SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi update: Director confirms wrap window for Mahesh Babu-Priyanka Chopra’s epic

The countdown has begun for one of Indian cinema’s most ambitious spectacles. Headlined by Mahesh Babu and directed by SS Rajamouli, Varanasi is steadily marching toward completion. Co-starring Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran, the epic adventure drama is slated for release on April 7, 2027.

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In a recent interaction, Rajamouli confirmed that the film is on track to conclude filming by June 2026- marking a crucial milestone for the high-scale production.

Shoot Status: Halfway There, But the Hardest Behind

Speaking with Collider, the filmmaker shared that nearly 50% of the film has already been shot. Among the most demanding portions was the ambitious Ramayana episode, which pushed the team creatively and technically.

The film, mounted on a massive scale, will now enter a prolonged and intricate VFX phase- an essential step in bringing its layered world to life.

Rajamouli also reflected on the global resonance of Naatu Naatu. While he hopes Varanasi’s music will spark a similar wave, he clarified that the team has consciously avoided drawing parallels between the soundscape of RRR and this new venture.

A Globe-Trotting Adventurer With a Divine Twist

At its heart, Varanasi follows Rudhra- a globe-trotting, time-traveling adventurer played by Mahesh Babu. The narrative promises myth, mysticism, and high-octane action intertwined seamlessly. In addition to portraying Rudhra, Mahesh has confirmed he will also appear as Lord Rama in a key episode- adding a mythological layer to the sweeping storyline.

One Film, One Vision

Despite early speculation about a two-part saga, Rajamouli has made it clear: Varanasi will unfold in a single, grand installment with a runtime of approximately three hours. The director recently revealed that a 25-minute stretch in the film “took 60 days to film”- a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship behind every frame.

The Defining Sequence: Rudhra’s Fiery Charge

For the visionary behind Baahubali, the crowning moment of Varanasi lies in a breathtaking sequence featuring Mahesh Babu as a warrior-like Rudhra storming through the ancient city atop a raging bull.

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Infused with Ramayana-inspired action and the spiritual symbolism of Nandi and Shiva, the scene is described as a technically demanding, career-defining masterpiece- one that could redefine epic storytelling on the Indian screen. 

With production progressing steadily and scale meeting spiritual depth, Varanasi is shaping up to be a cinematic odyssey unlike any other.