S.S. Rajamouli, the master filmmaker renowned for his epic blockbusters, has taken the Indian film industry by storm once again. At a spectacular event in Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad, he unveiled his much-anticipated film, “Varanasi,” starring Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra Jonas in a groundbreaking collaboration. With a star-studded cast, mythological themes, and unprecedented visual grandeur, “Varanasi” promises to redefine Indian action-adventure cinema.
The Hyderabad Event: A Record-Breaking Launch
The “Varanasi” launch event, branded as the “Globetrotter Event,” was held on November 14, 2025, and became a historic spectacle. Over 50,000 fans crowded the iconic Ramoji Film City, receiving souvenirs and “passports” themed to the film’s globe-spanning story. The highlight was the reveal of the movie’s title and its first visual, a thrill-inducing motion poster of Mahesh Babu, who made a grand appearance, wielding a trident and riding a bull, against evocative temple ruins.
A massive 130-foot by 100-foot screen, the largest ever used for an Indian film announcement, presented the first glimpse of the movie, dazzling both audiences and the media. Leading members of the cast and crew, including Priyanka Chopra, Prithviraj Sukumaran, and Rajamouli’s family, attended, underlining the film’s larger-than-life scope.
Vision and Genre: Action, Mythology, and High Adventure
“Varanasi” is labelled as a globetrotting action-adventure with a deep-rooted mythological essence. Drawing inspiration from African exploration sagas and classic Hollywood adventures, the film fuses Indian spiritual motifs, time-travel, and jungle survival with high-octane action.
- Mahesh Babu’s character, Rudhra, is an archaeologist and explorer modelled after Indiana Jones and larger-than-life figures from African folklore.
- Priyanka Chopra Jonas plays Mandakini, an enigmatic action heroine, whose character arc and look, a bright yellow saree and a gun, struck an instant chord with fans.
- Prithviraj Sukumaran assumes the role of Kumbha, an antagonist depicted as a scientifically driven, ruthless mastermind, often shown in a high-tech wheelchair, exuding menace.
Unlike Rajamouli’s previous historical spectacles, “Varanasi” ventures into jungle exploration, time-travel, and a blend of practical stunts with mythic symbolism, all stitched together with sweeping visual effects.
Plot Teasers: From Varanasi to Amazonian Jungles
While significant plot details remain under wraps, early teasers hint at a storyline that sees Rudhra, inspired by Indic mythology, embarking on a quest for secrets buried across continents, from the sacred city of Varanasi to the dense Amazon and the heart of Africa. The adventure is set to traverse lost temples, secret cults, and ancient relics, promising intrigue and breathtaking visuals.
Notably, the film integrates Indian tradition; Rudhra’s costumes prominently feature a trishul pendant, rudraksha mala, and Nandi motifs, signalling a narrative connection to Hindu lore. Reports confirm elements of time travel and ritualistic combat, setting the stage for a narrative that moves seamlessly across epochs and geographies.
Technical Brilliance: Stunts, Effects, and Innovation
Rajamouli’s vision is matched by an ambitious technical plan. Three major action sequences, each requiring 60+ days of preparation, are being helmed by international stunt teams from South Africa and Thailand. These scenes blend African martial arts, Southeast Asian weapon choreography, and medieval Indian combat. Mahesh Babu is said to perform most of his own stunts, adding authenticity, while Priyanka Chopra undergoes action sequences modelled after special forces training, including close-quarters combat and cliff-edge sequences.
Shooting in multiple languages, Hindi, Telugu, and English, has been prioritised for global reach, with natural-light cinematography for jungle survival scenes and an animatronic creature built for pivotal moments.
A high-energy folk dance featuring Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra, choreographed in Mayurbhanj Chhau style, adds a cultural flair. Shruti Haasan’s special performance at the launch event further amped up the film’s buzz.
Star Cast and Crew: The Dream Team
The film assembles a cast and crew of national and international repute.
- Direction: S.S. Rajamouli, in his first major project since “RRR,” is steering the vision to global standards.
- Screenplay: Written by Rajamouli and his veteran father V. V. Vijayendra Prasad, promising a robust script with cultural resonance.
- Cast:
- Music and Technical Team: While details are closely guarded, industry insiders predict an international music director and top visual effects studios, which will push Indian cinematic boundaries.
Fan Frenzy and Digital Buzz
The public response has been overwhelming: hashtags like #Varanasi, #GlobeTrotter, and #DesiGirlIsBack have trended across social media since the title and cast reveal. Exclusive character posters, footage leaks, and extraordinary teasers have only fueled anticipation, with critics predicting “Varanasi” as a new high watermark for Indian popular cinema.
Release Date and Expectations
Slated for a grand Sankranti release in 2027, “Varanasi” is expected to be one of the biggest box office events in Indian history. Given Rajamouli’s reputation and the global cast, the movie is anticipated to set new standards for both content and cinematic scale.