S.S. Rajamouli just unveiled his most ambitious project yet. Varanasi is a globe-trotting time-travel epic starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran. The film releases in summer 2027 after a decade-spanning production. This marks Rajamouli’s first collaboration with Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Varanasi revealed on November 15, 2025 at Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad.
- Mahesh Babu plays Rudhra, inspired by mythological figures and adventure heroes.
- Priyanka Chopra portrays Mandakini in this globetrotting adventure.
- The film spans thousands of years and multiple continents with IMAX projection.
- Oscar-winning composer MM Keeravani scores the epic soundtrack.
What Happened at the Global Reveal Event
S.S. Rajamouli dropped jaws with the Varanasi announcement at a massive event. The GlobeTrotter event drew approximately 50,000 fans to Ramoji Film City. Rajamouli confirmed the film’s epic scope spans ancient civilizations to modern times. The director revealed that one Ramayana-inspired sequence will be among his most memorable achievements.
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The teaser opens in the year 512 CE in an ancient kingdom called Varanasi. An asteroid falls to Earth with fragments landing in Varanasi, Antarctica, Africa, and other global locations. Mahesh Babu appears wielding a trishul atop a bull, embodying mythical power blended with adventure storytelling. This visual approach mirrors Indiana Jones meets Hindu mythology.
“The film spans thousands of years, from ancient times to the modern day. I think that will be one of the most memorable sequences of my films.”
Priyanka Chopra graced the event confirming her lead role. Prithviraj Sukumaran plays a ruthless villain driving the narrative. The entire cast delivered passionate speeches about the project’s grandeur. This marks Rajamouli’s first Telugu-Hindi-English venture with truly global ambitions.
Why This Epic Matters for Bollywood and Hollywood
Rajamouli’s arrival in mainstream Hindi cinema is monumental. After conquering Tamil, Telugu, and English audiences with Baahubali and RRR, he now tackles a time-travel narrative. Mahesh Babu becomes the first Telugu actor to headline a Rajamouli film. Priyanka Chopra’s involvement signals Indian cinema’s growing fusion with global storytelling.
The 2027 release date positions Varanasi as one of cinema’s most anticipated global events. Rajamouli confirmed IMAX projection will be central to the theatrical experience. The film promises sequences matching or exceeding Baahubali and RRR’s technical mastery. This production combines mythology with futuristic visuals creating unique cinematic language.
For audiences, Varanasi represents Indian cinema’s ambition expanding beyond borders. The time-travel element adds sci-fi gravitas to Rajamouli’s action-adventure DNA. Priyanka Chopra brings credibility to North American markets. The Sankranti 2027 release strategically targets Indian holidays globally.
Production Details and Cast Information
Here’s what we know about the epic production:
| Film Title | Varanasi |
| Director | S.S. Rajamouli |
| Lead Cast | Mahesh Babu (Rudhra), Priyanka Chopra (Mandakini), Prithviraj Sukumaran (Villain) |
| Music Composer | MM Keeravani (Oscar winner) |
| Release Date | Summer 2027 (Sankranti festival) |
| Production House | Durga Arts (K.L. Narayana) |
| Format | IMAX Projection, Two 3-hour films |
| Budget | Rumored at $135 million (Rs. 1,188 crore) |
Production began in January 2025 with extensive pre-production. Rajamouli structured Varanasi as two separate three-hour films. Each film tells interconnected stories across time periods. This format demands unprecedented production complexity and budget allocation.
What To Watch For Before 2027
- Teaser drops: Full trailer expected in early 2026 with VFX showcases.
- Casting surprises: Rajamouli may announce supporting international cast members.
- Behind-the-scenes content: BTS footage from global shooting locations.
- Music trailers: MM Keeravani’s compositions premiering throughout 2026-2027.
- Box office records: Pre-booking and advance collections setting new standards.
Expect Rajamouli to push theatrical innovation throughout production. Distribution partnerships with Hollywood studios will likely expand Varanasi’s reach. The director typically releases featurettes documenting filmmaking challenges.
Can Rajamouli Deliver Another Global Phenomenon?
Skeptics question whether Rajamouli can replicate RRR’s success with time-travel storytelling. The 2027 timeline compresses post-production into an aggressive schedule. Industry observers debate whether splitting the film into two releases confuses audiences. However, Rajamouli’s track record suggests calculated ambition pays dividends.
Will audiences embrace Mahesh Babu in lead hero roles? Telugu cinema dominates India’s box office, and Mahesh commands respect there. However, Hindi and international markets know him less. Priyanka Chopra’s presence mitigates this concern significantly. Her following in North America ensures global reach.
What makes Varanasi different from Rajamouli’s previous epics? The mythology-meets-sci-fi blend and multiple timelines create complexity. IMAX dual-film format demands technical mastery. Rajamouli famously perfects every frame regardless of budget constraints. Will you join millions watching this megaproject unfold?
Watch the Official Reveal Here
The full announcement and teaser dropped on November 15, 2025. View the official reveal:
Sources
- Variety – “Mahesh Babu, S.S. Rajamouli Epic Adventure Titled ‘Varanasi'” with official statements from director and cast.
- Times of India – Live coverage from the GlobeTrotter event at Ramoji Film City with verified production details.
- Polygon – Comprehensive breakdown of trailer footage, plot themes, and Rajamouli’s original statements.
Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.