Key Points
- Priyanka Chopra’s first look as Mandakini unveiled on November 12, 2025, showing her in yellow saree wielding a gun
- SS Rajamouli welcomes “Desi Girl” back to Indian cinema after years in Hollywood
- Film stars Mahesh Babu as rugged explorer and Prithviraj Sukumaran as antagonist Kumbha
- Grand launch event scheduled for November 15, 2025, at Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad
- Globetrotter features $116 million budget, making it one of India’s most expensive films
- Priyanka learning Telugu for the role, calling the project “life-changing”
- Official title and teaser to be revealed at launch event, live-streamed on JioHotstar from 6 PM IST
- Shooting completed in Hyderabad, Odisha, and Africa; inspired by African exploration adventures
Mumbai: After years of conquering Hollywood, Priyanka Chopra Jonas makes a spectacular comeback to Indian cinema with her first look poster from SS Rajamouli’s ambitious project Globetrotter, unveiled on November 12, 2025. The striking visual showcases Priyanka as Mandakini, draped in a vibrant yellow saree with traditional jewelry and a long braid, positioned mid-action while aiming a pistol amidst crumbling temple ruins that blend mythological grandeur with raw cinematic energy.
Sharing the poster on her social media, Priyanka wrote, “She’s more beautiful than she looks… Say hello to Mandakini.” The cryptic caption has sparked widespread speculation about the character’s mysterious nature. Director SS Rajamouli amplified the excitement by welcoming her back with the words: “The woman who redefined Indian Cinema on the global stage. Welcome back, Desi Girl! Can’t wait for the world to witness your myriad shades of MANDAKINI.”
Rajamouli Hints at Character’s Complex Layers
In his social media post unveiling Mandakini’s first look, SS Rajamouli emphasized the multi-dimensional nature of Priyanka’s character by mentioning “myriad shades,” suggesting that Mandakini is far more complex than the action-packed poster initially reveals. This cryptic description has fans theorizing whether the character has hidden motivations, dual identities, or undergoes a significant transformation throughout the narrative.
The visual presentation blends traditional Indian aesthetics with global cinematic sensibility, a hallmark of Rajamouli’s storytelling that previously captivated worldwide audiences with RRR and the Baahubali franchise. The juxtaposition of a saree-clad woman wielding modern weaponry against ancient ruins creates a visual metaphor that bridges India’s cultural heritage with contemporary action cinema.
Fan Frenzy and Social Media Explosion
The first look poster instantly went viral across social media platforms, with fans expressing overwhelming excitement about Priyanka’s return to Indian cinema. One enthusiastic user commented, “The best way to introduce Priyanka as Mandakini,” while another declared, “The Queen is back! The poster is just a glimpse; the real blast will happen now.” The post garnered millions of impressions within hours, trending across multiple platforms.
Industry observers note that the timing of the reveal just days before the grand launch event has strategically maximized anticipation. The poster’s powerful imagery has dispelled any doubts about whether Priyanka’s role would be merely decorative, clearly establishing Mandakini as a commanding presence who will drive the narrative forward alongside the male leads.
Star-Studded Cast: Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran
Globetrotter features an ensemble cast headlined by South superstar Mahesh Babu, who plays a “tough explorer” embarking on a dangerous mission through uncharted lands. His first look, unveiled on his 50th birthday, showed a rugged chest adorned with a rudraksh mala featuring a trishul and Nandi pendant, immediately sparking fan theories about the film’s mythic undertones and spiritual dimensions.
Malayalam cinema’s acclaimed actor Prithviraj Sukumaran plays the antagonist Kumbha, described by Rajamouli as “sinister, ruthless, and powerful.” His first look depicted him in a menacing all-black outfit seated on a high-tech wheelchair, with the actor himself calling it “the most complex mind I have ever played.” After canning Prithviraj’s first shot, Rajamouli reportedly told him, “You are one of the finest actors I’ve ever known,” praising the creative satisfaction of bringing the villainous character to life.
India’s Most Ambitious Film: $116 Million Budget
Globetrotter is shaping up to be one of the most expensive films ever made in India, with a staggering budget of approximately $116 million. The massive-scale production draws inspiration from classic adventure sagas like Indiana Jones, following a rugged explorer on a high-stakes quest across mysterious terrains, battling nature, secrets, and powerful enemies to uncover a legend that could change the world.
The film’s concept reportedly draws from African exploration adventures, with production beginning in Hyderabad before moving to Odisha and then Africa. This ambitious shooting schedule promises breathtaking landscapes and edge-of-the-seat action sequences filmed across multiple continents. The global scale of production aligns with Rajamouli’s vision of creating Indian cinema that resonates worldwide, following the international success of RRR, which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
Priyanka’s “Life-Changing” Journey: Learning Telugu
In a recent statement, Priyanka Chopra described her involvement in Globetrotter as marking a “new era” in her career and called the experience “life-changing.” The actress is currently learning Telugu to authentically portray her character, demonstrating her commitment to the project despite having spent years primarily working in English-language Hollywood productions.
This marks Priyanka’s first major Indian film collaboration since establishing herself as a global star through her American television series Quantico and Hollywood films including Baywatch, Isn’t It Romantic, and The Matrix Resurrections. Her casting represents a homecoming moment that bridges her international stardom with Indian storytelling traditions, bringing global credibility to an already ambitious project.
November 15 Mega Event: Title and Teaser Reveal
The makers have planned a spectacular launch event on November 15, 2025, at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad, where the official title and first glimpse of Globetrotter will be unveiled. The event will be live-streamed globally on JioHotstar starting at 6 PM IST, allowing fans worldwide to participate in this cinematic celebration.
According to sources close to the production, Rajamouli has planned multiple surprises for the launch, with rumors suggesting he might shock audiences by announcing the film’s release date despite it being just a title reveal event. Industry insiders also hint that a trailer or extended teaser could be unveiled, given that a significant chunk of filming has already been completed.
Spectacular Performances and Musical Extravaganza
The November 15 event promises to be more than just a poster launch, featuring electrifying live performances. Priyanka Chopra will perform at the event alongside acclaimed singer Shruti Haasan, who has lent her voice to the film’s theme song. The glimpse will be revealed on a massive 100-foot LED screen, creating an immersive experience for attendees and live stream viewers alike.
Music for Globetrotter is composed by the legendary MM Keeravani, who won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for “Naatu Naatu” from RRR. His involvement adds another layer of prestige to the project, promising a soundtrack that could achieve similar global recognition.
Release Plans and Title Speculation
While the makers have not officially announced a release date, there is widespread speculation within film circles that this information might be revealed at the November 15 event. Some industry sources claim the film might be released in two parts, given its epic scale and ambitious storyline, though this remains unconfirmed.
There is also speculation about the film’s final title, with some claiming “Varanasi” could be the official name rather than the working title Globetrotter. The project is currently known as SSMB29 (Superstar Mahesh Babu’s 29th film), and the actual title will only be confirmed at the upcoming launch event. Given Rajamouli’s penchant for grand reveals and strategic marketing, the title itself is expected to carry significant meaning related to the film’s theme.
A Cinematic Event That Bridges Two Worlds
Priyanka Chopra’s casting in Globetrotter represents more than just a comeback it symbolizes the evolution of Indian cinema as a global force. Her fierce first look as Mandakini has set expectations sky-high for a film that promises to be more than entertainment; it’s being positioned as a cinematic event that will explode onto the world stage.
With SS Rajamouli’s proven track record of creating pan-Indian blockbusters that resonate internationally, Mahesh Babu’s massive fanbase across South India, Prithviraj Sukumaran’s critically acclaimed performances, and Priyanka’s global star power, Globetrotter has all the ingredients to become a watershed moment in Indian cinema. The countdown to November 15 has begun, and audiences worldwide are eagerly waiting to witness what promises to be an unforgettable spectacle.
