Varanasi: SS Rajamouli & Mahesh Babu’s ₹1000 Cr Time-Travel Epic (SSMB29) – All You Need to Know
The cinematic world is abuzz with one name that now officially dominates all conversation: Varanasi. What was tentatively known as SSMB29—the highly anticipated collaboration between ‘Superstar’ Mahesh Babu and global filmmaking giant S. S. Rajamouli—has finally received its grand unveiling. Announced at a spectacular ‘GlobeTrotter’ event in Hyderabad, the film’s title, first look, and its colossal, time-spanning premise confirm that this is not just a movie; it’s a pan-world event set to redefine Indian cinema.
Made on a reported budget of over ₹1,000 crore, Varanasi is on track to be the most expensive Indian film ever produced. The movie promises a breathtaking blend of mythological roots, high-octane action, and a globetrotting, time-traveling adventure, cementing Rajamouli’s reputation for crafting monumental spectacles.
The Official Title and the Mythological Connection
For years, fans and media referred to the project simply as SSMB29 (Mahesh Babu’s 29th film) or by its working title, GlobeTrotter. The official title, Varanasi, not only pays homage to the world’s oldest living city—Kashi—but also hints at the deep mythological and spiritual core of the film’s narrative.
The title reveal was accompanied by a concept video that suggested the story will traverse not just geographical boundaries but also immense stretches of time. References in the teaser pointed to diverse locales like Antarctica, Kenya, and of course, Varanasi, with timelines spanning from 512 CE to the film’s release year, 2027 CE, and even the Treta Yuga. This confirms the film is a true ‘TimeTrotter’ adventure.
According to early reports, the core conflict of the film is deeply intertwined with the history of Kashi (Varanasi) and draws inspiration from mythological references to Lord Shiva. Rajamouli’s team is reportedly recreating the ancient city on an elaborate, monumental set in Hyderabad to capture the essence of its history while maintaining production control.
Mahesh Babu as Rudhra: The Adventurer’s First Look
During the mega-event, the first look of Mahesh Babu’s character, Rudhra, was unveiled, sending his massive fanbase into a frenzy. The poster showcased the Superstar in a powerful, rugged avatar, wielding a Trishul (trident) and riding a charging white bull.
Rajamouli has positioned Rudhra as a modern-day adventurer, an archaeologist figure inspired by mythological heroes. His look—long hair, a thick beard, and rugged attire—is a dramatic departure from Mahesh Babu’s typical clean-cut image and fits perfectly with the film’s action-adventure theme.
Fulfilling a Father’s Dream: The Lord Rama Connection
A particularly emotional revelation at the event was Rajamouli’s confirmation that Mahesh Babu will be seen in a brief but significant sequence as Lord Rama. The director revealed he was so moved by the look that he made the picture his mobile wallpaper.
Mahesh Babu shared that starring in a mythological role was a long-cherished wish of his late father, Superstar Krishna, a wish he is now fulfilling with Varanasi. The director also detailed the challenges of shooting this specific sequence, which took over 60 days to complete, calling it one of the most memorable sequences of his career.
The Ensemble Cast: Global Icons Join the Epic
Rajamouli’s films are known for their star-studded, pan-Indian casts, and Varanasi is no exception, featuring an ensemble that spans various film industries:
- Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Mandakini: The global icon makes her grand return to Indian cinema in a powerful role. Her character, Mandakini, was introduced as a ‘femme fatale’ in a vibrant yellow saree, promising a sophisticated and action-oriented role opposite Rudhra.
- Prithviraj Sukumaran as Kumbha: The Malayalam cinema star is cast as the primary antagonist. Prithviraj’s character, Kumbha, is described as a ‘vicious supervillain,’ and his first look showed him seated in a high-tech wheelchair fitted with cybernetic arms, hinting at a modern, sci-fi element to the villain.
The Creative Powerhouse Behind the Scenes
The creative and technical team is a reunion of Rajamouli’s proven collaborators, ensuring the film’s massive scale is executed with perfection:
- Story & Screenplay: S. S. Rajamouli and his father, the veteran writer V. Vijayendra Prasad (known for Baahubali and RRR).
- Music: M. M. Keeravani (Oscar winner for ‘Naatu Naatu’).
- Producers: K. L. Narayana and S. S. Karthikeya under Sri Durga Arts and Showing Business.
- Cinematography: P. S. Vinod, known for his work in big-budget action films.
Production, Scale, and the Mammoth Budget
Varanasi is not just a film; it’s an ambitious leap in Indian film production. The sheer scale is staggering, with its budget placing it in the league of the world’s most expensive cinematic ventures.
Key Production Highlights:
- Filming Locations: Principal photography began in Hyderabad in February 2025. Following the massive set work, production has moved to exotic, real-world locations, including forests in Kenya and parts of Odisha, living up to its ‘GlobeTrotter’ moniker.
- Secrecy and Security: To prevent leaks of the project, Rajamouli has enforced strict Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) and banned mobile phones on set, a measure taken following some leaked visuals from the outdoor shoot in Odisha.
- Technological Marvel: Rajamouli announced that Varanasi is being filmed in a special format for IMAX, introducing a ‘Premium Large Scale Format Filmed For IMAX’ to Indian cinema, promising an unparalleled theatrical experience.
The Road to 2027
With the shoot expected to be completed by the end of 2026, the film is strategically scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release in Summer 2027, coinciding with the Sankranti festival. This massive timeline underscores the complexity of the post-production work, which includes extensive Visual Effects (VFX) handled by V. Srinivas Mohan.
Varanasi is more than the sum of its parts—it’s the fusion of Mahesh Babu’s superstardom with Rajamouli’s mythological vision and blockbuster execution. The film is set to be a cultural phenomenon that promises a journey through time, a battle of epic proportions, and a cinematic experience that fans will eagerly await for the next two years. The stakes are monumental, but with this creative team, the potential for a masterpiece is undeniable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the official title of the SSMB29 movie?
A: The official title of the S. S. Rajamouli and Mahesh Babu collaboration, previously referred to as SSMB29, is Varanasi. The title was officially announced at a grand event in November 2025.
Q2: Who is the director and what is the genre of Varanasi?
A: The film is directed by the acclaimed filmmaker S. S. Rajamouli (known for Baahubali and RRR). The genre is an epic, globe-trotting, time-travel science fiction action-adventure, heavily rooted in Indian mythology and history.
Q3: Who are the main cast members of the Varanasi movie?
A: The main cast includes Mahesh Babu as the protagonist Rudhra, global star Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Mandakini, and Malayalam actor Prithviraj Sukumaran as the primary antagonist Kumbha.
Q4: When is the Varanasi movie releasing?
A: Varanasi is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release in Summer 2027, specifically around the Sankranti festival. The extensive production and post-production work necessitated the long release window.
Q5: What is the significance of the title Varanasi?
A: The title Varanasi (Kashi) is central to the film’s plot. The movie is a time-trotting adventure whose core conflict is tied to the history and mythology of the ancient city of Kashi. The setting is a key element of the film’s narrative structure, blending Indian cultural themes with a global adventure.
Q6: What is the estimated budget for Varanasi?
A: The film is being produced on a colossal budget, estimated to be between ₹1,000 crore and ₹1,200 crore (approximately $120 million USD), making it one of the most expensive films in the history of Indian cinema.
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