On her special day, Priyanka Chopra received an electrifying birthday surprise from the makers of the highly anticipated film Varanasi. A fresh glimpse of the global star as the formidable character Mandakini was unveiled on July 18th, instantly igniting fan excitement and further fuelling anticipation for director S. S. Rajamouli‘s ambitious action-adventure magnum opus.
A Glimpse of Mandakini: Fierce and Unforgettable
The newly released visuals showcase Priyanka Chopra in a captivating new avatar as Mandakini. Director S. S. Rajamouli himself shared the images, offering a poignant description: “Grace when she smiles. Fire when she doesn’t.” This duality perfectly captures the essence of the character, described as a strong, vulnerable, and unforgettable globetrotting figure. Fan reactions were swift and overwhelmingly positive, with many excitedly deeming it the triumphant return of the “jungli billi.” Even Mahesh Babu‘s wife, Namrata Shirodkar, lauded Priyanka’s appearance, calling it “absolutely killer.” The imagery reinforces the epic scale and intricate character development that audiences can expect from this landmark production.
The Epic Vision of S. S. Rajamouli’s Varanasi
Varanasi, officially titled S. S. Rajamouli’s Vāranāsi for its Telugu version, is poised to be a cinematic spectacle. This Indian Telugu-language epic action-adventure film is slated for a grand worldwide theatrical release on April 7, 2027, coinciding with the auspicious festival of Ugadi. The film will also reach a wider audience through dubbed versions in Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada. Director S. S. Rajamouli, renowned for his directorial prowess, has co-written the screenplay with V. Vijayendra Prasad and S. S. Kanchi, with dialogues provided by Deva Katta. The film is produced by K. L. Narayana and S. S. Karthikeya under the banners of Sri Durga Arts and Showing Business, promising a grand presentation.
A Timeless Adventure Rooted in Mythology
The narrative of Varanasi spans millennia, tracing events from 512 CE to the modern era of 2027 AD and the Threthayuga. At its core, the film follows a devoted seeker on a perilous quest across time to recover a lost cosmic artifact imbued with immense power. This ambitious plot seamlessly blends profound Indian mythological elements with high-octane adventure and sophisticated sci-fi concepts, including time travel. The story delves into a community in 512 AD possessing an ancient secret vital for global salvation. In the year 2027 AD, a cataclysmic event is triggered by an asteroid named Shambhavi, and a power-hungry scientist, Kumbha, faces dire consequences while attempting to seize the artifact.
Cast and Crew
- Mahesh Babu: Rudhra and Lord Rama (dual role)
- Priyanka Chopra Jonas: Mandakini
- Prithviraj Sukumaran: Kumbha (antagonist)
- Prakash Raj: Supporting cast
- R. Madhavan: Supporting cast
The film’s technical brilliance is overseen by a renowned crew, including M. M. Keeravani on music composition, cinematography by P. S. Vinod, editing by Tammiraju, and costume design by Rama Rajamouli.
Production Scale and Buzz
Marking S. S. Rajamouli‘s first feature since the global phenomenon RRR, Varanasi is being mounted on an unprecedented scale with an estimated budget of ₹1,400 crore, making it the most expensive Indian film ever produced. Principal photography commenced in February 2025, with shooting locations spanning Hyderabad, Odisha, Kenya, and the remote Ross Ice Shelf in Antarctica. The film’s journey began with a pre-look poster release on Mahesh Babu‘s 50th birthday, August 9, 2025, followed by the official title and concept reel launch at “The Globetrotter Event” on November 15, 2025. The first single, “GlobeTrotter,” was released in January 2026. While major action sequences have been completed, the shoot is anticipated to wrap up by October 2026, leaving ample time for post-production before its ambitious release.
Navigating Challenges and Anticipating Release
The production of Varanasi has not been without its hurdles. A title ownership dispute in November 2025 was amicably resolved by renaming the Telugu version to S. S. Rajamouli’s Varanasi, while retaining the original title for other language releases. Furthermore, recent trade reports from July 2026 indicate a potential global screen crunch for its April 7, 2027 release, as numerous premium and IMAX screens have already been secured by major Hollywood productions. Despite these industry-wide challenges, the production team has maintained its commitment to the scheduled release date, indicating confidence in their strategic distribution plans.
Q: When is S. S. Rajamouli’s Varanasi scheduled for release?
A: The film is set to have its worldwide theatrical release on April 7, 2027, coinciding with the Ugadi festival.
Q: Who are the main actors in Varanasi?
A: The lead cast features Mahesh Babu in a dual role, Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Mandakini, and Prithviraj Sukumaran as the antagonist. Prakash Raj and R. Madhavan also play significant supporting roles.
Q: What is the estimated budget of Varanasi?
A: Varanasi is being produced on a massive scale with an estimated budget of ₹1,400 crore, making it the most expensive Indian film to date.
