Prithviraj Sukumaran is opening up about the unique challenges of playing Kumbha, the antagonist in SS Rajamouli's upcoming film Varanasi. Set to release on April 7, 2027, the film also stars Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra.

In a recent interview, Prithviraj discussed the complexities of portraying Kumbha, a character bound to a wheelchair. This physical limitation required him to rely heavily on facial expressions and eye movements to convey the character's emotions. "Everything you have at your disposal is concentrated on your face," Prithviraj explained. "What you need to convey must come through your face and eyes". He noted that actors often subconsciously use their entire body to communicate, but in this role, everything had to be expressed through his face.

Prithviraj described Kumbha as a layered character, stating that "None of Kumbha's emotions is one-dimensional". He emphasized that the character's past shapes every line and action, adding depth and subtext to the role. This complexity is what made the character so compelling and exciting for him to play. Prithviraj termed Kumbha as one of the most complex characters that director S.S. Rajamouli has conceived.

According to Prithviraj, the wheelchair is not just a prop, but "an extension of how Kumbha's mind works". He described Kumbha as a "very dangerous man who is just physically incapacitated," with a mind that "works in very, very unpredictable, dangerous ways".

The actor also expressed his admiration for director SS Rajamouli's clear vision and the clutter-free creative environment on set. He felt privileged to work with a director so focused on how each character should appear on screen, calling it a blessing for an actor.

Varanasi has been conceived as a globetrotting adventure rooted in Indian cultural themes. Initial discussions between Rajamouli and Mahesh Babu for a collaboration began in 2010, but the project only materialized after the completion of RRR (2022). The film was officially launched in January 2025, with principal photography commencing the following month. Filming has taken place extensively in Hyderabad, as well as in Odisha and Kenya.

With a budget of ₹1,300 crore (approximately $150 million), Varanasi is set to be one of the most expensive Indian films ever made. The film features music by M. M. Keeravani, cinematography by P. S. Vinod, and visual effects by V. Srinivas Mohan. Varanasi is scheduled to be released theatrically on April 7, 2027, coinciding with the festival of Ugadi. The film is the first Indian film, and the first non-English film, to be shot in the 1.43:1 IMAX format.

The film follows the adventures of Rudhra (Mahesh Babu) when the city of Varanasi is hit by an asteroid. The narrative spans across several timelines and continents. Priyanka Chopra plays Mandakini, a mysterious thief. Rajamouli has confirmed that Varanasi will be a standalone film and will not have a sequel.