What Is the “Varanasi Effect”?
· The buzz began after the title launch / first-look of S. S. Rajamouli’s film Varanasi (starring Mahesh Babu) went viral. One of the most talked-about visuals from the teaser was mahesh babu riding a mechanical bull — a powerful, mythological-style image.
· Fans quickly drew parallels to Kamal Haasan’s shelved 1990s epic Marudhanayagam, noting that Kamal had once done a real bull-riding stunt, not CGI.
· This comparison has reignited interest in Marudhanayagam, giving fresh momentum to calls for its revival.
What Did kamal haasan Actually Say About Reviving Marudhanayagam?
· In a recent media interaction (ahead of IFFI, per Cinema Express), kamal haasan hinted strongly that he is interested in reviving Marudhanayagam.
· His key argument: technological advances today make completing the film more feasible than before.
· He also mentioned his own interest in AI / modern VFX — he had earlier traveled to the U.S. to understand AI and its role in cinema visuals.
Why This Revival Makes Sense (Now)
1. Technological Readiness
o In the 1990s, when Marudhanayagam was first launched, the scale and cost were prohibitive.
o Now, with CGI, VFX, and even AI, large-scale period epics are more achievable — both artistically and financially.
2. Nostalgia + Legacy
o Marudhanayagam had a grand launch (in 1997) — it was meant to be a massive historical drama with an all-star cast.
o For fans, completing that dream would be a huge emotional payoff.
3. The “Varanasi Effect” as a Catalyst
o The social media comparisons (between Rajamouli’s Varanasi and Kamal’s unfinished epic) may pressure producers / financiers to revisit the project.
o It’s not just fan nostalgia — the “viral moment” gives real marketing leverage.
Challenges & Realities
· Funding: Marudhanayagam was originally shelved due to budget issues. Even today, financing a period epic (especially with modern VFX) is risky.
· Kamal’s Current Priorities: Kamal is active in multiple spaces (politics, production). Whether he will commit the time and resources needed is an open question.
· Age Factor: Kamal is considerably older now compared to when he first conceived the project; this could affect casting, performance, or how he envisions the role.
· Creative Risk: Reviving a decades-old project means balancing what was originally envisioned with what modern audiences expect.
Why Fans Are Excited (Again)
· Fans have been longing for a proper closure to Marudhanayagam. This isn’t just a movie — it’s a piece of cinema history.
· The “bull-riding” comparison has sparked nostalgia — reminding people of Kamal’s old dedication to practical stunts rather than heavy VFX.
· If revived, it could become a prestige project for kamal haasan — a crowning achievement in his career.
My Verdict: Possible — But Not a Sure Thing
· Yes, the revival is possible: Kamal’s comments + technological advances + fan momentum make this a realistic conversation.
· But it's not confirmed: There’s no official greenlight yet, no detailed production plan disclosed, and big risks remain.
· If it does happen, it could be one of the most awaited and ambitious comebacks in indian cinema.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.
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