Priyanka Chopra Joins Mahesh Babu in SS Rajamouli:
Varanasi, a big-budget action-adventure film that marks her return to Indian cinema and brings together two major stars under one of the country’s most successful directors.
Helmed by the Baahubali and RRR filmmaker, the project is designed as a large-scale, mythologically inspired spectacle aimed at Indian and global audiences.
With high production values, international-level technical execution, and strong pre-release buzz, Varanasi is positioned as one of the most anticipated Indian films ahead of its planned 2027 release.
A New Epic From SS Rajamouli:
SS Rajamouli, who achieved international acclaim with global blockbusters like Baahubali and RRR, has officially embarked on his next project titled Varanasi. This film unites him with some of Indian cinema’s most prominent stars in what is being described as a genre-defining action-adventure epic.
Visionary Director
Rajamouli’s storytelling style is known for its emotional depth, grand visual scale, and meticulous world-building. With Varanasi, he continues this trajectory, taking audiences across time periods and landscapes while weaving together mythology and cinematic spectacle.
Insiders say that Rajamouli has even filmed a key Ramayana-inspired battle sequence in IMAX format to heighten the visual impact, pushing the limits of mainstream Indian cinema’s technical finesse.
Star-Studded Cast:
-Mahesh Babu as Rudhra & Lord Rama
Veteran Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu plays the central protagonist, Rudhra, a character whose journey transcends ordinary storytelling. The film reportedly spans eras, with Rudhra’s story intersecting timeless mythological elements. Notably, Mahesh also portrays Lord Rama in one of the sequences, showcasing a blend of human depth and divine narrative.
Mahesh Babu has spoken about the intense preparation he underwent for this dual role, particularly focusing on emotional expression, physicality, and spiritual nuances that characterize the iconic persona of Lord Rama.
-Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Mandakini
Global icon Priyanka Chopra Jonas marks a triumphant return to Indian cinema after several years in Hollywood. In Varanasi, she plays Mandakini, a powerful and layered character integral to the film’s narrative arc.
Priyanka has called Varanasi “the biggest Indian movie” of her career and compared Rajamouli’s creative cohort to some of the most respected names in international cinema. Her decision to join the project came with a personal condition — she wanted a dance sequence — which became a standout part of the film’s musical choreography.
Behind the Scenes: Dance, Language, and Preparation
One of the most talked-about behind-the-scenes stories from Varanasi is Priyanka Chopra Jonas’s request to dance in the film. Having spent six years away from Indian cinema, Priyanka insisted on a dance number, reportedly leading to an energetic and memorable sequence that even Mahesh Babu joined.
In addition, Priyanka has reportedly taken on the challenge of dubbing her own lines in Telugu, a non-native language, demonstrating her commitment to authenticity and immersion in her role.
Production Scale and Budget:
Varanasi is being made on a massive budget estimated around ₹1,300 crore (~$150 million), making it one of the most expensive Indian films ever produced. The film’s runtime is expected to be about three hours, suggesting a comprehensive narrative scope.
Rajamouli is reportedly employing cutting-edge filmmaking techniques, including shooting major sequences in 1.43:1 IMAX aspect ratio — a format that offers immersive visuals and is rarely used outside Hollywood blockbuster productions.
Story and Narrative Elements:
While plot details have been closely guarded, what has emerged paints a picture of a sweeping action-adventure narrative that incorporates mythological elements and time-spanning arcs. According to insiders, the narrative might traverse eras ranging from ancient India (as far back as 2000 BC) to the contemporary world, integrating mythology with speculative adventurous storytelling.
This ambitious approach is reminiscent of cinematic traditions that combine historical depth with narrative spectacle — much like Rajamouli’s previous works but on a potentially grander, more international scale.
Release Date and Distribution:
Varanasi is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on April 7, 2027, strategically positioned around major festivities like Ugadi and the cultural spirit of the season.
Unlike many big Indian films that later go to streaming, early reports suggest that Netflix has secured post-theatrical streaming rights in multiple languages — including Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi — further expanding the film’s global footprint.
Music and Technical Crew:
The musical score for Varanasi is expected to be composed by MM Keeravani, the Academy Award-winning musician who previously collaborated with Rajamouli on RRR. This adds to the film’s commitment to high-quality production values.
Cinematography and editing are being handled by highly acclaimed technicians in the Indian film industry, ensuring that the visual storytelling aligns with Rajamouli’s vision of spectacle, depth and emotional resonance.
Global and Fan Expectations:
The fan response to Varanasi has been nothing short of electric. From online communities to social media platforms, enthusiasm is fueled by the scale of the film, the cast combination, and Rajamouli’s reputation for delivering visually stunning and emotionally impactful cinema.
There’s widespread speculation that Varanasi could transcend box office boundaries and position Indian cinema further on the global stage — much like RRR did — through its technical ambitions and universal narrative themes.
What Makes Varanasi Stand Out?
-
Director’s Vision: Rajamouli’s unique blend of storytelling, scale, and emotional resonance.
-
Star Power: The first collaboration between Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra Jonas on such a grand canvas.
-
Technical Ambition: IMAX filming, global distribution strategy, and cutting-edge visuals.
-
Cultural Resonance: Mythological integration with modern cinematic spectacle.
-
Musical and Dance Elements: High-impact sequences that blend choreography with story.
Conclusion:
Varanasi stands poised to be a landmark film not just in Indian cinema but in global entertainment. With its combination of star power, directorial mastery, technical innovation, and narrative depth, it is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about films of 2027.
The collaboration of Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and S.S. Rajamouli — supported by a world-class crew — suggests a film that will be both emotionally engaging and visually spectacular.
As the release date approaches, expectations continue to rise, and audiences worldwide are gearing up for what could be a truly unforgettable cinematic event.
FAQs:
1. When is Varanasi releasing?
Varanasi is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on April 7, 2027.
2. Who are the main stars of the film?
The film stars Mahesh Babu as Rudhra & Lord Rama and Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Mandakini, with Prithviraj Sukumaran playing the antagonist.
3. What genre does Varanasi fall under?
Varanasi is an action-adventure epic with mythological themes, time-spanning storytelling, and large-scale cinematic elements.
4. Will the film be available for streaming?
Yes — post-theatrical streaming rights are reportedly acquired by Netflix in multiple languages.
5. Who is composing the music?
The musical score is expected from MM Keeravani, an Academy Award-winning composer who collaborated with Rajamouli on RRR.