Priyanka Chopra opens up about joining SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi and her memorable first chat with the master storyteller

After years of carving a formidable presence in Hollywood, Priyanka Chopra is finally stepping back into Indian cinema - and she’s doing it on the biggest stage possible. SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi isn’t just another project; it marks a cinematic homecoming powered by ambition, scale, and a director known for turning dreams into epics.

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Though excited, Priyanka initially worried about reconnecting with the language and rhythm of Indian filmmaking. But one heartfelt meeting with Rajamouli erased every hesitation.

The Conversation That Changed Everything

Recalling her first interaction with the filmmaker during a recent chat with Variety, Priyanka described a quiet, personal assurance that sealed her decision.

“He took me into his office, and it was just him and I, and he said that, ‘Priyanka, there’s no version of this film that goes out to the world if it’s not the best version of you in every frame, and that’s my promise to you,'” she recalled. 

That promise - simple yet powerful - built immediate trust between actor and director.

Betting on Scale and Vision

Beyond emotion, it was the sheer magnitude of Varanasi that convinced her. Rajamouli’s storytelling has always operated on a colossal canvas, and Priyanka wanted her return to match that scale.

“If there was any way of coming back to Indian cinema, it would be with the biggest Indian movie being made, and that undertaking is this film,” she said. 

Her admiration for Rajamouli’s craft runs deep.

“I think Sir’s vision is unlike anyone in this country or abroad. His cohort, if I may say so, is the Spielbergs of the world, the Nolans of the world, the Finchers of the world.”

Rajamouli’s Storytelling Philosophy

The Baahubali director, known for blending myth, emotion, and spectacle, shared his approach to narrative clarity in an interview with Polygon.

"It is my job as a storyteller to make you not feel lost, to make the film in such a way that it's not taxing your mind . You might not understand the whole story of Rama but there is no need to. If you understand the emotions of the characters, you'll understand what is happening," said the Baahubali maker.

His philosophy emphasizes emotional connection over complexity - a signature that has made his films universally accessible.

Must Read: SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi: Master storyteller and Mahesh Babu reveal the epic’s untold journey for the first time

Star Power and Rising Anticipation

Excitement around Varanasi has skyrocketed following recent interviews featuring Rajamouli, Mahesh Babu, and Priyanka Chopra. Social media has been flooded with clips, reactions, and fan theories, reflecting the enormous buzz surrounding the film.

Priyanka steps into the role of Mandakini, starring opposite Mahesh Babu’s Rudhra. Prithviraj Sukumaran takes on the formidable antagonist, Kumbha. The epic drama is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on April 7, 2027.