IMAX + Mythology = Movie Magic, says Priyanka Chopra

Actor Priyanka Chopra has offered new insights into her much-anticipated collaboration with filmmaker S. S. Rajamouli , describing the project as a visually ambitious IMAX spectacle rooted in Indian mythology and set against the spiritual landscape of Varanasi.

Appearing on The Tonight Show , Chopra revealed that the yet-untitled film combines high-end technology with epic storytelling and stars Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu and Malayalam actor Prithviraj Sukumaran alongside her. The film has already been in production for nearly 14 months, with another six months of shooting still remaining.

According to Chopra, the scale of the project is unlike anything she has experienced before. “It’s an IMAX adventure that blends action with mythology in a way that feels completely new,” she said, adding that the shoot has involved complex technical setups and extensive visual effects work. The production team is targeting a theatrical release in 2027.

The film marks Chopra’s return to large-scale Hindi cinema after a six-to-seven-year gap, during which she focused primarily on international projects in Hollywood and streaming platforms. Her appearance on American television has also generated significant buzz, with fans praising her promotional strategy and global visibility.

A teaser released earlier this year has already heightened anticipation, hinting at a narrative inspired by ancient legends while employing futuristic action sequences. Industry observers note that Rajamouli’s reputation for delivering visually grand films has raised expectations even further.

However, the growing reliance on heavy visual effects has sparked debate within the industry. Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma recently cautioned that rapid advancements in artificial intelligence could soon disrupt traditional VFX-driven filmmaking. He suggested that emerging AI tools may challenge the dominance of big-budget spectacles by making high-end visuals more accessible and less dependent on massive production costs.

Despite these concerns, the Rajamouli-Chopra collaboration continues to be seen as one of the most ambitious Indian film projects currently in development, blending mythology, technology and star power in what is expected to be a landmark IMAX release for Indian cinema.