Director ‘s much-anticipated film Varanasi, starring Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra, recently kickstarted its global promotional campaign with a panel at Mexico’s CCXP (Comic Con Experience).
The event was expected to generate strong international buzz, given Rajamouli’s massive global success with films like RRR and Baahubali. However, visuals from the panel have now sparked debate online after showing a surprisingly low turnout.
Empty seats at Varanasi panel in Mexico`s CCXP
The panel, which featured producer S. S. Karthikeya and included exclusive footage and behind-the-scenes glimpses from the film, marked a significant step in introducing to a global audience. Rajamouli himself addressed attendees through a recorded video message, speaking about his connection with international audiences and the growing global footprint of Indian cinema.
Despite the scale and anticipation surrounding the project, images circulating on social media revealed several empty seats at the venue, particularly in the front rows. Some videos also suggested that a few attendees walked out during the presentation, further fueling online chatter.
The response from fans has been sharply divided. A section of social media users described the situation as “embarrassing,” pointing out that Rajamouli has been a key figure in putting Indian cinema on the global map. Many felt the turnout did not reflect the filmmaker’s stature or the film’s hype. Others, however, urged caution, arguing that isolated images or clips might not present the full picture of the event.
Fans react to the empty seats
Some fans also defended the film and its team, suggesting that such turnout issues can occur at large-scale conventions like CCXP, where multiple high-profile panels compete for attention simultaneously. They noted that audience movement during sessions is common and does not necessarily indicate lack of interest.
Varanasi, touted as a grand action-adventure film with mythological elements, is one of the most anticipated Indian releases, with a planned global rollout in 2027. The film’s ambitious scale and international appeal have positioned it as a key project in expanding Indian cinema’s reach worldwide.
While the Mexico Comic Con incident has sparked conversation, it also highlights the unpredictable nature of global promotions. As the film continues its marketing journey, it remains to be seen how Varanasi ultimately resonates with audiences across different regions.