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

In his recent interview, Rajamouli spoke passionately about bringing a true IMAX screen with the 1.43:1 format to India. When asked if such a screen would be ready for his massive 2027 project, Varanasi, the director, jokingly yet firmly said he is ready to travel to IMAX’s Los Angeles office and do a dharna (protest) until they agree.

What makes this discussion interesting is that IMAX has already made it clear that they are open to expanding in India. The big question is: if IMAX is ready, why is no Indian exhibitor taking the lead? Many in the industry believe government-imposed ticket price caps could be a major reason.

Installing and maintaining a true IMAX 1.43:1 screen is extremely expensive, and exhibitors may feel the returns are not worth the risk. Some also feel that the lack of long-term planning and high operational costs are stopping exhibitors from making such bold moves.

Meanwhile, fans have dragged superstar Mahesh Babu into the discussion. With AMB Cinemas becoming one of the biggest exhibition chains in Hyderabad and now in Bangalore, fans are requesting Mahesh to look into the matter and take the initiative.

With Rajamouli openly pushing for world-class theatrical experiences, the pressure is now on exhibitors to step up and think big.