SS Rajamouli’s next directorial venture, Varanasi, has officially locked its worldwide theatrical release for April 7, 2027, coinciding with the Ugadi weekend — a prime festive window for Telugu cinema. Headlined by Mahesh Babu in the role of Rudhra, and backed by an international cast including Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran, the film is shaping up as one of the most ambitious Indian productions ever attempted.
More than a routine date announcement, this confirmation firmly places Varanasi on the global cinema calendar. Coming after the historic success of RRR, the project reflects Rajamouli’s intent to push Indian storytelling further — technologically, thematically, and geographically — while keeping the theatrical experience at the centre.
Ugadi weekend gives ‘Varanasi’ a strategic opening
April 7, 2027, aligns with Ugadi, the Telugu New Year, traditionally one of the strongest box-office periods in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Family audiences, holiday footfalls, and celebratory sentiment together create a reliable opening environment — something Rajamouli has consistently prioritised over crowded festival slots.
From a distribution perspective, the Ugadi release allows the Telugu version to open first and strong, with Hindi and other dubbed versions scaling rapidly across India and overseas markets in the following days. This staggered momentum mirrors the rollout strategy that worked effectively for Baahubali and RRR.
Exhibitors, especially multiplex chains, benefit from the early clarity. Premium formats, advance programming, and extended runs can now be planned well in advance.
A first-of-its-kind IMAX milestone for Indian cinema
One of the most significant aspects of Varanasi is its IMAX 1.43:1 format, making it the first non-English film to be shot in this ultra-large-screen ratio. This is not a cosmetic upgrade. The 1.43:1 frame allows for deeper immersion, expanded visual scale, and heightened spectacle — elements central to Rajamouli’s filmmaking language.
The IMAX push also signals a clear global ambition. Following RRR’s strong overseas performance across more than 1,000 international screens, Varanasi is being designed to travel beyond the Indian diaspora and appeal to mainstream global audiences.
Story canvas spans mythology and near-future stakes
While the makers have not released a full plot synopsis, confirmed details indicate a globe-spanning narrative that moves from Varanasi’s ghats to extreme terrains such as Antarctica and African landscapes. Mahesh Babu’s character Rudhra is described as a figure whose journey cuts across centuries, blending Ramayana-inspired philosophical motifs with a near-future threat involving asteroids.
Crucially, the film is not positioned as a mythological retelling. Instead, it uses ancient ideas as narrative anchors within a contemporary, forward-looking action framework — a balance Rajamouli has previously handled with precision.
The tight non-disclosure agreements surrounding the shoot have further fueled interest, with minimal leaks emerging despite the project being in production since 2025.
Star cast strengthens pan-India and global reach
Varanasi brings together a cast carefully chosen for cross-market resonance.
Mahesh Babu, making his first collaboration with Rajamouli, headlines the Telugu original as Rudhra. Known for his restrained screen presence, this role marks a decisive shift toward large-scale, physically demanding storytelling.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas plays Mandakini, a role positioned as a narrative bridge between Indian and international story arcs. Her involvement significantly boosts the film’s visibility in North America and Europe, particularly following her recent global projects.
Prithviraj Sukumaran essays the antagonist Kumbha, continuing Rajamouli’s tradition of crafting layered, formidable villains rather than one-note adversaries.
The film will release in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, and English, reinforcing its pan-India and global positioning.
Production choices signal realism over shortcuts
Unlike many VFX-heavy spectacles, Varanasi has reportedly prioritised real locations over green screens. Shooting has taken place across Kenya’s forests, African wild terrains, and on-location sequences along the Ganges, lending physical authenticity to the visual world.
The project is backed by Sri Durga Arts, with production activity ongoing since 2025. While budget figures remain officially undisclosed, industry estimates suggest the scale rivals — or exceeds — RRR, placing it among the costliest Indian films ever mounted.
Expectations shaped by the ‘RRR’ legacy
RRR’s worldwide gross of over ₹1,300 crore and its Oscar win for “Naatu Naatu” have inevitably raised expectations. Rajamouli, however, has avoided sequel-driven comfort zones. Varanasi is positioned as an original intellectual property, merging mythology and futurism rather than extending existing franchises.
Composer MM Keeravani, returning after his Academy Award success, anchors the film’s musical identity — a critical element given Rajamouli’s reliance on background scores to elevate narrative emotion.
Marketing rollout expected to be measured
If past patterns hold, the promotional campaign will unfold gradually. Industry chatter suggests an initial teaser may surface around late 2025, followed by character-focused reveals rather than plot-heavy trailers. This controlled approach mirrors the Baahubali playbook, allowing intrigue to build organically.
