S.S. Rajamouli has officially launched his mega time-travel film Varanasi at Ramoji Film City, drawing 50,000 fans despite a dramatic leak of drone footage hours before the reveal. With Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Prithviraj Sukumaran leading the cast, Varanasi promises groundbreaking IMAX visuals and a story spanning 7,700 years.
Rajamouli Launches Varanasi Amid Dramatic Leak Controversy
TheInterviewTimes.com | November 16, 2025: The filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli unveiled his highly anticipated time-travel epic Varanasi during a massive event at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad, drawing nearly 50,000 excited fans. However, the celebration surrounding Varanasi was shaken by a serious leak of technical footage captured via drone.
Rajamouli revealed that despite heavy security, a drone infiltrated the set area and leaked test footage online just hours before the official launch. The director said the leaked clip of Varanasi represented “one year of hard work, thousands of hours, and crores of rupees,” adding that the breach left him deeply disturbed.
The technical team had prepared an enormous 130×100 ft LED screen, supported by dozens of generators, for the first showcase of Varanasi. Though the leak disrupted the excitement, Rajamouli went ahead and presented the official teaser, receiving thunderous applause from fans.
Star Power Elevates Varanasi: Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, Prithviraj Join Cast
The Film features one of the most powerful ensembles in Indian cinema. Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu plays Rudhra, a fierce warrior introduced riding a white bull and holding a trident — a sequence that instantly energized the crowd.
Global actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas returns to Indian cinema after six years, playing Mandakini, while acclaimed performer Prithviraj Sukumaran steps into the antagonist role of Kumbha. Their presence positions the Film as one of India’s biggest cinematic collaborations.
Rajamouli confirmed that the Film has been shot using Premium Large Scale Format Filmed for IMAX, a new benchmark for Indian filmmaking. Unlike regular IMAX conversions, the Film is entirely designed, shot, and mastered for IMAX — a technological leap following the global success of Baahubali and RRR.
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Mahesh Babu as RUDHRA in #VARANASI. pic.twitter.com/YMUjnnytWX
— rajamouli ss (@ssrajamouli) November 15, 2025
A 7,700-Year Story Spanning Varanasi, Africa, Antarctica and the Future
The teaser of the film showcased a sweeping narrative that travels across 7,700 years, beginning in 512 CE, journeying back to 7200 BCE, and leaping forward into 2027. The long-tail storytelling approach positions Varanasi as one of the most ambitious cinematic projects ever attempted in India.
The plot moves between the spiritual ancient city of Varanasi, the mysterious expanse of Antarctica, and the vast landscapes of Africa — merging mythology, science fiction, and time-travel adventure. One major scene draws inspiration from a key episode of the Ramayana, adding cultural depth and visual grandeur.
She’s more than what meets the eye… say hello to Mandakini. #GlobeTrotter@ssrajamouli @urstrulyMahesh @mmkeeravaani @SriDurgaArts @SBbySSK @PrithviOfficial pic.twitter.com/3KqKnb2D5h
— PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) November 12, 2025
Rajamouli’s Legacy Drives Sky-High Expectations for Varanasi
S.S. Rajamouli’s track record — from the ₹2,400-crore global success of Baahubali to the Oscar-winning triumph of Naatu Naatu from RRR — sets towering expectations for Varanasi. Film analysts predict that Varanasi could redefine the boundaries of Indian cinema once again, blending historical fantasy, futuristic imagination, and cutting-edge filmmaking.
The film is slated for a 2027 release, and Rajamouli has already positioned Varanasi as a global cinematic event rather than just a domestic blockbuster. Despite the piracy setback, the director remains committed to delivering a project of unmatched scale and emotional depth.
Key Takeaways
- Varanasi is S.S. Rajamouli’s next mega-epic, launched at a grand live-streamed event featuring the cast and composer MM Keeravaani.
- The film is produced by KL Narayana and SS Karthikeya under Sri Durga Arts and Showing Business.
- This is among the most expensive Indian films ever made, though the exact budget remains undisclosed.
- The film is scheduled for a Summer 2027 release, with speculation pointing to March 17, 2027.
- Rajamouli confirmed that the Film will release in two parts, each running roughly three hours.
- The plot remains mostly confidential, but the teaser confirms a 7,700-year timeline covering 7200 BCE, 512 CE, and 2027 CE across Varanasi, Antarctica, and Africa.
- Mahesh Babu stars as Rudhra, a fierce warrior who rides a white bull and wields a trident symbolizing Nandi.
- Priyanka Chopra Jonas returns to Indian cinema as Mandakini, marking her first Indian film in six years.
- Prithviraj Sukumaran plays the villain Kumbha, shown in a wheelchair-bound portrayal.
- The film includes sequences inspired by Hindu mythology, including a key episode from the Ramayana.
- The Film is shot in Premium Large Scale Format for IMAX, not converted afterward—continuing Rajamouli’s high-end approach from Baahubali and RRR.
- A massive and detailed replica of the Ghats of Varanasi has been built at Ramoji Film City for the production.