SS Rajamouli's highly anticipated upcoming film 'Varanasi', starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran, kicked off its global promotions with a panel at CCXP in Mexico. During the event, filmmaker SS Karthikeya took the stage to discuss the film and showcase new behind-the-scenes footage. However, the event generated significant buzz online, not for the content shared, but for the numerous empty seats visible in the front rows during the panel.
Fans React to Empty Seats Online
Photos and videos from the event quickly circulated on social media, sparking a debate. One image prominently displayed many empty seats in the front rows while the panel was underway. A fan on X (formerly Twitter) expressed disappointment, writing, "This is really Embarrassing, SSR Represented India on a Global Scale and Audience at Mexico Comic con are not giving deserved importance to Varanasi. The Empty seats conveys everything." Another video captured attendees moving around while SS Rajamouli spoke via a recorded message. A user commented, "#Varanasi & #Ramayana seem heavily tilted toward Western markets, while the real powerhouse -Indian audience is being taken for granted."
Counterarguments from Netizens
On the other hand, many fans defended the event, arguing that the clips did not reveal the full picture. Some shared alternative photos showing people seated and standing behind the stage, suggesting that seats were also empty for other panels. One person clarified that attendees were not leaving but rather finding seats. Fans urged others not to judge the film prematurely based on these visuals.
About 'Varanasi'
Directed by SS Rajamouli, 'Varanasi' is a large-scale time-traveling adventure thriller featuring Mahesh Babu as the protagonist Rudra. Priyanka Chopra plays Mandkini, the female lead, while Prithviraj Sukumaran portrays the main antagonist Kumbha. The film is reportedly made on a massive budget of Rs 1400 crore and is scheduled for release on April 7, 2027.
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