Varanasi: Panel Of SS Rajamouli’s Film At Mexico Comic Con Witnesses Empty Seats; Internet Calls It Embarrassing

SS Rajamouli’s upcoming film, Varanasi, launched its global promotional campaign this week with a panel at CCXP in Mexico, a major international pop culture event. Producer SS Karthikeya took the stage to discuss the film and unveiled exclusive, unseen footage on Friday. However, visuals from the event suggest that the panel was attended by a largely empty audience, with many seats unoccupied.

Varanasi Panel At Mexico Comic Con Witnesses Empty Seats

CCXP, formerly known as Comic Con Experience, is a renowned global convention where major films are showcased. This year, Varanasi joins high-profile titles like Avengers: Doomsday and Dune Part Three in the lineup. The panel marks the start of the film’s worldwide promotional efforts, several months after the first look was revealed in Hyderabad last year.

This is very embarrassing pic.twitter.com/7Oj5XhXODl

— KBP Reviews🏹 (@KshitizCritic) April 25, 2026

Moderated by Liam Crowley of ScreenRant, the panel featured Karthikeya discussing the film’s scope and vision. Director SS Rajamouli also addressed viewers via a video message, reflecting on Mexican influences in Baahubali and the international success of RRR. The event included the screening of unseen footage and behind-the-scenes glimpses from Varanasi.

Empty Seats, Viewers aWalking Out?

A photo shared on Instagram by an attendee highlighted the largely empty front rows during Karthikeya’s stage appearance. Sharing the image on X (formerly Twitter), a fan commented, “This is really embarrassing. SSR represented India on a global stage, and the audience at Mexico Comic Con isn’t giving Varanasi the attention it deserves. The empty seats speak volumes.”

The Global Reality Check for #Varanasi

The Response of Varanasi at Comic con Mexico was Mediocre, The videos are surfacing of Audience walking midway from the Presentation.

The Empty hall with only media persons which were appointed by the Marketing team and what not, want…

— KBP Reviews🏹 (@KshitizCritic) April 25, 2026

Another video reposted by the official Varanasi film account showed Rajamouli discussing Baahubali and RRR in a video message. A cine enthusiast lamented, “#Varanasi & #Ramayana seem heavily tilted toward Western markets, while the Indian audience is being taken for granted. Meanwhile, visuals show people walking out during the Varanasi BTS at Mexico Comic Con. Signals aren’t great.” Many expressed surprise at the apparent lack of interest. Rajamouli’s previous film, RRR, was a massive hit in the West.

Fans’ Defence Of Varanasi

Despite the criticism, many fans defended the situation, suggesting the visuals only showed part of the scene. Several posted photos of Karthikeya with Liam Crowley after the panel, showing seats filled with people standing behind them. Others pointed out that similar attendance issues were seen at other panels, indicating it wasn’t unique to Varanasi. One commenter even claimed that people were simply trying to find their seats, dismissing reports of attendees walking out.

About Varanasi

Varanasi has been directed by SS Rajamouli and penned by Vijayendra Prasad. Its a time-travel adventure blending Indian mythology, history, and science fiction. The film stars Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran, and is scheduled for release in theatres in April 2027.

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Also Read: Varanasi: SS Rajamouli, Producer SS Karthikeya To Present Priyanka Chopra, Mahesh Babu Starrer At Comic Con Experience Mexico 2026

Akankshya Mukherjee

Akankshya Mukherjee is a dynamic and ambitious individual poised to make waves in the realm of Media and Communication. With a passion for creativity and a drive to contribute to forward-thinking organizations, Akankshya embodies adaptability and a hunger for learning. Having already garnered experience through involvement in various organizations, she has honed the skill of quickly adapting to new environments and challenges. She sees each opportunity as a chance for personal and professional growth, eagerly embracing roles in communications and content writing.