BREAKING: SS Rajamouli-Mahesh Babu Epic Officially Titled ‘Varanasi’—First Look, Cast, and IMAX Plan Revealed
SS Rajamouli Unveils ‘Varanasi’: A Global Time-Travel Epic Starring Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra Jonas
Filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli, the visionary behind global blockbusters like Baahubali and RRR, has officially lifted the veil on his most ambitious project yet. The highly-anticipated film, tentatively known as SSMB29 or Globetrotter, has been formally titled ‘Varanasi’. The title announcement, alongside the unveiling of the stellar main cast and the first look of Superstar Mahesh Babu’s character, took place at a colossal fan event in Hyderabad, setting the stage for what is expected to be a groundbreaking cinematic experience set for a 2027 release.
The “Globetrotter” event, held at Ramoji Film City (RFC) in Hyderabad on November 15, 2025, was nothing short of a spectacle, drawing an estimated crowd of over 50,000 frenzied fans. The makers put all prior speculation to rest by confirming the film’s evocative title, Varanasi, which borrows its name from the ancient Indian city considered the spiritual heart of Hinduism. The excitement surrounding the project reached a fever pitch as Rajamouli and the star cast provided a glimpse into the epic scale and mythological depth of this upcoming global adventure.
A Star-Studded Global Ensemble
The event served to confirm one of the most exciting cast combinations in recent Indian cinema history. Headlining the project is Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu, whose character was officially introduced as Rudhra. The first look showcased the actor in a rugged, intense new avatar, a commanding figure wielding a trishul (trident) while riding a charging bull, hinting at a powerful, mythic persona that aligns with the film’s mythological undertones.
Joining him is global icon Priyanka Chopra Jonas, making a highly-anticipated return to Indian cinema. She has been cast in the role of Mandakini, a ‘femme fatale’ character. Her poster was also revealed, showing her in a mustard sari with a pistol in hand, balancing on a cliff edge, further solidifying the film’s high-octane adventure theme. Finally, Malayalam star Prithviraj Sukumaran rounds out the primary cast, set to portray the film’s supervillain, Kumbha.
Prithviraj, at the event, revealed his mesmerization after hearing only five minutes of Rajamouli’s famous narration style. He praised the director’s vision, calling it “Indian cinema’s biggest brand pushing boundaries again,” and stated that listening to the three-hour narration felt like a “little boy who has laid his hands on the next edition of his favourite comic book.”
Time-Travel, Mythology, and the ₹1,188 Crore Vision
Varanasi is described as a visually rich time-travel adventure epic that spans thousands of years, moving fluidly between ancient eras and modern times. The film’s narrative is heavily inspired by Indian mythology, with Rajamouli himself confirming that a major sequence in the movie draws directly from a key episode of the sacred epic Ramayana.
The story is said to follow Mahesh Babu’s character, Rudhra, who is touted as an explorer, archaeologist, and time traveler. Early reports suggest the character is inspired by a blend of African folklore and classic adventure figures like Indiana Jones, with the storyline featuring a global adventure that traverses continents, including the lush jungles of the Amazon and parts of Africa. The ambitious scope and challenging production were highlighted by Rajamouli, who revealed that the team has already completed 60 days of shooting, calling the project one of the most challenging of his career.
Adding to the film’s grandeur is its staggering scale and budget. According to reports, Varanasi is being mounted with an estimated budget of $135 million (approximately ₹1,188 crore), positioning it as one of the most expensive and ambitious films ever produced in India. Furthermore, the film’s writer, K.V. Vijayendra Prasad, hinted at a terrifying 30-minute sequence within the film that will feature powerful action and an attractive depiction of Lord Rama’s attire, promising a unique spectacle for audiences.
The IMAX Revolution: ‘Filmed for IMAX’
One of the most significant and technically groundbreaking announcements made at the event concerned the film’s format. Rajamouli proudly declared that Varanasi will be the first Indian film to be ‘filmed for IMAX’.
Addressing the technical aspects, the director differentiated this from films that are simply ‘blown up’ for IMAX release, explaining that the latter does not represent true IMAX. Rajamouli, whose previous blockbusters Baahubali and RRR were in the 1:1.9 format, confirmed that Varanasi would utilize the full screen, leveraging new technology to deliver a premium large-scale format experience. This commitment to superior cinematic technology underscores Rajamouli’s determination to push the boundaries of Indian filmmaking and provide a truly immersive global theatrical experience, with the movie being projected for an IMAX exhibition.
A Glimpse of Heartbreak Amidst the Hype
Despite the overwhelming success of the title and first-look launch, the event was marred by a technical leak that frustrated the veteran filmmaker. Rajamouli revealed his disappointment over a glimpse of the movie’s visuals being leaked hours before the official launch. He stated he was “angry and heartbroken” after the footage, intended for testing on the massive 110-by-130-foot screen, was captured by a drone and circulated online. This premature revelation disrupted the planned impact of the official unveiling, showing the constant challenges of maintaining secrecy on a film of this magnitude.
The Road to 2027
With the title and primary cast now officially confirmed, the journey to the film’s release is set. Varanasi is currently planned for a massive worldwide theatrical release on the auspicious occasion of Sankranti in January 2027, or potentially in the Summer of 2027, in multiple languages. Produced by Sri Durga Arts with K.L. Narayana and S.S. Karthikeya as producers, this magnum opus is poised to be the next global cinematic milestone from the mind of S.S. Rajamouli, cementing his status as a visionary director who continuously redefines the scale of Indian cinema.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the official title of SS Rajamouli and Mahesh Babu’s film (SSMB29)?
A: The official title of the film, previously known as SSMB29 or Globetrotter, is ‘Varanasi’.
Q2: Who are the confirmed lead actors in the Varanasi movie?
A: The confirmed lead cast includes Mahesh Babu as the protagonist Rudhra, Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Mandakini, and Prithviraj Sukumaran as the antagonist Kumbha.
Q3: What is the genre and plot detail of Varanasi?
A: Varanasi is described as a massive, visually rich, globe-trotting time-travel adventure epic. Its storyline spans millennia, blending ancient eras and modern times, and is heavily inspired by Hindu mythology, with a key sequence drawing from the Ramayana. Mahesh Babu plays an explorer/time traveler named Rudhra.
Q4: When is the Varanasi film expected to be released?
A: The film is planned for a worldwide theatrical release on the occasion of Sankranti in January 2027, or Summer 2027.
Q5: What is the technical innovation of Varanasi announced by SS Rajamouli?
A: S.S. Rajamouli announced that Varanasi will be the first Indian film to be ‘filmed for IMAX’, meaning it will utilize the full IMAX screen aspect ratio, as opposed to simply being ‘blown up’ for IMAX release.
Q6: What is the estimated budget for Varanasi?
A: Reports suggest the film is being made on a colossal budget, estimated to be around $135 million (approximately ₹1,188 crore).
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