Key moments
S.S. Rajamouli, the acclaimed Indian filmmaker, is set to unveil his latest cinematic venture, Varanasi, on April 7, 2027. Known for his previous blockbusters such as Baahubali: The Beginning (2015), Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (2017), and RRR (2022), Rajamouli has established himself as the highest-grossing Indian film director of all time, with his films earning over 40 billion rupees.
The film Varanasi boasts a substantial budget of $100 million and is notable for being the first Telugu film presented in Cinemascope while utilizing a premium large-scale IMAX format. This ambitious project spans multiple timelines, including significant historical periods from 7200 BCE to 2071, promising a narrative that intertwines various epochs and global catastrophes.
The set of Varanasi is a meticulously crafted recreation of the city, scaled down by approximately 30%. Among its highlights is the Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple, which has been recreated using detailed reference images to ensure authenticity. The set measures 700 feet in width and 400 feet in length, providing a grand backdrop for the film’s expansive story.
Filming of Varanasi involved a minimum of 500 extras, contributing to the film’s epic scale. The trailer for the film took a full year to complete, reflecting the meticulous attention to detail that Rajamouli is known for. As the release date approaches, anticipation continues to build among fans and industry insiders alike.
Rajamouli’s father, V. Vijayendra Prasad, has also contributed to the film’s writing, ensuring that the narrative is rich and engaging. The film’s storyline promises to weave through significant events, including asteroid threats and a race against time to prevent global destruction.
Initial reactions to Varanasi have been enthusiastic. One source remarked, “If RRR was a breakthrough moment that introduced global audiences to the possibilities of Indian cinema, Varanasi feels like the next evolution: bigger, bolder, and even more ambitious.” Priyanka Chopra Jonas, one of the film’s stars, commented on the unique storytelling approach, stating, “It’s not like you’re sitting in a machine and going into — it’s not Back to the Future.”
As the film gears up for its premiere, Rajamouli’s invitation resonates beyond India, as he aims to attract a global audience. A statement from an insider highlighted, “When Rajamouli says, ‘See you all at the movies,’ he’s not just inviting India, he’s inviting the world.” With its innovative techniques and expansive narrative, Varanasi is poised to make a significant impact on the cinematic landscape.
