When S. S. Rajamouli announces a film, expectations automatically shift from “movie” to “event.” His upcoming Telugu epic Varanasi is no exception — except this time, the director goes even bigger, bolder, and wilder. Starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Prithviraj Sukumaran, the film blends high-octane global action with deep-rooted Indian mythology, promising a cinematic experience that travels from ancient yugas to Antarctica without blinking.
At the heart of Varanasi is Rudhra, played by Mahesh Babu, a fierce devotee of Lord Shiva whose journey begins when the sacred city of Varanasi is hit by an asteroid. Yes, an asteroid. The story leaps across timelines — from Treta Yuga to Kali Yuga — and across continents, moving through African savannas, icy Antarctic landscapes, and mythological eras inspired by the Ramayana. Rajamouli, who co-wrote the screenplay with V. Vijayendra Prasad and S. S. Kanchi, has described the film as a globetrotting adventure rooted firmly in Indian cultural philosophy.
Adding firepower and flair to the narrative is Priyanka Chopra Jonas, seen in first-look posters mid-leap with a gun, signalling a dynamic and action-heavy role. Prithviraj Sukumaran plays a crucial character connecting the film’s mythological past with its modern-day stakes. One poster even shows Mahesh Babu astride a white bull, instantly sparking conversations about Shaivite symbolism and Rajamouli’s signature visual storytelling.
Unlike recent franchise trends, Varanasi is not a multi-part saga. Recent interviews confirm that it is a single, three-hour-long film, packing everything into one massive cinematic journey. A standout highlight is a 25-minute mythological-era sequence, expected to be among the most visually ambitious portions of the film. Rajamouli has also stressed that the title Varanasi carries immense spiritual weight, joking that he might need to “protest” for more IMAX screens to truly do justice to the film.
Speaking of IMAX, Varanasi makes history as the first Indian and first non-English film shot entirely in the 1.43:1 IMAX format. Backed by a colossal ₹1,300 crore budget, the film features music by M. M. Keeravani, cinematography by P. S. Vinod, and visual effects supervision by V. Srinivas Mohan. Every technical choice signals Rajamouli’s intent to deliver scale not just for Indian audiences, but for global cinema.
Produced by Sri Durga Arts and Showing Business, Varanasi is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on 7 April 2027, perfectly timed with the festival of Ugadi. With gods, guns, glaciers, and global stakes colliding on an IMAX canvas, Rajamouli’s Varanasi isn’t just another big film — it’s shaping up to be an unforgettable, slightly bonkers, and brilliantly ambitious cinematic pilgrimage.