Varanasi: Cast, Budget, and Plot Revealed for Mahesh Babu and SS Rajamouli’s Rs 1000 Crore Epic
The Wait is Over: SS Rajamouli and Mahesh Babu Unveil the Epic ‘Varanasi’
After years of feverish anticipation and speculation under the working title ‘SSMB29’ or ‘Globetrotter,’ director S. S. Rajamouli and superstar Mahesh Babu have finally lifted the veil on their monumental collaboration. The film is officially titled ‘Varanasi,’ a name that instantly evokes the spiritual, ancient, and mythic scale of the project, which is poised to redefine the landscape of Indian cinema.
The title reveal, held at a spectacular ‘Globetrotter’ event in Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad, on November 15, 2025, confirmed not just the film’s name, but also its stellar ensemble cast, a jaw-dropping budget, and the first official glimpse into its sprawling, time-travel-infused narrative. This cinematic venture is not just a film; it’s a declared ₹1,000 crore spectacle set to hit IMAX screens worldwide in 2027.
The Stellar Cast of ‘Varanasi’: Rudhra, Mandakini, and Kumbha
The sheer star power assembled for Varanasi signals Rajamouli’s intent to craft a truly global cinematic experience. Headlining the cast is the ‘Prince of Tollywood,’ Mahesh Babu, in his first-ever collaboration with the visionary director.
Mahesh Babu as Rudhra
Mahesh Babu’s character is named Rudhra, a figure that appears to be a ferocious, mythology-tinged warrior. The official first look, which took social media by storm, presented the actor in a never-before-seen avatar: blood-streaked, wielding a Trishul (trident), and riding a majestic, mechanical white bull. Rajamouli himself was quoted saying that Mahesh Babu embodies the calmness of Rama and the charm of Krishna, hinting at a complex and multifaceted hero’s journey.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Mandakini
Marking her much-anticipated return to Indian cinema, global icon Priyanka Chopra Jonas is officially part of the Varanasi cast. She is set to play the character of Mandakini. Her first look was previously unveiled, presenting her as a powerful ‘femme fatale’ in a vibrant yellow saree, promising a strong, pivotal role that drives the epic’s plot.
Prithviraj Sukumaran as Kumbha
Rounding out the main cast is Malayalam superstar Prithviraj Sukumaran, who will be essaying the role of the primary antagonist, Kumbha. Described as a ‘vicious supervillain,’ his character is poised to be a formidable adversary to Rudhra across their globe-trotting and time-trotting adventures. His earlier-released first look showed him fully geared for a confrontation, instantly escalating the hype for the on-screen clash of titans.
Key Cast & Crew:
- Director: S. S. Rajamouli
- Writer: V. Vijayendra Prasad (co-wrote the screenplay with Rajamouli)
- Music Composer: M. M. Keeravani
- Cinematography: P. S. Vinod
- Producers: Sri Durga Arts and Showing Business (KL Narayana, SS Karthikeya)
The ₹1,000 Crore Vision: Plot Details and Production Scale
The title Varanasi is a nod to the ancient city’s deep-rooted connection to Hindu mythology and a powerful cultural anchor for what is essentially a ‘globetrotting action-adventure’ and a ‘time-travel epic.’
Time-Travel, Mythology, and The Ramayana Connection
While the plot details remain largely under wraps, Rajamouli has confirmed the film’s sweeping, time-travel element, with a hashtag ‘TimeTrotter’ accompanying the title reveal. The teaser provided glimpses of an ancient land, Hindu deities like Maa Kali and Hanuman, and scenes from global locations, including Kenya and Africa, suggesting a story that spans millennia and continents.
Crucially, Rajamouli revealed that a major, challenging 60-day sequence in the film is directly inspired by a significant episode from the Hindu epic, the Ramayana. This blend of high-octane action, science fiction, and mythological depth is a signature move for the director of Baahubali and RRR, guaranteeing a narrative rich with emotional and cultural resonance. The story has been developed by Rajamouli, his father V. Vijayendra Prasad, S. S. Kanchi, S. Gopal Reddy, and Deva Katta.
The Action and Budget
The sheer scale of Varanasi is staggering. With an estimated budget of ₹1,000 crore, it is set to become the most expensive Indian film ever made. To ensure the success of this monumental project, both Mahesh Babu and S. S. Rajamouli have reportedly opted for a revenue-sharing model, receiving an advance plus a substantial 40% of the film’s profits as their remuneration.
Furthermore, writer V. Vijayendra Prasad revealed a mind-boggling production detail: the film will feature a thirty-minute-long, uninterrupted action sequence. This sequence, which he praised Mahesh Babu for performing brilliantly even without music or VFX, promises to be one of the cinematic highlights of 2027 and a testament to the film’s ambition.
Release and Anticipation
Varanasi is currently in production, with principal photography having commenced in Hyderabad and later moving to international locations like Kenya and Odisha. The film is slated for a massive global release in 2027, with many reports pinpointing the release for March 25, 2027, in standard and IMAX formats.
The anticipation for Varanasi is monumental. It is the culmination of a long-awaited collaboration between two giants of Indian cinema, promising an adventure that transcends geographical and chronological boundaries. The spectacular title announcement event, which saw the emotional support of Mahesh Babu’s family and a crowd of over 50,000 frenzied fans, was a festival in itself, setting the stage for what is expected to be a global blockbuster.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the official title of Mahesh Babu’s next movie with SS Rajamouli?
The official title of Mahesh Babu’s next movie with SS Rajamouli (previously known as SSMB29 or Globetrotter) is Varanasi.
Q2: Who are the main cast members of the movie Varanasi?
The main cast members of Varanasi include Mahesh Babu (as Rudhra), Priyanka Chopra Jonas (as Mandakini), and Prithviraj Sukumaran (as Kumbha).
Q3: What is the estimated budget and genre of Varanasi?
Varanasi is being made on a massive estimated budget of ₹1,000 crore (approximately US$120 million), making it one of the most expensive Indian films ever. Its genre is described as a science-fiction epic action-adventure with a core time-travel element rooted in Indian mythology.
Q4: When is the release date for Mahesh Babu’s Varanasi?
The film Varanasi is officially scheduled for a worldwide release in 2027. Some reports specify the release date as March 25, 2027.
Q5: Is the plot of Varanasi connected to the Ramayana?
Yes, director S. S. Rajamouli has confirmed that a major, challenging sequence in the film, which took 60 days to shoot, is inspired by an important episode from the Hindu epic, the Ramayana. The film is a blend of time-travel, global adventure, and mythology.
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