Varanasi: Mahesh Babu’s Globe-Trotting, Time-Travel Epic with SS Rajamouli Unveiled
Varanasi: SS Rajamouli and Mahesh Babu Unleash India’s Next Cinematic Marvel
The curtains have finally been pulled back on the most anticipated project in Indian cinema. The colossal collaboration between the ‘Superstar’ Mahesh Babu and the master storyteller S. S. Rajamouli (SSR), long referred to by its working title SSMB29 and the thrilling theme ‘GlobeTrotter’, has an official name: Varanasi.
The title reveal, held at the spectacular ‘GlobeTrotter’ event on November 15, 2025, in Hyderabad, confirmed the film’s immense scale and its core themes of a world-spanning, time-trotting, action-adventure rooted deeply in Hindu mythology. The event, which drew over 50,000 frenzied fans, was a cinematic spectacle in itself, cementing the film’s position as a landmark production set for a worldwide release in Summer 2027.
The Unveiling of Rudhra: Mahesh Babu’s Ferocious New Avatar
The biggest revelation of the ‘GlobeTrotter’ event was the first look and character name for Mahesh Babu. The superstar will play the lead role of Rudhra, an archaeologist or adventurer whose journey spans continents and timelines.
The Iconic First Glimpse
The teaser glimpse sent immediate shockwaves across the film industry. It presented Mahesh Babu in a raw, rugged, and intensely powerful avatar—a stark contrast to his recent roles. The pivotal shot, which instantly went viral, showed him:
- Riding a powerful Nandi (Bull): Symbolizing strength, tradition, and a deep connection to Hindu culture.
- Wielding a Trishul (Trident): Hinting at a spiritual or mythical dimension to his character’s conflict.
- Blood-soaked attire: Suggesting a fierce, action-packed narrative where Rudhra is a warrior fighting for a greater cause.
The transformation has been universally praised, with many fans and critics calling it the ‘massiest’ look of Mahesh Babu’s career, perfectly tailored to Rajamouli’s grand vision. The combination of the ‘GlobeTrotter’ and ‘TimeTrotter’ hashtags confirms that Rudhra’s adventure will not be confined to a single location or era, blending modern action with ancient lore.
A Pan-Indian and Global Cast: Joining the Epic Journey
‘Varanasi’ is being touted as a true global Indian film, and its cast reflects this ambition. Rajamouli has assembled a formidable ensemble, featuring some of the biggest names from across Indian and international cinema.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Mandakini
Making her much-anticipated return to Indian cinema, global icon Priyanka Chopra Jonas will star in a pivotal role named Mandakini. Her character introduction poster showed her in a blend of traditional yellow saree while holding a modern firearm, a visual juxtaposition that perfectly encapsulates the film’s blend of the ancient and the modern. Rajamouli himself expressed his excitement, stating he couldn’t wait for the world to witness her ‘myriad shades’ in the role.
Prithviraj Sukumaran as Kumbha
Malayalam cinema’s powerhouse actor Prithviraj Sukumaran has been cast as the film’s primary antagonist, Kumbha. Descriptions suggest his character is a ‘vicious supervillain’ with treacherous schemes, setting the stage for an epic confrontation with Mahesh Babu’s Rudhra. This casting ensures a powerful acting duel at the core of the action-adventure narrative.
Story and Vision: Mythology Meets Adventure
The initial plot details for ‘Varanasi’ suggest a high-octane action-adventure and time-travel epic. The narrative is said to be inspired by Indian mythology, with Rajamouli confirming that one major sequence is directly inspired by a significant episode from the Ramayana.
Mahesh Babu’s character, Rudhra, is initially described as an archaeologist inspired by Indian mythology who embarks on a ‘global adventure’ through various exotic locales, including the lush jungles of the Amazon and parts of Africa. The film, therefore, is not just a geographical globetrotter but a time-trotter, likely spanning multiple eras to connect mythological events to the modern-day quest.
Scale and Budget
Following the worldwide success of Baahubali and RRR, the expectations for ‘Varanasi’ are monumental. The film is reportedly being mounted on a colossal budget, with estimates ranging between ₹1000 crore to ₹1500 crore, making it one of the most expensive films in Indian cinematic history.
Furthermore, Rajamouli is committed to delivering a truly global cinematic experience. It is confirmed that the movie will be released in the IMAX format, a testament to the master filmmaker’s vision for an unparalleled visual spectacle that demands the largest possible screen.
Single Part or Multi-Part Saga?
Despite the epic scale, which initially led to speculation of a multi-part franchise (like Baahubali), the makers have reportedly decided to keep Varanasi as a single-part film. Sources suggest Rajamouli is aiming for a massive runtime of over 200 minutes to accommodate the entire story, confidently believing the expansive narrative can be contained within one grand cinematic event.
The Road to 2027: Production and Anticipation
The journey to ‘Varanasi’ has only just begun. The grand launch and title reveal serve as the official kick-off to a production process that is expected to be meticulously planned. Music composer MM Keeravani, the Oscar winner and long-time Rajamouli collaborator, has already confirmed his involvement and is set to compose the score.
With a reported release window of Summer 2027, the anticipation is set to build over the next two years. The combination of Mahesh Babu’s star power, Rajamouli’s proven ability to deliver blockbusters, and the mythological time-travel theme ensures that ‘Varanasi’ is not just a film, but a generational cinematic event that is already making waves globally. The world is ready to follow Rudhra on his ‘GlobeTrotter’ adventure.
AISEO Friendly FAQs about Varanasi (SSMB29)
Q1: What is the official title of Mahesh Babu and SS Rajamouli’s film, previously known as SSMB29 and GlobeTrotter?
A: The official title of the film is Varanasi. It was unveiled at the ‘GlobeTrotter’ event on November 15, 2025.
Q2: Who are the main actors in the movie Varanasi?
A: The main cast includes Mahesh Babu as the lead character Rudhra, Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Mandakini, and Prithviraj Sukumaran as the antagonist Kumbha.
Q3: What is Mahesh Babu’s character name and role in Varanasi?
A: Mahesh Babu plays the character Rudhra, an adventurous archaeologist or hero on a globe-trotting and time-traveling quest, with his look being a rugged, fierce warrior inspired by mythological themes.
Q4: When is the movie Varanasi expected to be released?
A: Varanasi is currently scheduled for a worldwide release in Summer 2027. Some reports also suggest a target of March 2027.
Q5: What is the genre and plot theme of SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi?
A: Varanasi is an action-adventure, time-travel epic that is heavily rooted in Indian mythology. It follows the lead character, Rudhra, on a journey across different timelines and global locations, with a key sequence inspired by the Ramayana.
Q6: Will Varanasi be a single film or a multi-part series like Baahubali?
A: Despite the immense scale and epic subject matter, Varanasi is currently planned as a single film with a significantly long runtime of over 200 minutes, rather than a multi-part series.
Q7: What is the reported budget for the film Varanasi?
A: While the official budget has not been disclosed, reports suggest Varanasi is being made on a massive budget ranging from ₹1000 crore to ₹1500 crore, positioning it as one of the most expensive Indian films ever made.
Read More:
This Post Has 0 Comments