bollywood hungama - The Latremie Post

S S Rajamouli recently released *Baahubali: The Epic*, which is a combined version of *Baahubali: The Beginning* (2015) and *Baahubali 2: The Conclusion* (2017). With November here, all his focus is now on his upcoming ambitious film starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran.

There have been multiple reports about the title of this film, often referred to as SSMB29. While some suggest the name might be *Globetrotter*, other reports reveal that the film has been officially titled **Varanasi**.

Bollywood Hungama has learned that the team has locked in the title. A source shared, “The name of the film is indeed *Varanasi*. It is said that the title rights were initially with somebody else, but S S Rajamouli’s team reached out and secured the rights.”

The source further added, “The title is apt as per the story of the film. Hence, they were very keen on naming their film *Varanasi*.”

In exciting news for fans, a grand announcement event is planned for November 15 at Ramoji Rao Film City in Hyderabad. Alongside S S Rajamouli, the event is expected to feature Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, Prithviraj Sukumaran, and other members of the film team, including Oscar-winning music director M M Keeravani.

Fans will have the opportunity to attend the launch event, which will also be live-streamed on JioHotstar, making it accessible to audiences everywhere.

*Varanasi* is S S Rajamouli’s immediate next project following the global blockbuster *RRR* (2022). The Ram Charan-Jr NTR starrer became a worldwide phenomenon thanks to its powerful storytelling, memorable performances, and especially its music. Notably, the song “Naatu Naatu” won the Best Original Song award at the 95th Academy Awards.

Given this legacy, the excitement for *Varanasi* is tremendous. The film has strong potential not only to succeed in India and among the Southeast Asian diaspora but also to appeal to global audiences on a much larger scale.

—

**Also Read:**
*S.S. Rajamouli proud as ISRO’s heaviest rocket, nicknamed ‘Bahubali,’ successfully launches CMS-03: “Truly a privilege for all of us”*
https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/confirmed-s-s-rajamouli-mahesh-babu-priyanka-chopras-film-titled-varanasi/

The much-anticipated Diwali releases, **Thamma** and **Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat**, are just days away, and the excitement across the trade, industry, and audiences is palpable. As with every major festive clash, the battle for screens has intensified.

Bollywood Hungama has learned that the first round of this tussle between the distributors of both films has already begun.

### EXCLUSIVE: Thamma vs Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat Screen-Sharing Battle Begins

The makers of the Ayushmann Khurrana-starrer **Thamma** have reportedly demanded **all shows** in single and two-screen cinemas for their release.

A trade source informed Bollywood Hungama, “*Thamma*, starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna, is being distributed by PVR Inox Pictures. Its distributor-partner in the Mumbai circuit, August Entertainment, has sent a mail to cinemas in the territory outlining their screen-sharing requirements.”

According to the mail, August Entertainment has requested:

– All shows in single-screen cinemas and two-screen theatres.
– 12 shows in three-screen multiplexes, meaning 100% showcasing on two of the three screens, plus one or two shows on the third screen.

The mail further specifies show requirements for larger multiplexes as follows:

– 15 shows in four-screen theatres
– 18 shows in five-screen cinemas
– 21 shows in six-screen multiplexes
– 24 shows in seven-screen multiplexes
– 27 shows in eight-screen multiplexes
– 30 shows in nine-screen multiplexes
– 33 shows in ten-screen theatres

It is important to note that this move has come directly from August Entertainment, which is handling the release of *Thamma* in the Mumbai circuit. How distributors in other regions respond, and whether they follow suit with similar demands, remains to be seen.

### Exhibitors Express Reservations

Exhibitors have voiced concerns about the aggressive screen-sharing demands. One exhibitor told us,
“We would definitely want to show *Thamma* as it looks exciting. But single-screen cinemas should also be given a chance to play *Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat*. In fact, it’s the single-screen theatres where the Harshvardhan Rane film can score big time.”

They added, “Let’s not forget that the Marathi film *Premachi Goshta 2* and the Gujarati film *Chaniya Toli* are also slated for release this Diwali. Some cinemas would want to accommodate these films as well. Hence, we hope a solution can be found.”

Another exhibitor remarked,
“The mail from August Entertainment mentions that the rule exists only for non-PVR, non-Inox, and non-Cinepolis cinemas. We feel it’s not fair and it should be uniform for all cinemas.”

### Trade Expert Weighs In

A trade expert commented,
“Just a few weeks ago, during the *Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1* vs *Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari* clash, the makers of *Kantara* asked for 100% shows in single-screen, two-screen, and three-screen cinemas. Even in theatres with four screens and more, they demanded nearly 80-90% of showcasing. At least, the distributors are being more reasonable in the case of *Thamma*.”

—

**Also Read:**
[Ayushmann Khurrana flashes fake vampire teeth as he and Rashmika Mandanna promote Thamma in Delhi]

**More Pages:**
[Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat Box Office Collection] | [Bollywood News Live Updates]
https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/exclusive-thamma-vs-ek-deewane-ki-deewaniyat-screen-sharing-battle-begins-makers-ayushmann-khurrana-starrer-demand-shows-single-two-screen-cinemas/

Tag: bollywood hungama

CONFIRMED: S S Rajamouli-Mahesh Babu-Priyanka Chopra’s film titled Varanasi