'Varanasi': SS Rajamouli Has One Crucial Scene Left Before Wrapping Up the Shoot

Filmmaker SS Rajamouli's highly anticipated action-adventure epic 'Varanasi' is nearing completion, with around 10 days of shooting remaining, according to his recent comments during his visit to Brazil. The film, starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran, is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on April 7, 2027.

Rajamouli shared the update while attending the 50th São Paulo International Film Festival, where he received the Leon Cakoff Award. In an interaction with Brazilian portal Oxente Pipoca, the director described the project as an ambitious undertaking that felt like combining six or seven different films into one.

He explained that sequences set in Antarctica, Africa and Varanasi, along with time-travel elements, mythology, the Ugrabhatti Caves and the climax, each required different approaches to filmmaking. The team had to conduct extensive research and development to bring these distinct worlds together while maintaining a cohesive narrative.

The filmmaker has also described the emotional core of the story as a father-son relationship that begins in conflict and eventually finds reconciliation, alongside a love story between a young man and a woman.

Mahesh Babu reportedly plays Rudhra, with a Ramayana-related segment also expected to feature him as Lord Rama. Priyanka Chopra Jonas plays Mandakini, while Prithviraj Sukumaran portrays Kumbha, the antagonist. However, details of the mythological sequence have not been officially confirmed by the makers.

Earlier reports indicated that Mahesh Babu's major portions had been completed, with his introduction sequence remaining. However, the latest reports about the remaining shoot do not independently confirm whether that specific sequence is still pending.

Meanwhile, producer SS Karthikeya has said that post-production is progressing alongside filming, with the team aiming to complete the work by January 2027.

Produced by KL Narayana and SS Karthikeya, 'Varanasi' features music composed by MM Keeravaani. Its expansive narrative, ambitious visual effects and blend of mythology, adventure and emotion have raised expectations ahead of its release.