SS Rajamouli is in Brazil, and he has shared some big insights about Varanasi. The director revealed how the film was made in record time despite its massive scale, and why its theatrical release matters so much to him.
Bigger Film, Shorter Shoot
Rajamouli revealed a surprising number about Varanasi’s shoot.
“We shot RRR in 315 days, whereas Varanasi, despite being five to six times larger in scale, was shot in just 275 days, saving 40 days,” he said.
For a film five to six times bigger than RRR to be finished faster is a huge achievement. It shows how much more efficient Rajamouli’s process has become.
The Secret: More Homework
Rajamouli credited the faster shoot to better planning before filming began.
“I did a lot more paperwork on Varanasi, going into filming even better prepared,” he said.
Careful preparation meant fewer surprises on set and a much smoother shoot, even on a film of this size.
“I Want My Audience on the Big Screen”
Rajamouli also spoke about how RRR reached global audiences. Many people around the world, including in Brazil, discovered the film on Netflix, where it was among the most-watched titles for weeks.
“Many people discovered RRR on Netflix and there’s nothing wrong with that,” he said. “But as a filmmaker, I want my audience to experience my film on the big screen.”
A Grand Worldwide Release
That’s why Rajamouli is thinking big for Varanasi’s theatrical release.
“My biggest ambition for Varanasi is to have a grand worldwide theatrical release,” he said.
He has already said he wants to travel the world with the film, presenting it to different audiences and making it a global news story.
Releasing on April 7, 2027
Varanasi releases in theatres worldwide on April 7, 2027. The film stars Mahesh Babu, with Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran in key roles.
With the shoot done in record time and a global release plan in place, Varanasi is shaping up to be Rajamouli’s biggest film yet.
