Varanasi: Rajamouli Delivers India’s First True IMAX-Shot Film

Varanasi Movie: S.S. Rajamouli, an ardent torchbearer of pushing the frontiers in Indian cinema, has once again found himself in the news with his forthcoming film Varanasi. Geared to be the first Indian movie shot entirely in a true IMAX aspect ratio, Varanasi is set to make a tremendous stride in the history of Indian cinema. The discussions about aspect ratios are probably keeping some cine-lovers busy, but Varanasi has veered into territories that not many Indian films have dared to explore.

The IMAX Debate Explained

For quite some time now, there has been a certain level of confusion in trying to understand what should be the “correct” IMAX aspect ratio. The general belief is that both, 1.43:1 and 1.90:1, qualify under the standard IMAX formats, especially since digital IMAX screens have been catching on world over. While the older IMAX standard was 1.85:1, present-day IMAX filmmaking operates on two main ratios:

1.90:1 – Digital IMAX / Expanded IMAX

1.43:1 – True IMAX / Large-format IMAX

Film buffs were eager to explain the difference between the two, emphasizing that 1.43:1 is the real large-format IMAX that has been built for the gigantic, vertically immersive screens found in select theatres around the world.

Setting New Benchmarks: Ramayana & Varanasi

Another major Indian project in filming is Ramayana in True IMAX, As both Ramayana and Varanasi adopt the 1.43:1 ratio, Indian cinema is stepping into a global platform, traditionally occupied by Hollywood blockbusters such as Dunkirk, Oppenheimer, and Interstellar.

However, since most Indian theatres follow the digital IMAX ratio of 1.90:1, the compatibility of both films with expanded IMAX screens would ensure even wider access.

Stepping Up For Indian Cinema

Very eagerly awaited, Varanasi is now going to be a visual spectacle setting new technical standards for Indian filmmaking. Rajamouli adopting true IMAX technology opens up a new chapter where Indian films are finally placed from the same position as the rest of the world are.

Also Read: Kaantha 2 Days Box Office Collections: How Much Dulquer Needs To Breakeven?