SS Rajamouli’ ‘Varanasi’: An Epic Journey Across Time and Continents

New Delhi, February 4, 2026: The global film industry is buzzing as more details emerge about S.S. Rajamouli’s next magnum opus, Varanasi. Starring the powerhouse trio of Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Prithviraj Sukumaran, the film is being described by its leads as a project that is “intimidating and exhilarating at the same time.”

As of early 2026, production is in full swing for what is arguably India’s most ambitious cinematic venture to date. Here is everything we know about this globe-trotting spectacle.

A Story That Spans Millennia

While Rajamouli is known for his larger-than-life storytelling, Varanasi takes it to a cosmic level. The plot reportedly centers on a catastrophic event—an asteroid strike on the city of Varanasi—that triggers a quest across time and space.

The film’s teaser has already hinted at a narrative that weaves through:

• The Ancient Past: 512 CE and the mythological Treta Yuga.
• The Modern Day: 2027 CE.
• Diverse Geographies: From the frozen tundras of Antarctica to the wild plains of Kenya and the spiritual heart of India.

Mahesh Babu stars as Rudhra, a character the director describes as having the “calmness of Lord Rama” but the “intensity of Krishna.” Prithviraj Sukumaran takes on the mantle of the antagonist, Kumbha, while Priyanka Chopra Jonas plays a mysterious and pivotal role named Mandakini.

“The Priyanka Condition”

In a recent lighthearted interview, Priyanka Chopra Jonas shared that she had one major request before signing on: she wanted to dance.

“I haven’t done an Indian film in six years,” she noted. “I told Rajamouli sir, ‘Please make me dance.’ Now that we’re filming, I realize I should have been careful what I wished for—the choreography is intense!”

Mahesh Babu jokingly added that he ended up “paying the price” for her request, as he now finds himself matching steps with the “Desi Girl” in high-octane musical sequences that the crew describes as “sensational.”

Technical Mastery and Release Date

Varanasi isn’t just big in story; it’s a technical pioneer. It is the first Indian film to be shot entirely in 1.43:1 IMAX format, ensuring a visual experience that rivals Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters. With a staggering budget estimated at ₹1,300 crore, the film reunites the Oscar-winning composer M.M. Keeravaani with Rajamouli.

Mark Your Calendars: After much anticipation, the makers have officially locked the release date. Varanasi is set to hit theaters worldwide on April 7, 2027, coinciding with the Ugadi festival.

The scale of the project is clearly weighing on the stars, but the excitement is palpable. As Rajamouli himself put it, he feels like he is “floating” while writing this epic—a sentiment that suggests audiences are in for something truly divine.