Mahesh Babu, S.S. Rajamouli and Priyanka Chopra Jonas Epic Adventure Titled ‘Varanasi,’ First Footage Unveiled

Director S.S. Rajamouli has unveiled the title and first glimpse of his highly anticipated follow-up to the Academy Award-winning “RRR.”

The filmmaker revealed “Varanasi” at a launch event in Hyderabad, introducing the project that stars Telugu cinema superstar Mahesh Babu alongside Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran.

The cool night skies above Ramoji Film City were rent with the roar of 50,000 full-throated Mahesh Babu fans chanting “Jai Babu, Jai Jai Babu,” as the title reveal event got off to a rousing start.

Actor-musician Shruti Haasan rendered the already immensely popular “Sanchaari” track from the film on stage, composed by M.M. Keeravani, Oscar-winner for “Naatu Naatu” from “RRR.”

Keeravani also provided a musical introduction to the character of the main antagonist Kumbha, played by Sukumaran. Chopra Jonas plays a character named Mandakini. Mahesh Babu plays Rudhra.

The footage revealed was played on a giant LED screen, which took a couple of tries to get going, while the fans waited patiently. The film spans thousands of years, from ancient times to the modern day. One of the sequences is inspired by a chapter from Indian epic “Ramayana,” Rajamouli said.

“From childhood I’ve thought many times about making a ‘Mahabharata’-level dream project. Even when starting this film, I planned that I must take one major pillar from the ‘Ramayana,” the filmmaker said.

“We shot for 60 days. The research was fully done. Every day was a challenge. Each episode had sub-episodes, and each sub-episode needed fresh thinking — new planning, new challenges. Crossing all of that, I think this will be one of the most memorable sequences of my films. And definitely for Mahesh’s films too — it will be the most memorable. It will be far more beautiful than you imagine. Far more divine than you imagine,” he added.

Several sequences in the film are shot in the Imax format, some of which were showcased on the 100-foot LED screen.

Chopra Jonas and Sukumaran also spoke during the occasion.

“This is Indian cinema’s biggest brand, flexing his ambition and the team of technicians and actors going all out to make sure that he reaches that pinnacle he’s aiming for,” Sukumaran said. “This is S.S. Rajamouli once again, taking Indian cinema to the world, this time bigger, hopefully better and definitely more audacious than ever before.”

Chopra Jonas added: “Rajamouli-sir, all I will say is you are truly the visionary that has brought Indian cinema to the globe like no one else has before. So I thank you so much for choosing me as your Mandakini.”

The loudest cheers were reserved for Mahesh Babu who said: “I’ll make everyone proud. Most importantly, I’ll make my director the most proud. The whole of India will be proud of us.”

The project is being produced under the banner of Sri Durga Arts and Showing Business. Producers include K.L. Narayana and S.S. Karthikeya. A summer 2027 global theatrical release is being planned.

Watch the first footage of “Varanasi” here: