Varanasi Trailer: Rajamouli’s Mind-Bending Epic With Mahesh Babu as the Fierce ‘Rudra’

SS Rajamouli is back — and this time, he’s pushing the boundaries of Indian cinema even further. The freshly unveiled Varanasi trailer is a thunderous, visually explosive preview of what could easily become his most ambitious film to date. Led by Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran, the trailer delivers world-class scale, mythic depth, and a narrative that bends time, history, and imagination.

From the very first frame, Rajamouli transports viewers into an expansive universe that hops across centuries and continents. The trailer teases an intricate plot connecting Varanasi (512 CE), Antarctica, Africa’s Amboseli wilderness, Ugrabhatti Cave, Lanka Nagaram (7200 BCE), and even Asteroid Shambhavi (2027 CE) — a rare blend of ancient mysticism and futuristic science. The editing is sharp, the pacing tight, and every location pulses with Rajamouli’s signature grandeur.

At the centre of it all stands Mahesh Babu as Rudra, and the trailer finally shows him in an avatar fans have been waiting years to see. Whether he’s navigating spiritual landscapes or battling cosmic forces, Mahesh exudes an intensity rarely seen in his filmography. The final shot — Rudra standing atop Nandi, trident raised high, eyes blazing — is nothing short of goosebumps material. This one moment alone has set social media on fire.

Priyanka Chopra, appearing as Mandakini, brings a striking presence, hinting at a role rich in complexity and emotional weight. Prithviraj Sukumaran, as Kumbha, looks fierce and perfectly cast. Together, the trio seems poised to drive a narrative that spans multiple lifetimes.

The biggest talking point? The trailer suggests a time-travel element woven into Rajamouli’s epic storytelling. Combined with hints of a divine connection to Lord Hanuman, the film appears to be sculpting a mythological–sci-fi hybrid never before attempted on the Indian screen.

Technically, the trailer is a triumph — from its haunting background score to its sweeping cinematography and immaculate VFX. Rajamouli’s control over scale and emotion is evident in every frame. This isn’t just a film; it feels like the beginning of a full-fledged cinematic universe.