Newsroom, November 17, 2025: As India gears up for two monumental cinematic events, Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana and SS Rajamouli's Varanasi, fans and filmmakers are locked in a lively discussion over which will truly harness the giant-screen power of IMAX, pitting authentic large-format captures against post-production tweaks.
Rajamouli has confirmed Varanasi's filming directly for IMAX, surpassing the 1.90:1 ratio of his earlier epics Baahubali and RRR, and incorporating 1.43:1 sequences akin to Hollywood's Oppenheimer for select high-impact moments. This has sparked Mahesh Babu supporters to hail it as a pioneering step for Indian cinema in embracing the taller, more enveloping ratio.
Ramayana, meanwhile, employs IMAX-certified cameras, with reports of key scenes in the 1.43:1 format, backed by vast sets and extensive visual effects to craft a grand theatrical spectacle.
Filmmaking insiders point out that full 1.43 IMAX shoots remain a rarity even in the West, due to the hefty costs and technical demands, so both projects likely blend ratios 1.43 for climactic highs, 1.90 for widescreen flow, and standard for dialogue-driven portions.
This hybrid strategy promises richer immersion than past efforts, signalling a bold era for Indian blockbusters where epic storytelling meets cutting-edge display tech.
