Rajamouli’ ‘Varanasi’: First Look at Massive Sets for SSMB29

New Delhi, March 25, 2026: The visionary behind the global phenomenon RRR, S.S. Rajamouli, has once again set the internet ablaze. New behind-the-scenes images of his upcoming magnum opus, officially titled Varanasi, have surfaced, offering a breathtaking glimpse into a hyper-realistic recreation of the holy city.

Starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Prithviraj Sukumaran, the film is being hailed as India’s most ambitious cinematic undertaking to date, with a reported budget exceeding ₹1,200 crore.

A City Reborn: The Hyderabad ‘Varanasi’ Set

While the film is a “globetrotting adventure” spanning continents from Africa to Antarctica, a significant portion of the narrative is rooted in the spiritual heart of India. To maintain absolute creative control and execute complex action sequences, Rajamouli’s team constructed a massive, 30%-scale recreation of the city of Kashi (Varanasi) on the outskirts of Hyderabad.

Key Highlights of the Set:

• The Iconic Ghats: The set features meticulously detailed replicas of the Ganga ghats, complete with weathered stone steps and ceremonial platforms.
• The Tilting Temple: In a feat of architectural precision, the team recreated the famous Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple, perfectly mimicking its real-life 9° lean.
• Living Streets: From narrow alleyways (galis) to bustling tea stalls and local vendor carts, the set was designed to feel “lived-in” rather than staged.
• Time-Travel Metamorphosis: Reports suggest the set will be digitally and physically altered to depict the city across different eras, from 7200 BCE to a futuristic 2071.

Powerhouse Cast & Characters

The film marks a series of “firsts” for the industry, bringing together some of the biggest names in Indian and global cinema:

Pushing Global Boundaries

Rajamouli isn’t just building sets; he’s breaking records. Varanasi is officially the first Indian film to shoot on location in Antarctica (specifically the Ross Ice Shelf).

Furthermore, the production is utilizing a custom-built, 36-foot-high motion-capture facility at Annapurna Studios—the most advanced of its kind in India—to film sequences inspired by the Ramayana. The director recently revealed that nearly 50% of the filming is complete, though a full year of intensive VFX work lies ahead to bring the time-travel elements to life.

Release and Expectations

With music by Oscar-winner M.M. Keeravani and a screenplay by V. Vijayendra Prasad, Varanasi is being positioned as a global franchise. Fans won’t have to wait much longer for the full spectacle, as the film is currently slated for a grand theatrical release on April 7, 2027.

As the “Varanasi” set pictures continue to circulate, one thing is clear: Rajamouli is no longer just making movies; he is building entire worlds that bridge the gap between ancient mythology and future sci-fi.