Key Points
- SS Rajamouli unveiled ‘Varanasi’ title and first look at a massive event attended by over 50,000 fans at Ramoji Film City on November 15, 2025.
- Mahesh Babu’s character ‘Rudhra’ showcased in teaser, riding a mechanical bull on stage mirroring his on-screen avatar wielding a trishul.
- Priyanka Chopra marks her return to Indian cinema after ‘The Sky Is Pink’ (2019), wearing a stunning white lehenga and greeting fans in Telugu.
- Prithviraj Sukumaran plays the menacing villain ‘Kumbha,’ featured in a wheelchair with robotic arms and legs.
- Film follows an archaeologist inspired by Indian mythology on a global adventure through Amazon jungles and African regions, blending action, mystery, and mythology.
- Technical glitches delayed teaser screening at the event; Rajamouli apologized, citing concerns about leak prevention from drones flying over the venue.
- Film’s budget estimated at ₹1200 crore, targeting 2027 summer release, with nearly 100 days of shooting already completed.
Hyderabad: In one of the grandest reveals in Indian cinema history, SS Rajamouli unveiled the title and first glimpse of his ambitious project ‘Varanasi’ at Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad, on November 15, 2025. The event, dubbed ‘GlobeTrotter,’ witnessed an unprecedented turnout of over 50,000 fans and was livestreamed exclusively on JioHotstar. The massive setup required more than 45 generators to power the colossal LED screens and technical equipment, showcasing the scale of Rajamouli’s vision.
The event featured the lead cast, Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran, alongside the director and production team. The atmosphere was electric as fans erupted in thunderous applause when the stars took the stage.
Mahesh Babu’s Powerful Rudhra Avatar Steals the Show
Mahesh Babu made a spectacular entry at the event, riding a mechanical bull on stage, mirroring his character introduction in the teaser. His character, named ‘Rudhra,’ is depicted as a powerful, intense, and mysterious figure wielding a trishul (trident) and riding a bull, evoking strong mythological symbolism. The first look suggests Rudhra is an archaeologist inspired by Indian mythology who embarks on a globe-trotting adventure through the lush jungles of the Amazon and parts of Africa.
The teaser showcased mysterious glimpses of Rudhra alongside divine imagery of Hanuman and Shri Ram, further heightening audience curiosity about the film’s mythological connections. Unlike Rajamouli’s previous epics like ‘Baahubali’ and ‘RRR,’ ‘Varanasi’ is set to blend action, mystery, and mythology with a jungle exploration theme, marking a fresh narrative direction for the acclaimed filmmaker.
Priyanka Chopra’s Grand Return to Indian Cinema
Priyanka Chopra’s presence at the event added international glamour to the proceedings. The global icon, who resides in the United States with husband Nick Jonas and daughter Malti Marie, flew down specifically for the launch. Dressed in an elegant white lehenga draped as a half-saree and adorned with traditional jewelry, she embraced her character’s period drama aesthetic.
The anchor introduced Priyanka by highlighting her dual success in Hollywood and Bollywood, emphasizing how honored the makers were to have her on board. Priyanka greeted the Telugu-speaking audience in their native language, winning hearts and demonstrating her commitment to the project. This marks her first Indian film since ‘The Sky Is Pink’ in 2019, making ‘Varanasi’ a significant milestone in her career.
Prithviraj Sukumaran’s Menacing Villain ‘Kumbha’
Prithviraj Sukumaran plays the formidable antagonist ‘Kumbha’ in the film. His character was revealed earlier in November 2025, showing him in a wheelchair equipped with robotic arms and legs, creating an image of physical vulnerability combined with terrifying authority. The mechanical parts and dark aesthetic suggest a character who blends mythology with advanced technology, making him a sophisticated and formidable adversary.
SS Rajamouli praised Prithviraj as “one of the finest actors” he has worked with, stating that bringing Kumbha to life “was creatively very satisfying”. The character’s unique look has drawn comparisons to iconic villains from global cinema, generating substantial buzz online. Mahesh Babu himself shared Kumbha’s first look with the caption, “Stood on the other side… time to meet you head-on KUMBHA”.
Technical Glitch and Rajamouli’s Apology
Despite meticulous planning, the teaser could not be played on the massive LED screen at the scheduled time due to technical difficulties. Director SS Rajamouli apologized to the 50,000 attendees, explaining that the team had deliberately avoided testing the preview on screen beforehand due to concerns about leaks from drones flying over the venue. He stated, “Yesterday night we did not test the glimpse on this screen because a drone was flying here, trying to leak our one-year-long hard work”.
Rajamouli added that the ambitious setup, featuring the best LED panels, required extensive technical coordination that couldn’t be fully tested without risking unauthorized filming. Despite the delay, fans remained enthusiastic, understanding the team’s commitment to protecting their creative work.
The Story: Mythology Meets Global Adventure
While no official plot details have been released, the teaser and event revelations suggest ‘Varanasi’ will follow an archaeologist inspired by Indian mythology on a global adventure. The narrative reportedly takes audiences through the dense jungles of the Amazon and various locations across Africa, blending elements of action, mystery, and mythology. This marks a departure from Rajamouli’s previous period epics, introducing a contemporary jungle exploration theme with mythological underpinnings.
The glimpses of Hanuman and Shri Ram in the teaser indicate that Hindu mythology will play a central role in the narrative, possibly connecting ancient Indian legends with modern-day archaeological discoveries.
Production Scale and Release Plans
With an estimated budget of ₹1200 crore, ‘Varanasi’ is poised to be SS Rajamouli’s most ambitious project to date. The film has already completed nearly 100 days of shooting, indicating significant progress in production. The movie is being produced by KL Narayana under the banner Durga Arts, with music composed by the legendary MM Keeravani, Rajamouli’s frequent collaborator.
The makers are targeting a 2027 summer release, positioning ‘Varanasi’ as a major theatrical event. Given Rajamouli’s track record with ‘Baahubali’ and ‘RRR’—the latter having won an Oscar and taken Indian cinema to global heights expectations for ‘Varanasi’ are sky-high.
Rajamouli’s Legacy and Fan Expectations
SS Rajamouli has established himself as one of Indian cinema’s most visionary filmmakers, known for impressive sets, grand visuals, and compelling storytelling. His ‘Baahubali’ franchise redefined Indian cinema’s potential, while ‘RRR’ swept international awards, including the Oscars, cementing his reputation in Hollywood. Fans’ anticipation for ‘Varanasi’ is at an all-time high, with many wondering if Rajamouli will replicate his magic with this globe-trotting mythological adventure.
The grand launch event itself demonstrated the filmmaker’s commitment to creating memorable experiences both on and off screen. As the teaser and further promotional materials are released in the coming months, the excitement surrounding ‘Varanasi’ is only expected to intensify.
