The highly anticipated teaser for SS Rajamouli's next magnum opus, "Varanasi," has taken the internet by storm, and veteran actor Nagarjuna is among the many celebrities expressing their awe and excitement. The film, which stars Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Prithviraj Sukumaran, is slated for a worldwide release in January 2027 and promises to be a visual spectacle blending Hindu mythology with a time-travel adventure.
Nagarjuna, known for his roles in Telugu cinema and Bollywood, reportedly shared his immediate reaction to the teaser, stating he was "lost for words" after witnessing Rajamouli's vision unfold. While direct quotes from Nagarjuna about the "Varanasi" teaser weren't available, his past admiration for Rajamouli's work, particularly "Baahubali," suggests his high regard for the director's storytelling and cinematic prowess.
The "Varanasi" teaser, launched at a grand event in Hyderabad's Ramoji Film City in front of an estimated 50,000 fans, offers a glimpse into a narrative that spans across time and continents. The film's timeline stretches from Varanasi in 512 CE to 2027 CE, where an asteroid named Shambhavi threatens Earth. The visuals showcase diverse locations such as Antarctica, Africa, and a brief depiction of Hanuman in Lanka from 72000 BCE, creating a visually stunning and geographically expansive cinematic experience.
Mahesh Babu's first look as Rudhra has particularly captured the attention of fans and critics alike. The teaser showcases Babu riding a white bull, wielding a trident, and covered in blood, set against the backdrop of Varanasi's Manikarnika Ghat. This fierce and intense portrayal has generated considerable buzz, with many praising it as one of the best looks of his career. Priyanka Chopra Jonas, returning to Indian cinema after her Hollywood endeavors, appears as Mandakini, a character shown in a poster balancing on a cliff with a pistol in hand. Prithviraj Sukumaran will be playing the antagonist Kumbha.
Rajamouli has revealed that a significant sequence in "Varanasi" draws inspiration from the Ramayana, a Hindu religious epic, adding a layer of mythological depth to the film's narrative. He mentioned that adapting episodes from the epic has been a long-held dream, and writing each scene felt surreal.
The film is produced by Sri Durga Arts and Showing Business, with a scheduled release in IMAX format in January 2027, coinciding with the Sankranti festival. The music is composed by MM Keeravaani, and Shruti Haasan has lent her voice to one of the Telugu tracks, delivering a live performance at the teaser launch event.
"Varanasi" marks Rajamouli's first collaboration with Mahesh Babu and is touted as his most ambitious project to date. The film's massive scale, star-studded cast, and blend of mythology, action, and time travel have set high expectations, with many predicting it will be a significant milestone in Indian cinema.
