Varanasi Countdown: Six Months To Mahesh Babu And Rajamouli’s Epic

Superstar Mahesh Babu and filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli’s Varanasi is steadily moving towards its much-awaited theatrical release, with the ambitious action-adventure scheduled to arrive worldwide on April 7, 2027. The film has already become one of the most anticipated Indian releases of next year.

The film stars Mahesh Babu as Rudhra, with Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Mandakini and Prithviraj Sukumaran as Kumbha. Mahesh will also appear as Lord Rama in one of the film’s episodes, adding a strong mythological dimension to the time-travel adventure.

Rajamouli has revealed that the story travels across continents and time, moving from Varanasi to Antarctica, then Africa and Ancient Rome before returning to Varanasi. He has also described the film as a standalone story rather than the beginning of a franchise. At its emotional core, the director said, the film explores the relationship between a father and son, alongside mythology, natural disasters and fantastical elements.

The scale of the production is another major attraction. Rajamouli has confirmed that the film is being made entirely with IMAX-certified digital cameras, making it one of the rare productions conceived specifically for the format. Major action sequences have already been completed, while the remaining portions have been progressing towards the final stages of production.

Recent comments from producer S.S. Karthikeya have added further curiosity, revealing that Varanasi will feature “crazy” stunt sequences unlike the action seen in RRR or Baahubali. Rajamouli has also praised Mahesh’s performance as Rudhra, saying the actor delivered far more than he expected.

With its international locations, mythology, time travel, IMAX presentation and star-powered cast, Varanasi is shaping up as one of Indian cinema’s biggest spectacles.