The first-look posters for S.S. Rajamouli’s upcoming Telugu spectacle Varanasi have arrived, and they immediately signal the scale of the adventure ahead. Mahesh Babu takes on the role of Rudhra, a Shiva devotee thrust into a time-travel quest for a cosmic artifact. His path collides with Kumbha, played by Prithviraj Sukumaran, while Priyanka Chopra Jonas embodies Mandakini, a character whose presence promises both mystery and emotional depth. The visuals hint at a film that blends mythology with high-octane action, setting expectations sky-high.
In conversations shared late last year, the cast reflected on their experiences. Mahesh Babu spoke of Rajamouli’s narration as “mind-blowing,” recalling the exhilaration of shooting in Kenya’s Maasai Mara. Priyanka Chopra Jonas described the project as a “once-in-a-lifetime thrill,” while Sukumaran teased the unpredictable nature of his villain. These glimpses into the creative process suggest a film that thrives on both spectacle and character-driven storytelling.
Production has been as ambitious as the narrative itself. Key sequences were filmed in Hyderabad, Odisha, and Kenya, with Rajamouli pushing boundaries by incorporating IMAX footage from Antarctica and sweeping shots of African savannas. The film also dedicates 25 minutes to Ramayana-inspired mythology, weaving ancient lore into a modern cinematic framework. This blend of cultural roots and global landscapes underscores Rajamouli’s vision of Indian cinema on a truly international canvas.
With filming wrapped and anticipation building, Varanasi is slated for release on April 7, 2027. The combination of Rajamouli’s direction, Mahesh Babu’s star power, Chopra Jonas’s global appeal, and Sukumaran’s layered antagonism positions the film as one of the most awaited releases of the decade. If the posters are any indication, audiences are in for a journey that spans continents, timelines, and cosmic stakes — a mythic adventure designed to leave a lasting mark on cinema.
