Master filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli has unveiled new details about his magnum opus Varanasi, promising audiences an extraordinary cinematic experience built on a deeply emotional foundation. Speaking at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, the director revealed that while the film features spectacular visuals and global adventures, its heart lies in the relationship between a father and his son.
The Varanasi Experience: Scale and Spectacle
Rajamouli described the Varanasi experience as taking viewers through breathtaking landscapes and mythological realms. The film will journey through the dense wilderness of Africa, the icy terrains of Antarctica, mythical gods from the Ramayana, devastating natural disasters, and spectacular fantasy worlds. The globe-trotting narrative spans thousands of years, combining sci-fi elements with deep-rooted mythology.
Emotional Core: Father-Son Bond
Despite the massive scale and visual grandeur, Rajamouli emphasized that Varanasi is fundamentally an emotional story. The father’s role is reportedly being played by Prakash Raj, while Mahesh Babu portrays Rudra. This father-son relationship serves as the driving force behind the entire narrative, grounding the epic adventure in human emotion.
Production Update: Filming Progress
Rajamouli shared an important production update during his appearance. All large-scale spectacle sequences and IMAX action scenes have been completed. The team is currently filming the smaller interconnecting scenes that bridge the major set pieces together. Principal photography is expected to wrap between September and October 2026.
Cast and Release Details
Varanasi stars Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Prithviraj Sukumaran in lead roles. With its unique blend of mythology, fantasy, action, and emotional storytelling, the film is shaping up to be one of the biggest cinematic events in Indian cinema. The much-awaited epic is currently scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release in April 2027.
