Ashish Chanchlani reveals ‘Varanasi’ director SS Rajamouli’s masterclass in marketing cinema, says, ‘Sell it bigger than it is’

SS Rajamouli is known for his spectacular cinematic and emotional outings. Although he knows his craft of filmmaking, the ace filmmaker knows how to sell or market his product well. Recently, YouTuber and internet fame Ashish Chanchlani who worked with the ‘Baahubali’ director for the 'Globetrotter' event shared how he learnt to sell your craft big.

Learning the art of selling cinema from SS Rajamouli

In a podcast with Raj Shamani, Ashish Chanchlani spoke about his ongoing web series‘ Ekaki’. He shared that the first four chapters of his show are more focused on getting the attention of his old subscribers and fans, making it more comical and funnier. He shared that the last will be different. He shared that he learned to sell his craft triple than what it is from the 'Baahubali' director.




“Please wait for the last chapter. This is just the start. I had to get the attention of my old subscribers. Just to keep you all intact. And I'm listening. And if you think it’s the same, then I won't do it from now on. I learned this from Rajamouli Sir. Make a big picture. But sell it. It's triple bigger than that,” he said.

Chanchlani further talked about the 'Globetrotter' event, which the 32-year-old actor had hosted. He shared that the footage shown during the event is not even in the film, but was unveiled with such magnitude.

Why does SS Rajamouli still go big with promotions?

“I learnt this from him. I mean, tell me something. What is the need for promotion for SS Rajamouli? Everyone thinks like this. Even I think like this. Even then, the guy is involved. He did such a big event in Hyderabad. They made it such a big thing. First look. There is not a single piece of footage that is in the movie.”

Ashish Chanchlani on a teaser made by VFX, not AI

He further added his take on how some people shared that the teaser was made by AI. He said, “What they have shown is completely rendered and created by VFX artists by the way. Which stupid people call easily AI. Those guys made a giant LED screen. They made a show about it and it's so inspiring. I think when this guy who made ‘RRR’, won the Oscar. If he is doing this, then what am I in front of him? I am nothing.”

“So yeah, it works. But there are ways to do it. Best way is don't reveal anything. Talk about it. Go talk about it. Tell people, okay, this is happening. But don't reveal. Save it for the last. Tell me,” he said.

SS Rajamouli’s film is officially titled ‘Varanasi’, which features Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran in the lead. It is set to release on April 7, 2027.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”