Behind the Vision: S. S. Rajamouli and the Making of Varanasi
In the world of Indian cinema, few filmmakers generate as much curiosity, anticipation, and critical attention as S. S. Rajamouli, the director behind some of the country’s most iconic and commercially successful films. With the global smash hits Baahubali and RRR, Rajamouli redefined the scale and international profile of South Asian filmmaking. Now the auteur is poised to take another ambitious leap with Varanasi, an epic action-adventure project that has become one of the most discussed films in India and abroad.
This comprehensive explainer unpacks what Varanasi is, why it matters, how it developed, who it affects, the stakes involved, and what lies ahead for the project and Indian cinema more broadly.
What Varanasi Is: An Epic in the Making
Varanasi is an upcoming Indian Telugu-language epic action-adventure film directed by S. S. Rajamouli, starring some of India’s biggest stars — Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Prithviraj Sukumaran. The film is scheduled for release on April 7, 2027, and has been in production since early 2025.
The narrative, as described by Rajamouli and collaborators, blends mythology, high-adventure, and globe-spanning sequences. It follows the protagonist Rudhra (played by Mahesh Babu) across timelines, cultures, and geographies — from ancient Indian mythic periods to modern and even speculative settings. Elements such as time travel, asteroids threatening sacred cities, and mythological episodes inspired by the Ramayana are woven into a cinematic experience intended to rival the scope of global adventure films.
Although plot details are being kept tightly under wraps, the director has shared that the film will explore family bonds, especially the emotional relationship between a father and son, while also delivering large-scale action and mythological imagery.
Why Varanasi Exists: Tracing the Origins of Rajamouli’s Vision
To understand Varanasi, it helps to look at Rajamouli’s filmmaking trajectory.
A Legacy of Grand Storytelling
Rajamouli’s work has consistently pushed Indian cinema into new narrative and technical territories. From the grand historical arcs of Baahubali to the emotional breadth and global resonance of RRR, his films have demonstrated that Indian filmmakers can craft stories that appeal both domestically and internationally.
Within this context, Varanasi emerges as an evolution — a work that aims not just to be grand in scale but to interweave cultural heritage and mythic depth with mainstream adventure tropes. Early conceptual discussions date back years, with Rajamouli noting the desire to draw inspiration from classic adventure films (akin to Hollywood franchises like Indiana Jones) while rooting the story in Indian spiritual and cultural imagery.
The Role of Collaboration and Star Power
The involvement of Mahesh Babu — one of Telugu cinema’s most adored actors — and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, a globally recognized star returning to Indian films after several years, signals a clear ambition: to make Varanasi both an Indian cultural statement and an international box-office contender.
Co-writing by Rajamouli alongside key collaborators like V. Vijayendra Prasad and S. S. Kanchi has helped shape the narrative’s mythic and emotional contours, marrying storytelling depth with blockbuster spectacle.
How the Film Is Being Made: Scale, Techniques, and Challenges
A Record-Breaking Budget
One of the most talked-about aspects of Varanasi is its staggering budget. Estimates place the production cost between ₹1,200 crore and ₹1,400 crore (around USD 150 million), making it one of Indian cinema’s most expensive films ever produced.
This budget reflects the film’s ambitious production design, aerial sequences, international locations, and heavy reliance on visual effects, which reportedly include collaborations with top global VFX studios.
Comparison with Major Indian Blockbusters
| Film Title | Approximate Budget | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Baahubali (franchise) | ₹450 cr | Redefined epic filmmaking in India |
| RRR | ₹550 cr | International breakthrough |
| Varanasi | ₹1,200-1,400 cr | Most expensive Indian film to date |
Shooting Across Continents
Unlike most Indian films confined to a few locations, Varanasi has sequences shot across multiple countries, including Africa and even Antarctica — a rare feat for Indian productions.
The director has also recreated the city of Varanasi — famed for its ghats and spiritual history — within the massive Ramoji Film City complex, constructed at considerable cost to authentically represent the historic setting.
Technical Ambitions
Rajamouli is shooting parts of Varanasi in IMAX and other premium formats, aiming to deliver an immersive cinematic experience. The use of IMAX in Indian filmmaking is still relatively rare, and this project marks another step toward high-end visuals and spectacle.
Who Is Affected — and How
Audiences and Cinema Culture
For Indian moviegoers, Varanasi represents a potential cultural touchstone — a film that blends entertainment with mythological resonance. Rajamouli’s ability to craft emotionally engaging narratives suggests that the movie could appeal across generations and regions.
Globally, Varanasi enters a crowded field of blockbuster entertainment, but its unique blend of Indian mythos and global adventure cinema tropes may help it stand out, much like RRR did after its global Netflix release.
Actors and Film Industries
For Mahesh Babu, Varanasi marks a new phase in his career, positioning him on a global stage beyond traditional South Indian cinema. For Priyanka Chopra Jonas, it’s a high-profile return to Indian films after several years predominantly in Hollywood projects — reintroducing her to millions of Indian fans.
The involvement of Prithviraj Sukumaran as the antagonist also signals stronger collaborative ties between South Indian film industries across different languages and markets.
Economic and Industrial Impact
A production of this scale has considerable economic implications. Beyond ticket sales, the film’s international distribution, merchandise potential, and cross-platform partnerships may bolster the Indian film industry’s revenue streams. Local industries — from technical crews to set designers and VFX teams — benefit from involvement in such a large international-level project.
Societal and Cultural Impact
Films like Varanasi play a role beyond entertainment; they reflect and shape cultural narratives. By integrating elements of Indian mythology with contemporary cinematic techniques, Rajamouli’s work contributes to a broader reimagining of local stories for global audiences.
Furthermore, the inclusion of culturally significant elements — whether drawing from the Ramayana or invoking ancient cities like Varanasi — invites deeper engagement with India’s heritage, spurring discussions among audiences worldwide.
Challenges and Criticisms
No grand project is without risks. Key challenges include:
- Balancing cultural sensitivity with entertainment: Tackling mythological themes requires care to avoid misinterpretation or controversy.
- High budget pressure: With one of the largest production budgets ever, recouping costs — even with strong box office promise — remains a business risk.
- Technical complexity: Expensive visual effects and complex shooting schedules can strain timelines and resources.
What May Happen Next: The Road to 2027 and Beyond
Release Strategy
With a planned worldwide release in April 2027, the film’s marketing campaign is already underway. Teasers, first looks, and star appearances will build anticipation across Indian and global markets.
Potential Future of Indian Blockbusters
If successful, Varanasi could set a new benchmark for Indian cinema — inspiring future filmmakers to pursue ambitious, globally competitive projects. It may also influence collaborations between Indian and international studios, especially in areas like VFX, distribution, and immersive format filmmaking.
Legacy and Long-Term Impact
Even beyond box office numbers, Varanasi may contribute to a shifting perception of Indian films in world cinema — as stories that command not just local admiration but international respect for artistry and scale. If Rajamouli achieves what he envisions, this project may be remembered as a watershed moment in cinematic history.
Conclusion
Varanasi stands as a testament to the ambitions of one of India’s most celebrated directors. With a massive budget, global cast, mythic narrative, and technical sophistication, the film reflects a new phase in the evolution of Indian cinema — one that seeks to marry cultural depth with blockbuster appeal.
As the industry prepares for its release in 2027, filmmakers, audiences, and critics alike will be watching closely — not only to see Varanasi on screen but to understand what it signifies for the future of storytelling in India and beyond.