Filmmaker SS Rajamouli has put an end to speculation about his upcoming magnum opus Varanasi. During a masterclass at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France on June 27, the director confirmed that the ambitious project is being planned as a standalone film and will not follow the franchise route taken by his blockbuster Baahubali series.
When asked whether the highly-anticipated action-adventure movie would be a single film or part of a franchise, Rajamouli gave a firm and simple reply: “One film. Yes, one film.” This marks a clear departure from the filmmaker’s recent work and puts to rest any rumors of a multi-part epic.
What to Expect from Varanasi
During the interaction at the Annecy festival, where screenings of his acclaimed films RRR and Eega were held, Rajamouli also shared what audiences can expect from the Mahesh Babu-starrer. He described a grand cinematic experience that blends mythology, fantasy, and natural elements while remaining grounded in an emotional core.
“You are going to experience the cold and ice of Antarctica. The gods of Ramayana, the natural disasters and fantastic elements. That’s the experience you are going to have, but at the core of all this is the emotions of father and son. All this makes Varanasi for you,” Rajamouli said.
The film brings together mythology and Indian folklore with science-fiction elements, including time travel, to create a globe-trotting adventure. Mahesh Babu plays the lead character Rudhra, and the director has confirmed that he will portray Lord Rama in one of the film’s sequences. Prithviraj Sukumaran is rumored to play Kumbhakarna, though his role has not been officially confirmed.
Varanasi also marks Priyanka Chopra’s return to Indian cinema after an eight-year gap, adding to the excitement surrounding the project.
Fans React to the Announcement
Rajamouli’s announcement quickly sparked reactions from fans on social media. One fan commented, “This is going to be peak. Let this be the reason to end the multi-part pan-India movies in our industry.” Another wrote, “Make it a 4-hour film without any cuts.” A third fan speculated, “I still feel this is a two-part film. Three hours doesn’t feel enough for all that we saw in the teaser.”
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Production Status and Release Date
Rajamouli, who is currently on a short break from shooting to attend the festival in Europe, also provided an update on the film’s production. He revealed that all the major IMAX action sequences have been completed and that the team is now filming the smaller, interconnecting scenes. The shoot is expected to wrap up by September or early October.
Varanasi is scheduled for a theatrical release in April 2027 and is being shot partly on 70mm IMAX film.
Also Read: SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi Glimpse Receives Whistles and Cheers from French Audience
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