Acclaimed Indian filmmaker SS Rajamouli, the creative mastermind behind the global blockbuster RRR, has officially announced his next cinematic venture, a bold time-travel epic titled Varanasi.
The director revealed the title and first look for the highly anticipated project at a spectacular event on Saturday in Hyderabad, India, where thousands of enthusiastic fans gathered to witness the unveiling.
A Glimpse into the Ambitious 'Varanasi'
While the full plot remains a closely guarded secret, the nearly four-minute first-look video presented a visually stunning adventure. The film is confirmed to be a time-travel narrative that draws significant inspiration from Hindu mythology.
Rajamouli specifically indicated that one pivotal sequence will be based on an important episode from the Ramayana, the ancient religious epic. The film's title itself is taken from the Indian city considered the spiritual heart of Hinduism.
The director confirmed that Varanasi will be released in IMAX format and is scheduled to hit cinemas in 2027, branding it a monumental undertaking.
A Star-Studded Cast for a Global Project
Rajamouli has assembled a powerhouse cast for this venture. The film headlines Telugu cinema superstar Mahesh Babu, marking his first collaboration with the director. The first look depicts Babu as a fierce warrior, covered in blood and riding a white bull while wielding a trident.
He is joined by international star Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who makes a significant return to Indian cinema following a string of Hollywood projects. A striking poster reveals her character, Mandakini, clad in a mustard sari and holding a pistol while balanced on a cliff edge.
Completing the leading trio is acclaimed actor Prithviraj Sukumaran. At the launch event in Hyderabad's Ramoji Film City, Mahesh Babu declared the project a once-in-a-lifetime endeavour, promising to make the entire nation proud.
From Tollywood to the World Stage
The announcement was a major event, with thousands of fans watching the reveal on a mammoth screen flanked by replicas of Varanasi city. The venue was transformed into a vibrant festival with colourful lights, fireworks, and music.
This project further solidifies the global ascent of the Telugu-language film industry, often called Tollywood, which has carved its own identity with high-octane action and mythic storytelling. Much of this international success is credited to Rajamouli himself.
His previous film, the 2022 anti-colonial epic RRR (Rise, Roar, Revolt), became a global streaming phenomenon and won an Oscar for Best Original Song. Before that, his two-part Baahubali series broke box-office records in India and introduced Western audiences to the grand scale of Telugu cinema.
With Varanasi, Rajamouli and his team are poised to once again captivate audiences worldwide, blending ancient mythology with a thrilling time-travel narrative.
