cinema production. The controversy was ignited when reports emerged that the much-anticipated film "Varanasi," shot extensively for IMAX, faced distribution hurdles due to the absence of suitable screens in Hyderabad, a city renowned for its vibrant film industry. Rajamouli’s candid reaction underscores the broader infrastructural issues impacting Indian cinema’s global ambitions and highlights the urgent need for modernization of screening facilities across key Indian markets. **Summary of the Original Incident** The original report detailed how "Varanasi," a film shot with IMAX technology to deliver an immersive experience, was unable to be showcased in Hyderabad’s theaters due to the lack of IMAX-compatible screens. Despite Hyderabad’s status as a major center for Telugu, Hindi, and other regional films, the city’s theater infrastructure has lagged behind in adopting the latest projection technology. This discrepancy has led to frustration among filmmakers and industry stakeholders, who argue that it hampers the potential reach and revenue of high-end productions. SS Rajamouli, known for his blockbuster "Baahubali" series and "RRR," expressed disappointment over the situation, emphasizing that technological advancement should be accessible to all major Indian cities to foster growth and global competitiveness. **Recent Facts and Industry Context** 1. **IMAX Expansion in India:** As of late 2025, IMAX has announced plans to expand its footprint in India, with over 50 new screens planned across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, including Hyderabad. However, the rollout has been slower than anticipated, primarily due to infrastructural and regulatory challenges. 2. **Hyderabad’s Theater Infrastructure:** Despite being a major film production hub, Hyderabad currently has fewer than 10 IMAX-certified screens, with most theaters still operating with traditional projection systems. This limits the city’s ability to host premieres of high-profile international and Indian films shot in IMAX. 3. **Government Initiatives:** The Indian government has recently launched the "Digital Screen Modernization Program," aiming to upgrade existing theaters with 4K and IMAX-compatible projectors, but progress varies significantly across states and cities. 4. **Filmmaker Perspectives:** Leading directors like Rajamouli and others have publicly called for increased investment in screening infrastructure, citing that the future of Indian cinema depends on delivering premium experiences comparable to Hollywood standards. 5. **Global Competition:** International markets like the US, China, and South Korea have rapidly expanded their IMAX and premium large-format screens, attracting global audiences and boosting box office revenues. India risks falling behind without similar investments. 6. **Technological Innovations:** New projection technologies, such as laser projection and Dolby Cinema, are emerging as alternatives to traditional IMAX systems, offering comparable or superior immersive experiences. Indian theaters are gradually adopting these, but widespread availability remains limited. 7. **Impact on Film Distribution:** The lack of IMAX screens in key markets affects not only domestic box office potential but also international sales, as global distributors prefer to release films in premium formats to maximize revenue. 8. **Industry Response:** Major studios and production houses are increasingly prioritizing the development of infrastructure alongside content creation, recognizing that audience expectations for high-quality viewing experiences are rising rapidly. 9. **Future Outlook:** Experts predict that by 2030, India will have over 200 IMAX and premium large-format screens, but achieving this goal requires coordinated efforts between government, industry stakeholders, and private investors. **In-Depth Analysis** The controversy surrounding "Varanasi" and Hyderabad’s screening infrastructure highlights a critical bottleneck in India’s cinematic ecosystem. While Indian filmmakers have made significant strides in storytelling and visual effects, the infrastructure to showcase these innovations in their full glory remains inadequate. This disparity not only affects the commercial viability of high-budget projects but also impacts India’s global reputation as a hub for cutting-edge cinema. SS Rajamouli’s reaction underscores a broader industry call to action. His comments reflect a recognition that technological parity with international standards is essential for Indian cinema to compete on the world stage. The filmmaker’s influence can catalyze policy changes and industry investments, encouraging stakeholders to prioritize infrastructure upgrades. Furthermore, the situation presents an opportunity for Hyderabad to leverage its existing film industry ecosystem—home to numerous production houses, post-production facilities, and talent pools—to become a leader in screening technology. Strategic partnerships with global companies like IMAX, Dolby, and Christie could accelerate the development of a world-class cinematic infrastructure. **The Road Ahead** To address these challenges, a multi-pronged approach is necessary: - **Policy Support:** Government incentives and subsidies for theater upgrades can accelerate the adoption of IMAX and other premium formats. - **Private Investment:** Encouraging private players to invest in multiplex chains equipped with advanced projection systems will diversify options for filmmakers and audiences. - **Public-Private Partnerships:** Collaborations between the government and industry leaders can facilitate the rapid expansion of high-end screening facilities. - **Technological Adoption:** Embracing emerging projection and sound technologies will ensure theaters remain competitive and capable of delivering immersive experiences. - **Audience Engagement:** Educating audiences about the benefits of premium formats can drive demand, encouraging theaters to upgrade. **Conclusion** The debate sparked by the "Varanasi" film shoot and Hyderabad’s screening infrastructure exemplifies the evolving landscape of Indian cinema. As filmmakers like SS Rajamouli advocate for technological modernization, the industry stands at a crossroads—either to embrace innovation and elevate the cinematic experience or risk falling behind global standards. With strategic investments, policy support, and industry collaboration, India can transform its theater ecosystem, ensuring that future blockbusters are not only made in India but also experienced in the most immersive and technologically advanced ways possible. This transformation will be crucial in cementing India’s position as a leading player in the global entertainment industry by 2030 and beyond.

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