• Published: Feb 04 2026 12:53 PM
  • Last Updated: Feb 04 2026 01:04 PM

Priyanka Chopra only agreed to SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi after one big request — she wanted to dance. Inside her answer and what it means for the film’s music



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Global icon Priyanka Chopra Jonas is set to return to Indian cinema with SS Rajamouli’s upcoming epic, Varanasi, marking one of the most talked-about comebacks in recent years. The announcement has sparked massive excitement across fans in India and abroad. But what truly caught attention was the fact that Priyanka did not immediately say yes to the film. Before signing the project, the actor placed one clear condition that surprised many. Her statement has now gone viral, adding a fresh layer of curiosity around the film. This article covers what Priyanka Chopra said, the reason behind her decision, and how this moment could influence Varanasi, one of the most anticipated Indian films of 2027.

Priyanka Chopra’s Big Condition Before Signing Varanasi

Before officially saying yes to Varanasi, Priyanka Chopra Jonas made one clear request to director SS Rajamouli: she wanted to dance in the film. In a recent interview, Priyanka revealed that after years away from Indian films she really wanted to include a vibrant dance performance in her comeback project. She asked Rajamouli: “Will you make me dance?” and he agreed. But she jokingly admitted afterward that she shouldn’t have asked, because the actual choreography turned out so intense that co-star Mahesh Babu also ended up joining the dance sequences. This story not only reveals Priyanka’s excitement to reconnect with fans through a classic element of Indian cinema but also highlights her creative involvement in shaping her role.

What Varanasi Is Really About and the Film’s Main Cast

Varanasi is not just a standard movie it’s shaping up to be one of the most ambitious Indian films ever made. Directed by blockbuster filmmaker SS Rajamouli, known globally for hits like RRR and Baahubali, the film blends mythology, action and epic storytelling across time and places. Star Cast and Roles:

  • Priyanka Chopra Jonas plays Mandakini, the leading woman.
  • Mahesh Babu appears in a dual role including that of Rudhra and even Lord Rama.
  • Prithviraj Sukumaran stars as the antagonist Kumbha.

The story reportedly spans centuries and continents, with mythological depth around Indian civilization’s oldest city, Varanasi, forming the narrative’s core.

Varanasi Release Date and What We Know So Far

The movie Varanasi is slated for global release on April 7, 2027. This gives the filmmakers plenty of time to build massive excitement and reveal more details about the music numbers, story arcs, and character journeys. Given Priyanka Chopra’s condition  and the buzz it has already created expectations are high for both audiences and critics. This blend of blockbuster direction, star power, and lively music promises Varanasi to be a cinematic experience worth waiting for.

Varanasi

Priyanka Chopra’s Return to Indian Cinema: A Major Moment

In addition to acting in Varanasi, Priyanka has been instrumental in creative decisions regarding the production of the film; including choreography (dance), preparing for different languages (for example, learning how to speak Telugu), and promoting the film to her international fan base, as well as assisting in casting. Priyanka's extensive involvement in all aspects of production (both on-screen and off-screen) will give Varanasi much greater depth overall and appeal even further to international audiences.

Varanasi

Why Her Decision Matters for Varanasi

This condition from Priyanka Chopra is more than just a light-hearted anecdote it reveals a few key things about Varanasi and her role:

  • Creative Agency: Priyanka had a voice in shaping her performance.
  • Musical Importance: The decision confirms that Varanasi will include vibrant song and dance sequences a major draw for Indian audiences.
  • Star Power: Her request leading to on-screen collaboration with Mahesh Babu adds a fresh dynamic and buzz to the film’s promotions.

These elements position Varanasi not just as another big film, but as a true event movie with entertainment value that resonates with fans of cinema styles from Bollywood to Tollywood to global audiences.

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Fans React to Priyanka Chopra’s Condition for Varanasi

Fans across social media have reacted positively to Priyanka Chopra’s statement. Many welcomed her return to Indian cinema and praised her honesty about wanting to dance again on screen. Several users said her involvement makes Varanasi feel even more special, while others expressed excitement about seeing her share screen space with Mahesh Babu in a Rajamouli film.

FAQ

Varanasi is a large-scale Indian film that blends mythology, history, and action. Directed by SS Rajamouli, the story is set around the ancient city of Varanasi and explores themes of power, belief, destiny, and time across different eras.

Priyanka Chopra agreed to join the film after discussions with director SS Rajamouli. She revealed that she wanted to dance in the movie, as she had not done so in Indian cinema for many years, and this request played a role in her decision.

Yes, Varanasi marks Priyanka Chopra Jonas’s return to Indian cinema after several years of working on international and Hollywood projects. It is considered her biggest Indian project in recent times.

The film stars Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Mahesh Babu in a key role, and Prithviraj Sukumaran as the antagonist. The cast brings together talent from different Indian film industries.

The film Varanasi is scheduled to release worldwide in theaters on April 7, 2027, aligning with the Ugadi festival and aiming for a summer premiere.

 

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