Is Mahesh Babu’s ‘Varanasi’ a Cinematic Step Towards Projecting India as a Global Guru?

By Sharad Rai

In February last year, a quietly held event in Hyderabad sparked intense discussion around a film bringing together South Indian superstar Mahesh Babu, global icon Priyanka Chopra, and master filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli. Reports suggested that Rajamouli and Mahesh Babu were planning a massive, high-budget project—estimated to cost up to ₹1500 crore—with the ambition of outshining every other South Indian superstar project to date.

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COMING IN 2027.#VARANASIpic.twitter.com/yuInvgJwIk

— Varanasi (@VaranasiMovie) January 21, 2026

Priyanka Chopra Spotted in Varanasi Amid Film Buzz

At the time, Priyanka Chopra was said to have visited Hyderabad under the pretext of taking a holy dip at the Prayagraj Kumbh. However, she was later spotted in Varanasi, indicating that everything related to the film was being kept strictly under wraps.

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Now, the buzz around this film has resurfaced. After the monumental success of RRR, S.S. Rajamouli—one of the biggest names in world cinema—had made headlines for beginning work on SSMB29 with Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran. Nearly a year later, news has emerged from Hyderabad about a secretive “trotter event” attended by Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj.

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Mahesh Babu himself added fuel to the excitement by sharing the name and look of his new film on Instagram, with the caption: “Rudra… this is the man you will meet in Varanasi.” In this action-adventure film, Mahesh Babu appears in the powerful avatar of Rudra—a fierce, Shiva-inspired form—holding a trident and riding Nandi. Priyanka Chopra reportedly plays a character named Mandakini, while Prithviraj Sukumaran is said to portray the antagonist.

Styled on the lines of Indiana Jones, Varanasi is being developed as an epic, time-zone-spanning narrative. The film is reportedly being shot across breathtaking locations in nearly 110 countries. Despite the scale, the makers have maintained extreme secrecy around the project. According to limited reports, the story suggests that after wandering across global tourist destinations, the restless human mind ultimately finds peace only upon reaching Varanasi—and that realization itself defines the soul of the film.

Being made using IMAX technology, Varanasi is expected to reveal more details around Ram Navami (March 2026). Current expectations suggest the film may release around Ram Navami in March 2027, although some speculate it could be delayed further to align with the release of Ramayana and even the political climate leading up to the 2029 elections.

Turning briefly to Mahesh Babu’s journey—Ghattamaneni Mahesh Babu stands among the top four superstars of South Indian cinema, much like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, and Akshay Kumar in Bollywood. His films such as Rajakumarudu, Murari, Okkadu, Athadu, and Pokiri are considered landmark commercial successes. He has won seven Nandi Awards and five Filmfare Awards, and his most recent release was Guntur Kaaram, directed by Trivikram Srinivas.

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At present, Mahesh Babu appears focused on creating something distinctly pan-Indian, setting himself apart from his contemporaries. Many observers see this ambition as aligning with the broader vision of a “New India” striving for global leadership. It is increasingly being suggested that cinema visionary S.S. Rajamouli and Mahesh Babu are positioning Varanasi as a cinematic initiative toward portraying India as a Vishwaguru—a spiritual and cultural guide to the world.

FAQs

What is Varanasi?

Varanasi is an upcoming Indian epic action-adventure film directed by S S Rajamouli, starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran.

Who plays the lead role in Varanasi?

Mahesh Babu headlines Varanasi as Rudhra, marking his first collaboration with director S S Rajamouli.

Who are the co-stars of Varanasi?

Priyanka Chopra Jonas stars as Mandakini and Prithviraj Sukumaran plays Kumbha, the antagonist, in this high-profile cast.

Who is directing Varanasi?

The film is directed and written by acclaimed filmmaker S S Rajamouli, known for blockbusters like Baahubali and RRR.

When will Varanasi release?

Varanasi is expected to hit theatres in 2027, with strong buzz around an April 9 or mid-April 2027 worldwide release aligned with Sri Rama Navami festivities.

What genre is Varanasi?

The film is an epic action-adventure with mythic and globe-trotting elements, blending large-scale visuals with a rich narrative.

Where was Varanasi first revealed?

The title and first teaser for Varanasi were unveiled at a huge GlobeTrotter event in Hyderabad at Ramoji Film City, drawing massive fan response.

What is unique about Varanasi’s production format?

Varanasi is being shot partly in 1.43:1 IMAX format, making it one of the first Indian films to use this high-impact cinematic ratio.

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