Varanasi Viral Controversy: Conspiracy Against Rajamouli?

A recent viral clip has put SS Rajamouli’s upcoming magnum opus Varanasi under unexpected trolling. A clip and a few images from CCXP México 2026 showed a behind-the-scenes presentation and video message from Rajamouli that appeared to have a low turnout.

Photos showing several empty seats quickly went viral. Within hours, some social media users began calling it “embarrassing.” They suggested that the film’s global push is not translating into real international interest.

Some Bollywood-affiliated handles on X commented that despite aggressive global marketing, the film may not be connecting with international audiences. A few even labeled it a “global embarrassment,” using that single moment to question the film’s hype.

But that is only one side of the story.

Events like CCXP depend on multiple factors like timing, competing panels, lack of major reveals, or even poor scheduling. A low turnout at one session does not define a film’s global potential. Early-stage promotions rarely draw crowds unless there is strong, exclusive content on display.

At the same time, Telugu movie lovers are smelling a conspiracy against Varanasi. Is this negativity being pushed deliberately?

Many fans are openly questioning whether certain sections are trying to create a negative perception around Varanasi. The argument is blunt. If a filmmaker like Rajamouli, who has already proven his global pull with RRR, is stepping into a Rs. 1000 crore-scale film, it is bound to threaten others.

Some are even pointing fingers at Bollywood circles, asking whether there is discomfort around the rise of Telugu cinema on the global stage. An over-hyped Rs. 4000 crore Bollywood “so-called” spectacle recently faced widespread backlash and trolling for its teaser. Tollywood fans accuse that instead of improving their own output, their PR team targeting Rajamouli’s Varanasi.

In today’s digital space, a few visuals are enough to create a narrative, whether accurate or not.

At this stage, Varanasi is still far from release. Rajamouli’s films are known to build momentum over time.

Until actual content reaches audiences, like a teaser, trailer, or the film itself, judging its global standing based on one low attendance session is not just premature, it is misleading.