Director S.S. Rajamouli has unveiled the title and first footage of his upcoming film, “Varanasi,” featuring Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra, promising an epic narrative steeped in Indian mythology.
Director S.S. Rajamouli has officially revealed the title and first footage of his highly anticipated follow-up to the Oscar-winning film “RRR.” The new project, titled Varanasi, stars Telugu cinema superstar Mahesh Babu alongside acclaimed actors Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran. The title reveal event, held in Hyderabad, showcased glimpses of this epic drama, generating electrifying excitement among fans.
The spectacular event took place under the night skies at Ramoji Film City, where approximately 50,000 enthusiastic Mahesh Babu fans chanted “Jai Babu, Jai Jai Babu,” creating an energetic atmosphere. Varanasi promises a sprawling narrative that spans thousands of years—from ancient times through the modern day—infused with references to Indian mythology and cultural heritage.
One of the standout sequences draws inspiration from the Indian epic, the Ramayana. Rajamouli expressed his ambition to create a film with the grandeur of the Mahabharata, centered on pillars of Indian mythology. He shared that crafting each segment was an intense creative challenge involving detailed planning and subplots, resulting in what he believes will be one of the most memorable and visually stunning sequences in his career, as well as a highlight for Mahesh Babu’s filmography.
The footage screened at the event impressed viewers with its stunning visuals and scale. Shot partially in IMAX format, the sequences displayed on the massive LED screen included sweeping drone shots, ancient temples, and action-packed moments featuring Mahesh Babu’s character, Rudhra, riding a bull while wielding a trident. Priyanka Chopra portrays Mandakini, while Prithviraj Sukumaran plays the antagonist Kumbha.
Music composer M.M. Keeravani, the Oscar-winner behind the hit song “Naatu Naatu” from RRR, provided the film’s soundtrack introduction during the event. The song “Sanchaari,” performed live by actor-musician Shruti Haasan, further added to the attention and excitement surrounding the film.
Both Chopra Jonas and Sukumaran expressed their respect and enthusiasm for working with Rajamouli and for being part of such a landmark project. Chopra praised Rajamouli as a visionary who has elevated Indian cinema to an international stage like never before, expressing gratitude for her role. Sukumaran highlighted the film’s ambition and the high caliber of the creative team, predicting it will further elevate Indian cinema.
Mahesh Babu acknowledged the overwhelming support of fans and vowed to make them and his director proud with this project. The film is produced by Sri Durga Arts and Showing Business, with producers K.L. Narayana and S.S. Karthikeya at the helm, and is slated for a global theatrical release in summer 2027.
With its grand scale of production design, mythological undertones, and the involvement of some of Indian cinema’s brightest stars, Varanasi promises to be a cinematic spectacle that pushes boundaries and celebrates cultural narratives on an epic scale.
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