Mahesh Babu And SS Rajamouli's ‘Varanasi’ Locks Global Release For April 2027

Ace filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli is officially gearing up for his next cinematic spectacle. The RRR director’s upcoming action-adventure epic Varanasi has locked a worldwide theatrical release date, cementing

its place as one of the most anticipated global films of 2027.

The ambitious project brings together Telugu cinema superstar Mahesh Babu and global icon Priyanka Chopra Jonas, with Prithviraj Sukumaran rounding out the lead cast. The film is scheduled to hit theatres across the world on April 7, 2027, positioning it as a major international release from Indian cinema, according to Variety.

According to the film’s publicity material, Varanasi spans thousands of years and unfolds across multiple continents, promising a scale rarely attempted in Indian filmmaking. The narrative travels from Antarctica to Africa before converging in the ancient Indian city of Varanasi, which lends the film its title.

Described as being “in the vein of Indiana Jones and James Bond,” the film blends action, adventure, and mythology. Mahesh Babu plays the protagonist Rudhra, while Priyanka Chopra Jonas essays the role of Mandakini. Prithviraj Sukumaran appears as the central antagonist Kumbha, setting the stage for a high-stakes clash rooted in both spectacle and storytelling.

Rajamouli had previously unveiled first-look footage from Varanasi in November, offering fans a tantalising glimpse into the film’s scale, visual ambition, and tone. The project also marks another collaboration between Rajamouli and Oscar-winning composer MM Keeravani, who won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for “Naatu Naatu” from RRR.

Rajamouli’s next after the global success of RRR

Varanasi arrives on the heels of the unprecedented international success of RRR. Released in 2022, the film became a global phenomenon, earning critical acclaim and massive audience support well beyond traditional Indian cinema markets. Its Oscar win marked a watershed moment for Indian films on the world stage, and RRR went on to become the fifth-highest-grossing film in Indian cinema history.

Mahesh Babu, one of the biggest stars in Indian cinema, brings over two decades of stardom to the project, with blockbuster films such as Srimanthudu, Bharat Ane Nenu, and Maharshi to his credit.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas continues to bridge Bollywood and Hollywood with ease. Her Indian filmography includes Bajirao Mastani, Mary Kom, and Barfi!, while internationally she has starred in Citadel, Baywatch, and The Matrix Resurrections.

Prithviraj Sukumaran, a true pan-Indian star, has worked across Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi cinema. His recent projects include Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, and The Goat Life.
Varanasi is produced by K.L. Narayana and S.S. Karthikeya under the banner of Sri Durga Arts and Showing Business.