Bad news has emerged for the legions of fans eagerly anticipating the collaboration between cinematic giant SS Rajamouli and superstar Mahesh Babu. Their upcoming project, which was grandly announced with the title Varanasi, has swiftly been embroiled in an unforeseen controversy. A dispute has erupted over the film's title, as another production house has come forward claiming to hold the legitimate rights to a virtually identical name, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the project’s smooth sailing.

The Anatomy of the Title Conflict

The core of the dispute revolves around the phonetic similarity of the title and its prior registration with the Telugu Film Producers’ Council (TFPC). The claimant, Rama Bramha Hanuma Creations, led by producer C.H. Subba Reddy, asserts that they had registered the title “Vaaranasi” (spelled with a double 'a') back in 2023.

Crucially, the production house claims to have formally renewed its title rights for this specific spelling, making it active under their banner for the period spanning June 24, 2025, to July 23, 2026. This legal registration, they argue, gives them proprietary ownership over the name in the Telugu market.

One Letter, Big Problem: The Spelling Saga

Rajamouli’s team officially announced their film using the title “Varanasi,” a spelling that drops the second ‘a’ from the middle. While the script reflects a slight difference, the crucial point of contention is the near-identical pronunciation. When spoken aloud, “Varanasi” and “Vaaranasi” sound almost the same, leading to a potential for public confusion and legal overlap.

Due to this phonetic proximity, the original registrant believes that the spirit and legal rights of the title belong to them. They contend that the use of a near-identical sounding name cannot proceed without their explicit permission and a potential settlement. This highly sensitive issue has created a tense atmosphere, raising fears among fans and industry insiders that the matter could escalate into a protracted legal battle or necessitate immediate, costly negotiations to resolve the ownership of the name.

Delay and Anticipation: The Fallout for Fans

The title dispute presents an unwanted headache for Rajamouli and Mahesh Babu, disrupting the momentum built by the initial grand announcement. SS Rajamouli, known for meticulous planning and large-scale projects, will need to swiftly address this issue to avoid unnecessary delays that could affect the massive production schedule.

For fans, the controversy is a major concern. The collaboration between the Baahubali director and one of Telugu cinema's biggest stars has been one of the most anticipated announcements in years. Any prolonged legal or negotiation process could force the filmmakers to change the name, potentially delaying the film's marketing and production plans.

The industry is now keenly watching how Rajamouli’s team—renowned for their ability to execute large projects—will navigate this unexpected early-stage obstacle, hoping for a swift and amicable resolution that preserves the project’s original vision.
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