Priyanka Chopra is heading back to India to resume filming for SS Rajamouli's highly anticipated Telugu film, Varanasi, alongside Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran. The actress shared a "no-makeup" selfie on her Instagram Story, captioning it "And she's off... I'll see you soon, Hyderabad".

Varanasi marks Chopra's return to Indian cinema, where she will be playing the role of Mandakini. Her first look was revealed in November 2025, depicting her in a yellow saree and wielding a gun.

The film is directed by S. S. Rajamouli, who co-wrote it with V. Vijayendra Prasad. Varanasi is produced by Sri Durga Arts and Showing Business. Initial discussions between Rajamouli and Mahesh Babu began in 2010, but the project only materialized after Rajamouli completed RRR in 2022. The film was officially launched with a puja ceremony in January 2025, and principal photography began the following month in Hyderabad. Filming has also taken place in New York, Kashi Ghat, and Kolkata.

Rajamouli has described Varanasi as a globetrotting adventure rooted in Indian culture, drawing inspiration from classic adventure cinema.

Varanasi is reportedly being made on a budget of ₹1300 crore (over $150 million), making it one of the most expensive Indian films ever produced. The film's music is composed by M. M. Keeravani, with production design by Mohan Bingi, cinematography by P. S. Vinod, editing by Bikkina Thammiraju, and visual effects by V. Srinivas Mohan.

The film is slated for a theatrical release in 2027, possibly coinciding with Ram Navami on April 9, 2027. Varanasi is the first Indian film and the first non-English film to be shot in the 1.43:1 IMAX format.

In other news, prior to her travels, Mahesh Babu praised Chopra's performance in The Bluff trailer, calling her "uncompromising and formidable," to which Chopra responded with "Thank you my Dost". SS Rajamouli has also lauded Priyanka Chopra's performance in the trailer for The Bluff.

An update regarding Varanasi is expected to be revealed on March 26, 2026.