An untitled film, helmed by star filmmaker SS Rajamouli, is generating considerable buzz for its massive scale, star-studded cast, and record-breaking budget. Reportedly featuring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Prithviraj Sukumaran, the film is said to have a budget exceeding ₹1,300 crore.

The film, currently referred to as Varanasi, is already being touted as one of the most ambitious Indian projects ever undertaken. Rajamouli conceived the film as a globetrotting adventure deeply rooted in Indian cultural themes, drawing inspiration from classic adventure cinema. Initial discussions for a collaboration with Mahesh Babu began in 2010, but the project materialized only after the completion of RRR (2022). The film was formally launched with a puja in January 2025, and principal photography commenced the following month in Hyderabad.

Varanasi has already created history, even before its release. The film is set to become the first Indian movie and only the fifth film in the world to be shot in Antarctica. The team is expected to travel to Antarctica in the last week of February, marking a historic milestone for Indian cinema.

According to reports, Priyanka Chopra has been signed on for a fee in the range of ₹25–30 crore. Mahesh Babu and SS Rajamouli have reportedly chosen not to take any upfront remuneration for the film, opting instead for a profit-sharing model.

The film is produced by Sri Durga Arts and Showing Business. M. M. Keeravani is composing the music, P. S. Vinod is the cinematographer, and V. Srinivas Mohan is handling the visual effects. Varanasi is scheduled for a grand worldwide theatrical release on April 7, 2027, coinciding with the festival of Ugadi. The release was initially planned for January 2027 but was pushed to avoid a major box office clash.