IMAX Sets Its Sights on Indian Epics After Hollywood Success

Hollywood has been generous to IMAX lately – think ‘Oppenheimer’, ‘Avatar 2’ and a slew of superhero spectacles that have smashed box‑office numbers worldwide. Yet the giant screen format is now turning its gaze closer to home, hunting for the next wave of blockbusters that can pull the same kind of audience magnetism in India.

Why the shift? Indian movie‑goers are increasingly demanding premium, immersive experiences. Multiplexes equipped with IMAX technology are sprouting not just in Mumbai and Delhi, but also in Tier‑2 cities that historically relied on conventional screens. The data is clear: attendance for IMAX screenings is nudging upward, and exhibitors are hungry for content that justifies the higher ticket price.

Enter the age‑old epic “Ramayana”. The story has already proven its commercial muscle in recent years, thanks to lavish television adaptations and theatrical retellings that consistently draw crowds. Producers now see an opportunity to re‑imagine the saga for the IMAX format – crisper visuals, thunderous sound, and a scale that does justice to the myth’s larger‑than‑life battles.

Adding another layer of excitement is the buzz around director S.S. Rajamouli’s next venture, tentatively titled “Varanasi”. Known for turning Indian mythology into global spectacles – “Baahubali” and “RRR” being prime examples – Rajamouli’s vision for the holy city promises massive set‑pieces, intricate choreography and visual effects that scream IMAX‑ready. Insiders say the script weaves together history, spirituality and a dash of fantasy, exactly the kind of cocktail that can captivate both domestic and international audiences.

IMAX’s India chief, Rahul Mehta, recently told reporters that the company is actively scouting for “big‑budget, story‑driven Indian films” that can be “Filmed for IMAX” from the ground up. He added that the aim isn’t just to bring Hollywood over, but to celebrate stories that resonate locally while meeting global technical standards.

For filmmakers, this is more than a marketing tag. Shooting in IMAX demands higher frame rates, special lenses and a commitment to visual fidelity that can push production budgets up by 20‑30 percent. Still, the payoff could be huge – a wider theatrical run, premium ticket pricing and the chance to be part of a handful of titles that redefine Indian cinema’s visual language.

While “Ramayana” is still in pre‑production and “Varanasi” is slated for a 2028 release, the buzz is already palpable. Distributors are lining up, investors are nodding, and cinema chains are planning dedicated IMAX halls in emerging markets like Jaipur, Lucknow and Kochi.

In short, IMAX’s next chapter may not be penned in Hollywood studios, but in the ornate temples of Indian mythology, where gods, warriors and legendary cities await a bigger canvas.