What is the story about?
After redefining scale with Baahubali and RRR, SS Rajamouli is gearing up for his next ambitious spectacle, Varanasi. Featuring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra
Jonas, and Prithviraj Sukumaran, the film is already creating waves for its massive, lifelike sets built in Hyderabad. These intricately designed sets, inspired by the sacred city of Varanasi, hint at a story that blends mythology, action, and a unique form of time travel.
SS Rajamouli's Varanasi Is Not Your Typical Time-Travel Film - These Pics Serve As Proof
One of the biggest highlights of the film is the stunning set recreating the holy city of Varanasi. Built in Hyderabad, the set spans nearly nine acres and involves the efforts of over 350 crew members. From ghats and temples to intricate architectural details, every element has been crafted with remarkable precision. The set captures the spiritual and visual essence of Varanasi creating the illusion of being in the real city. Designed to be adaptable, the set can also represent different time periods, making it a crucial part of the film’s story.
What sets Varanasi promotional content apart is its unique take on time travel. Unlike conventional films that rely on machines or futuristic devices, this story appears to explore the concept through shifting worlds and timelines. The film will reportedly span across multiple eras, including 7200 BCE, 512 CE, and the present day.
Drawing inspiration from mythology, including elements reminiscent of the Ramayana, the film blends action, adventure, and spiritual themes. This approach gives Varanasi a distinct identity, positioning it as a genre-defying cinematic experience rather than a standard sci-fi film. The film is already being touted as one of the most ambitious Indian productions ever, with a reported budget of around Rs 1,400 crore.
Excitement Around Varanasi Grows
Even before its release, Varanasi has generated significant global attention. A special glimpse of the film was showcased at the Trailer Festival at Le Grand Rex in Paris, where it received an overwhelming response. The audience reportedly erupted with applause and cheers, reflecting the excitement surrounding the project. The film’s cast has added to the growing hype. Mahesh Babu’s intense look as Rudhra, Priyanka Chopra Jonas’s commanding presence as Mandakini, and Prithviraj Sukumaran’s powerful avatar as Kumbha have all been unveiled, sparking big buzz on social media.
At its core, Varanasi is said to follow the journey of Rudhra as the sacred city faces a looming cosmic threat. The narrative stretches across timelines and continents, blending mythology with high-stakes action.
With music by MM Keeravani and cutting-edge visual effects, the film promises a visually immersive experience. It is slated for a theatrical release on April 7, 2027, coinciding with Ugadi.
