Rajamouli’s IMAX Push: Will Mahesh Step In as Exhibitor?

In his latest interview, Rajamouli talked excitedly about bringing a real IMAX screen with the 1.43:1 format to India. When asked if such a screen would be ready for his big 2027 movie, Varanasi, the director joked but also said he's ready to go to IMAX's office in Los Angeles and protest until they agree.

What's interesting about this conversation is that IMAX has already said they are open to expanding in India.

 The main question is: if IMAX is ready, why aren't any Indian movie theater owners taking the lead? Some in the industry think government rules that limit how much people can pay for tickets might be a big reason.

Setting up and keeping a real IMAX 1.43:1 screen is very costly, and theater owners might feel the money isn't worth the risk.

 Others think the lack of long-term plans and high running costs are stopping them from trying something so big.

At the same time, fans have brought superstar Mahesh Babu into the conversation.

 With AMB Cinemas becoming one of the largest theater chains in Hyderabad and now in Bangalore, fans are asking Mahesh to take charge and push for change.

With Rajamouli clearly pushing for top-notch movie experiences, the pressure is on the theater owners to take bigger steps and think more boldly.