SS Rajamouli confirms ‘Ramayana’ roots for Varanasi, 'All my films are inspired by Rama'

SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi may still be a year away from theatres, but anticipation is already cresting like a tidal wave. Ever since the filmmaker dropped a visually striking teaser last November, conversations have swirled around its mythic undertones, grand scale, and spiritual symbolism. In candid interactions with international media, Rajamouli finally opened up about the roots of the story - and they trace back thousands of years.

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Rooted in the Ramayana

The grandeur seen in the teaser wasn’t accidental. The filmmaker confirmed that the film leans heavily into India’s timeless epic tradition. Speaking about the inspiration, Rajamouli said to Polygon, "All my films are inspired by the epics of (Lord) Rama."

He added, “In this film, I have a chance to actually take an actual episode from Ramayana itself and present it in this way.”

Rather than treating mythology as mere spectacle, he sees it as emotional architecture - the invisible foundation shaping every frame.

Mythology Without Barriers

Despite drawing directly from sacred lore, Rajamouli doesn’t want viewers to feel intimidated or overwhelmed. 

Addressing concerns about accessibility, he explained, “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.”

He further clarified, “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.”

For him, feelings matter more than familiarity.

At Heart, a Father–Son Saga

Beyond its sprawling landscapes and epic scale, Varanasi is deeply personal. At its core lies a tender emotional thread. Rajamouli revealed the story revolves around “a father and son” relationship - echoing the bond between Rama and King Dasharatha.

Parallelly, the film also explores the shifting dynamic between Mahesh Babu’s Rudra and Priyanka Chopra’s enigmatic thief Mandakini.

Describing the emotional pull, he said, "It’s so endearing and relatable. Even when the canvas is gigantic, it’s these emotions that people will resonate with."

The spectacle may be vast, but the heartbeat is intimate.

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A Monumental Cinematic Vision

Co-starring Prithviraj Sukumaran and reportedly filmed for IMAX screens, Varanasi stands among Rajamouli’s most ambitious ventures yet. Known for pushing technical and narrative boundaries, the director seems poised to blend mythology, emotion, and scale like never before.

Notably, Varanasi arrives in cinemas worldwide on 7 April, 2027.