Reports indicate that the release date for SS Rajamouli's highly anticipated film, "Varanasi," starring Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra, may be announced soon. According to 123Telugu, the makers are considering April 9, 2027, coinciding with Ram Navami on April 15, as a potential release date.
"Varanasi" has generated considerable buzz, and the unveiling of its first teaser at the GlobeTrotter event in Hyderabad in November 2025 heightened anticipation. The teaser was also screened at Le Grand Rex theatre in Paris on January 5, marking the first time an Indian teaser was launched at the iconic venue.
The film, an epic Telugu sci-fi action-adventure, is written by V. Vijayendra Prasad, who co-wrote the screenplay with S. S. Rajamouli. The movie boasts a star-studded cast, including Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran in lead roles. This film marks Priyanka Chopra's return to Indian cinema after eight years.
Speculation around the film's massive budget was fueled when Priyanka Chopra appeared on "The Great Indian Kapil Show" in December 2025. While she didn't disclose her salary, she seemingly confirmed the ₹1300 crore budget, which makes "Varanasi" one of the most expensive Indian films ever made.
Rajamouli conceived "Varanasi" as a globetrotting adventure deeply rooted in Indian cultural themes, drawing inspiration from classic adventure cinema. Initial talks with Mahesh Babu began in 2010, but the project only materialized after "RRR" (2022). The film was officially launched with a puja in January 2025, and principal photography commenced the following month in Hyderabad. Filming and production have since taken place in Tanzania, Kenya, and Odisha.
A pre-look poster was released on August 9, 2025, coinciding with Babu's 50th birthday, revealing the first look would be launched in November 2025. The title and first concept reel were launched at "The Globetrotter Event" on November 15, 2025, which was streamed live on JioHotstar in India and Variety's YouTube channel internationally.
Rajamouli has stated that "Varanasi's" story spans thousands of years, moving from ancient eras to the present day, with one sequence inspired by a chapter from the "Ramayana". He believes the film will be a landmark in his career and in Mahesh Babu's filmography.
The film has music by M. M. Keeravani, production design by Mohan Bingi, cinematography by P. S. Vinod, editing by Bikkina Thammiraju, and visual effects by V. Srinivas Mohan. "Varanasi" is also the first Indian film to be shot in 1.43:1 IMAX format. A summer 2027 release is expected.
