SS Rajamouli is one of the global filmmakers in India and a visionary behind RRR and Baahubali. Now, he has lifted the curtain on his next project – Varanasi movie SS Rajamouli. Moreover, the announcement has instantly become one of the most-talked-about moments in Indian cinema, especially across the UAE, where Rajamouli has a massive fanbase.
The film is expected to redefine the global standing of Indian cinema global standing due to its star-studded cast, IMAX-first filmmaking, and a storyline rooted in mythology and time-travel
What Makes Varanasi a Landmark SS Rajamouli Film?
Rajamouli has always pushed cinematic boundaries. However, he has entered the new league with the Varanasi movie, as the film is being made entirely for IMAX. However, it is one of the most demanding formats in the world. Yet, the format needs extreme clarity, flawless composition, and unmatched visual precision.
According to the director, Varanasi is spread over thousands of years and includes sequences inspired by the epic Ramayana. Moreover, the director revealed that one major section is based on a divine and memorable episode that he has dreamt of creating since childhood.
A Star-Studded Cast Ready for a Global Audience
The Varanasi movie SS Rajamouli collaboration brings some of the biggest names of Indian cinema. Below are the names of those actors:
- Mahesh Babu as Rudhra
- Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Mandakini
- Prithviraj Sukumaran as Kumbha (antagonist)
Mahesh Babu made a dramatic entrance during the launch event. Moreover, he arrived stop a mechanical white bull. Hence, it mirrors his first-look poster, where he appears as a fierce warrior riding a bull with a trident in hand.
On the other side, Priyanka Chopra Jonas is making a comeback after major Hollywood projects. She called Rajamouli, “The visionary who took Indian cinema global”. Moreover, Prithviraj Sukumaran added that this project shows the biggest of Indian cinema pushing ambition to new limits.
Verified Details From Official Launch Event
The title reveal at Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad, drew over 50,000 fans who chanted Mahesh Babu’s name so loudly that it shook the venue. Take a look at the key details of this project:
- Title: Varanasi
- Format: Shot extensively for IMAX
- Genre: Mythology + Time-travel adventure
- Cast: Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Prithviraj Sukumaran
- Music: M.M. Keeravani (Oscar winner for Naatu Naatu)
- Produced by: Sri Durga Arts & Showing Business
- Global Release: Summer 2027 (expected March 17)
Keeravani performed the song Sanchaari live at the event to create massive hype. Moreover, the team confirmed that many sequences have already been shot in full IMAX format. However, some footage was showcased on a gigantic 100-foot LED screen during the launch.
Why Varanasi movie SS Rajamouli Challenges Like Never Before
The film has become the second film of India for a full-IMAX project after Nitish Tiwari’s Ramayana (2026) starring Ranbir Kapoor. Since the Ramayana’s release earlier, it will set a new benchmark. So, all eyes are on Rajamouli to exceed that standard.
IMAX projects magnify even minor mistakes. So, it makes VFX, lighting, and action choreography incredibly challenging. Therefore, Rajamouli confirmed the pressure by saying, “Every day was a challenge. Each sub-episode needed new planning and fresh thinking.”
Impact on Global & UAE Audiences
The previous film of Rajamouli, especially RRR, has a massive popularity among the UAE’s Indian, Filipino, and Arab audiences. So, Varanasi is expected to receive a record-breaking IMAX release in the Middle East.
The spiritual theme, mythological layers, and universal appeal of the movie make it a strong candidate for the global box office reception. However, you need to wait for it for about 1.5 years.
Read more:
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