Varanasi
Varanasi (2027) – Movie Review, Cast, Story, Budget, Production & Full Details
Varanasi (styled as Vāranāsi) is an upcoming Indian Telugu-language epic mythological sci-fi action-adventure film directed by S. S. Rajamouli, starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran. Mounted on a record-breaking ₹1,300 crore budget, it is set to become one of India’s most expensive and ambitious films ever made.
Let’s break down everything — from story and cast to production, music, controversies, and release plans.
Quick Summary
Director: S. S. Rajamouli
Genre: Epic • Adventure • Mythology • Sci-Fi • Action
Language: Telugu (Dubbed in Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada & English)
Cast: Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, Prithviraj Sukumaran
Budget: ₹1,300 Cr (excluding marketing)
Release: 2027 (IMAX + Standard)
Production Companies: Sri Durga Arts, Showing Business
Rajamouli describes the film as a globetrotting adventure inspired by Indiana Jones, rooted deeply in Indian culture and mythology.
Cast and Crew
| Role | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lead Actor | Mahesh Babu | Plays dual roles: Rudhra & Rama |
| Lead Actress | Priyanka Chopra | Plays Mandakini |
| Antagonist | Prithviraj Sukumaran | Plays Kumbha |
| Supporting | Nassar | Dialect & acting mentor for cast |
| Director | S. S. Rajamouli | Visionary creator of Baahubali, RRR |
| Writer | V. Vijayendra Prasad | Story & Emotional Core |
| Music | M. M. Keeravani | Rajamouli’s long-time collaborator |
| Cinematography | P. S. Vinod | First collaboration with Rajamouli |
| Editor | Bikkina Thammiraju | |
| VFX Supervisor | V. Srinivas Mohan | Top Indian VFX expert |
Story (What We Know So Far)
Note: Full plot not released — only concept-level details available.
Varanasi follows a mythology-infused global adventure centered on:
Ancient secrets tied to Kashi (Varanasi)
A hero inspired by the spiritual strength of Hanuman
A journey through African forests, Indian mythological realms, and futuristic landscapes
A dangerous antagonist (Kumbha) tied to ancient powers
Massive action sequences blending mythology with sci-fi worldbuilding
Rajamouli’s team says the emotional tone is similar to Raiders of the Lost Ark, but deeply connected to Indian ethos & spirituality.
Technical Side
Direction & Writing
Rajamouli, known for massive worldbuilding, is bringing:
- Globetrotting scale
- African forest adventures
- Ancient Indian lore
- Epic emotional arcs
The story reportedly took 2 years to lock (2022–2024).
Cinematography
- Shot across Hyderabad, Kenya, Tanzania, Odisha
- Features large-scale IMAX sequences
- Huge recreated sets of ancient Kashi
Editing
- Tammiraju, known for tight action edits
- Film expected to be in the 160–180 minute range
Music
By M. M. Keeravani, with songs confirmed so far:
- GlobeTrotter – Shruti Haasan, Kaala Bhairava
- The Arrival – Instrumental
- Rana Kumbha – Aditya Iyengar
Expect powerful orchestral storytelling similar to RRR.
Production Design
- Massive sets built in Koraput and Hyderabad
- Heavy use of VFX — one of India’s largest VFX pipelines ever
Performances (Expectations)
Mahesh Babu
First time collaborating with Rajamouli
Underwent advanced physical training in Germany
Plays dual roles with mythological influence
This is expected to be his career-defining performance.
Priyanka Chopra
Returns to Indian cinema after 2019
Strong, intense character named Mandakini
Prithviraj Sukumaran
Plays a massive antagonist, likely spiritually powered
His third Telugu film and biggest one yet.
Production Timeline
- Idea first discussed: 2010
- Script locked: 2024
- Muhurat puja: Jan 2, 2025
- Filming began: Feb 2025
- Filming locations: Hyderabad, Kenya, Tanzania, Odisha
- Climax filming: Nov 2025
- Heavy secrecy with NDA & no mobile phones allowed
Marketin
- Pre-look poster: 9 August 2025 (Mahesh Babu’s 50th birthday)
- Title Reveal + Concept Reel: 15 November 2025 (Globetrotter Event)
- First Indian film event streamed live on JioHotstar & Variety (YouTube)
⚖️Title Disput
- Producer C.H. Subba Reddy claims rights to “Vaaranasi” (registered in 2023)
- Rajamouli uses “Vāranāsi” spelling
- Not yet legally escalated but under Producers’ Council review
Release
Release Year: 2027
Formats: Standard + IMAX
Languages: Telugu + Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, English
Notable:
Second Indian film to shoot native 1.43:1 IMAX sequences (like Hollywood epics)
Budget & Expectations
Budget: ₹1,300 crore
One of the most expensive Indian films ever made, surpassing:
- RRR
- Adipurush
- Kalki 2898 AD
Rajamouli + Mahesh Babu using profit-sharing model (40%).
What to Expect (Strengths)
Massive globetrotting adventure
Rajamouli-level emotional depth
Huge IMAX visual sequences
Mahesh Babu in his most powerful role
Strong antagonist in Prithviraj
Possible Weaknesse
Extremely high expectations
Title dispute may create noise
Long production timeline
Final Verdict (For Now)
Varanasi looks set to redefine Indian cinema’s global scale.
Rajamouli + Mahesh Babu + Priyanka Chopra + Prithviraj = a historic combination.
This is shaping up to be India’s biggest action-adventure mythological epic ever.
