Varanasi: A Grand Milestone in Indian Cinema!

January 29, 2026 Published by Natarajan Karuppiah

Following the monumental success of Baahubali and RRR, the Himalayan figure of Indian cinema, SS Rajamouli, is directing his next magnum opus titled Varanasi. For the first time, the “Prince” of Telugu cinema, Mahesh Babu, is collaborating with Rajamouli.

Long referred to as SSMB29, the film has now officially been titled Varanasi. It is scheduled for a grand worldwide release on April 7, 2027. The film will be released not only in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam but also in several international languages.

In a technical leap never before seen in Indian cinema, the entire film will be shot using IMAX 1.43:1 specialized technology.

The Highlight: Usually, films are shot normally and then upscaled to IMAX format. However, Varanasi earns the distinction of being the first Indian film shot entirely with dedicated IMAX cameras, promising an unparalleled immersive experience for the audience.The film is categorized as a Sci-Fi Adventure.

Time Travel: Rumors suggest the screenplay may involve elements of time travel.

Mythological Touch: In signature Rajamouli style, key aspects of the epic Ramayana are expected to be woven into the narrative.

The Plot: It is reported that a meteorite falling in Antarctica reveals an ancient city buried deep beneath the ice, which serves as a pivotal plot point.

Rajamouli is known for seeking out fresh, unseen locations. For this film:

Antarctica: Major sequences will be filmed in the southernmost part of the world, making it the first Indian film to be shot in Antarctica.

Global Tour: Filming will also take place in the African jungles (Kenya, Tanzania), Europe, and the city of Varanasi in India.

Alongside Mahesh Babu, several globally renowned stars are set to feature:

Mahesh Babu: Plays ‘Rudra,’ a daring and courageous adventurer.

Priyanka Chopra: Returning to Indian cinema after a long hiatus, she plays the character ‘Mandakini.’

Prithviraj Sukumaran: The leading Malayalam actor plays the powerful antagonist, ‘Kumba.’

With a staggering budget exceeding ₹1000 Crores, Varanasi is undoubtedly poised to take Indian cinema to the next level on the global stage. The combination of Rajamouli’s visual magic and Mahesh Babu’s performance is set to create history in 2027.