Mahesh Babu New Film Varanashi To The World: South cinema’s mastermind, director S.S. Rajamouli, is ready to deliver another big hit after his previous blockbuster, “RRR!” The wait for the film, which has been in the news for years, ended on Saturday, November 15th, at Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad. At a grand event packed with fans, Rajamouli announced the title of his much-awaited film—and it’s “Varanasi”! The film’s superstars, Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Prithviraj Sukumaran, were also present at the grand “Globetrotter” event. The crowd of over 50,000 fans made the announcement a festive affair.
And now she arrives…
Meet MANDAKINI 💥💥💥@priyankachopra#GlobeTrotter @ssrajamouli @PrithviOfficial @mmkeeravaani @SriDurgaArts @SBbySSK @thetrilight @tseries pic.twitter.com/8XhqsdFL1R— Mahesh Babu (@urstrulyMahesh) November 12, 2025
A Confluence of Superstars – Rudra, Mandakini, and Kumbha
This is the first time Mahesh Babu and Rajamouli are working together. Mahesh Babu will play the lead role of “Rudra” in the film. He said it’s a “dream project” for him and that the entire nation will be proud of it. Meanwhile, global icon Priyanka Chopra Jonas is making a grand comeback to Indian cinema after 2021’s “The Sky Is Pink.” Her poster was also released, featuring her in the powerful role of “Mandakini” in a yellow saree, holding a pistol. Prithviraj Sukumaran, who plays the villain “Kumbha,” also stated that this is the most challenging role of his career.
Teaser Drives Fans Crazy
The film’s working title was originally “SSMB29,” but it has now officially become “Varanasi.” The teaser showed Mahesh Babu, covered in blood and carrying a trident, charging through the ancient temples of Kashi/Varanasi, riding a giant Nandi bull. The teaser made it clear that this film will not be just an action film, but a global adventure filled with elements of mythology and time-travel.
Ramayana Connection and Budget
The film will be released in theaters worldwide during the festival of Sankranti in January 2027. Rajamouli himself revealed that the film features a sequence inspired by a key episode from the Ramayana. Praising Mahesh Babu, he said, “Mahesh has the charm of Krishna, but also the calmness of Rama. When he did a photoshoot dressed as Lord Rama, I got goosebumps.” According to Rajamouli’s father and writer Vijayendra Prasad, the film features a 30-minute-long action sequence. The film’s music was composed by Oscar-winning M.M. Keeravani (of RRR fame).
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The film was shot in Kenya, Hyderabad, and Odisha. According to some reports (such as the Kenyan portal The Star), the film’s budget could be $135 million (approximately ₹1188 crore), making it one of India’s most expensive films. This film is set to set a new benchmark for Indian cinema. It will be really exciting to see what wonders this trio of Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra and Rajamouli will show on Sankranti of 2027!
