The excitement surrounding S.S. Rajamouli's upcoming film, "Varanasi," reached a fever pitch following the release of its first look at a grand event in Hyderabad on November 15, 2025. Among the many voices praising the film's visuals and scale, one stood out: Nick Jonas, husband of actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who plays a lead role in the movie.
Jonas took to social media to express his admiration for his wife and the film. Reacting to the first look of Priyanka as Mandakini, a character seen wielding a gun while wearing a saree in an explosive setting, Jonas commented "Incredible!". He further lauded the film itself, predicting it would be "incredible". He also called her "breathtaking" and "my desi girl," while wishing the film's team success.
"Varanasi" marks Priyanka Chopra's return to Indian cinema after a hiatus filled with Hollywood projects. At the Hyderabad event, dressed in a dazzling white ensemble, she expressed her happiness to be back in India, making a film in her "beloved India". She also acknowledged director S.S. Rajamouli's vision, thanking him for choosing her as Mandakini, and praised the cast and crew. "Rajamouli sir, all I'll say is you are truly the visionary that has brought Indian cinema to the globe like no one else has before," she said.
The film, which has been in development for several years and was previously known as "Globe Trotter" or SSMB29, is touted as a globetrotting action-adventure rooted in Hindu mythology. Rajamouli revealed that one major sequence is inspired by an important episode from the Ramayana. The teaser showcased striking shots across time and space, beginning in Varanasi in 512 CE and transitioning to an asteroid descending to Earth in 2027, with glimpses of Antarctica and Africa.
"Varanasi" boasts a star-studded cast, including Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu, who is collaborating with Rajamouli for the first time. Babu's first look as Rudhra, a blood-streaked warrior riding a mechanical white bull and wielding a trident, was also revealed at the event, mirroring his ferocious on-screen appearance. Prithviraj Sukumaran plays the antagonist, Kumbha, described as "sinister and ruthless".
The scale of "Varanasi" is ambitious, with an estimated budget of ₹1,000–1,200 crore (US$120 million), making it potentially the most expensive Indian film ever. Rajamouli is filming the movie for IMAX, making it only the second Indian film to be shot completely for the format. The film is slated for a 2027 release in both standard and IMAX theaters.
The launch event in Hyderabad was a massive affair, attended by over 50,000 fans. Rajamouli apologized for a delay due to concerns about leaks, highlighting the immense anticipation surrounding the project.
With its blend of mythology, action, and a stellar cast, "Varanasi" is already generating significant buzz. Nick Jonas's praise adds to the excitement, suggesting that the film has the potential to captivate audiences worldwide.
