Varanasi is already one of the most anticipated Indian films in recent times, but a key detail has now taken the excitement several notches higher.
The S. S. Rajamouli directorial will reportedly feature a 20-minute segment based on the Ramayana, adding a strong mythological layer to its narrative.
A global reveal with an electrifying response
Headlined by Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Prithviraj Sukumaran, the film recently unveiled its first glimpse at the Trailer Festival at Le Grand Rex, Europe’s largest iconic screen.
The response was instant and overwhelming, with audiences breaking into applause, cheers, and whistles from the very first frame.
“In Varanasi, we have 20 minutes of Ramayana”
The film’s mythological connection was highlighted at Comic Con Experience Mexico 2026, where producer S. S. Karthikeya spoke about its cultural resonance.
He said:
“There are lot of similarities that we have seen like even the lot of comics or the stories of the film coming out from Mexico are drawn from their history from the Aztec or the Mayan civilization, and in India we really get inspired by our epics by Ramayana or the Mahabharat. In Varanasi, we have 20 minutes of Ramayana, so culturally there is lot of similarities between Latin American audience and American audience. Going in the city of Mexico and meeting people is so welcoming and I find same kind of warmth in my city in my country, and the food, even the spice I don’t think I can get that spice from anywhere else apart from India and when I come to Mexico and also the family values that you kind of hear the Mexicans hold I find that also very similar, and the family values is very integral part significant in the story of Varanasi and I feel there are lot of factors people will relate to, and enjoy the film.”
First looks send fans into a frenzy
The makers have already dropped powerful first looks, each adding to the intrigue.
Mahesh Babu appears as Rudhra, Prithviraj Sukumaran takes on the role of Kumbha, while Priyanka Chopra Jonas is seen as Mandakini. The visuals have sparked massive online chatter, with fans decoding every detail and building theories around the story.
With a blend of large-scale storytelling, global appeal, and a direct connection to the Ramayana, Varanasi is clearly aiming to deliver more than just a cinematic experience, it’s positioning itself as a cultural event. All eyes are now on its theatrical release, scheduled for 7 April 2027, as anticipation continues to build around what could be one of Indian cinema’s biggest spectacles.
