Trinet News | August 18, 2026 | By P. Nageswara Rao
Expectations are scaling new heights day by day for 'Varanasi', the highly prestigious project directed by master craftsman S.S. Rajamouli—who took Telugu cinema's glory to the international stage—in combination with Superstar Mahesh Babu. Being mounted on a massive scale, the film features Mahesh Babu in a character named 'Rudra'. Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran are playing crucial roles. According to the latest information, about 80 percent of the film's shooting has already been completed, and Rajamouli's team is currently busy wrapping up the remaining portions.
A Special Treat on Mahesh Babu's Birthday
On August 9, coinciding with Mahesh Babu's birthday, the release of new stills from 'Varanasi' created immense excitement among fans. Mahesh Babu's look as Rudra is completely different from any of his previous roles. Pictures showcasing him in a fierce avatar, with a bold physical presence and unique styling, went viral across social media platforms. These images clearly indicate that director Rajamouli has specially crafted Mahesh Babu's character. The latest visuals from the movie, which fans have been eagerly waiting for, have further fueled curiosity about the film.
Shot with IMAX Technology
Another key highlight regarding 'Varanasi' is its filming technology. Rajamouli revealed that the entire movie is being shot using IMAX-certified digital cameras. 'Varanasi' stands out as one of the rare films to be shot entirely for IMAX. Following world-renowned director Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey', 'Varanasi' has garnered international interest as a film giving prime importance to IMAX cinematography on this scale. Utilizing such technology is expected to provide audiences with a more magnificent cinematic experience during heavy action sequences, scenic landscapes, battle episodes, and VFX-heavy scenes.
Rajamouli-Mark Massive Action
Rajamouli had previously revealed that a major portion of the core action sequences has already been completed. Reports indicate that filming for connecting scenes to drive the narrative forward is currently underway. Principal photography is likely to be wrapped up by September or October. Along with a compelling story, Rajamouli's films are specially known for action, emotion, and visual grandeur. Having captivated global audiences with 'Baahubali' and 'RRR', news that he is now taking Mahesh Babu into an even broader universe is generating intense excitement among fans.
Curiosity Around Priyanka Chopra's Role
Priyanka Chopra is making her debut in the Telugu film industry with this project. With her international recognition, acting alongside Mahesh Babu under Rajamouli's direction adds extra appeal to 'Varanasi'. Priyanka herself revealed that she has been working on this film for about 14 months. She noted that Rajamouli's filming process takes a lot of time and that she has several adventurous slow-paced scenes in the movie. She had previously stated that she is taking special training in the Telugu language. Whether she will dub her own lines in Telugu has not yet been officially confirmed.
Prithviraj Sukumaran as the Antagonist
Leading Malayalam actor Prithviraj Sukumaran will be seen in a crucial antagonist role in this film. The team has kept complete details about his character tightly under wraps. Action sequences between Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj are likely to be a major highlight of the movie.
A Blend of Mythology and Sci-Fi?
Official information regarding the plot of 'Varanasi' has been very limited. However, multiple reports have emerged suggesting that the film is crafted by blending diverse elements such as time travel, adventure, mythological motifs, and modern technology. Rumors are also afloat that a massive episode related to the Ramayana will be part of the film. However, most of these details remain unconfirmed. It appears that Rajamouli is intentionally keeping key plot points under wraps, intending for audiences to experience the story directly in theaters.
Reaching Global Audiences in 2027
According to current reports, 'Varanasi' is targeted for a worldwide theatrical release on April 7, 2027. However, the final release date will only be confirmed upon an official announcement from the film's team. Overall, 'Varanasi' appears to be not just a Telugu film, but another massive endeavor carrying Indian cinema to global audiences. Mahesh Babu's star image, Rajamouli's directorial prowess, Priyanka Chopra's international acclaim, Prithviraj's acting, and cutting-edge filming technology have all combined to skyrocket expectations for the project. While the already-released 'Rudra' look of Mahesh Babu has captivated fans, more exciting details are expected to emerge as the remaining shooting progresses. Fans are eagerly awaiting subsequent promotional materials such as teasers, glimpses, songs, and trailers. Will Rajamouli once again transcend the boundaries of Indian cinema and leave his mark on the global stage with 'Varanasi'? We will have to wait until 2027 to find out what kind of sensation Mahesh Babu will create as Rudra.
