Rajamouli Mark: Varanasi To Be Dubbed In 50 Languages Without AI?

SS Rajamouli is a perfectionist and tough taskmaster. This is once again proved as Jakkanna is reportedly using human voices over AI dubbing for his most prestigious film Varanasi, which will have a Global release in almost all major languages. 

Varanasi is expected to be dubbed in around 50 languages and released across 120 countries. This is a massive plan and shows the scale at which Rajamouli is looking at the film.

At a time when many filmmakers are using AI dubbing even for two or three languages, Rajamouli is planning to use real artistes for Varanasi’s dubbing.

The main focus appears to be protecting the original performances. With Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran playing the central roles of the film, the voice and emotions of the characters will be important in every language and director Rajamouli is in no mood to compromise. 

Using human voices instead of AI can help retain the emotion, personality and intensity of the performances. Rajamouli seems to believe that dubbing should not feel like a simple translation process. He is leaving no stone unturned to pay attention to minutest detail. 

However, this comes with a major challenge. Dubbing a film in 50 languages with real artistes is a huge and time-consuming process. It needs careful casting, recording and supervision for every language.

Still, Rajamouli choosing originality at a time when AI dubbing is becoming common is an interesting decision. If executed well, Varanasi could offer a more natural experience to audiences across different countries.

Varanasi is still in the shooting stage, so the decision could add more work during the pre-production and post-production stages. It may also take more time before the film is completely ready for its worldwide release on April 7, 2027.