Basic Information

• Title: Varanasi
• Director: S.S. Rajamouli
• Expected Release: Sankranti 2027 (Summer 2027)
• Languages: Telugu (with planned releases in multiple languages)
• Genre: Time-travel adventure epic, mythological thriller
• Setting: Primarily in Varanasi, spanning multiple timelines

Main Cast

• Mahesh Babu: Playing Rudhra, an archaeologist and avatar of Rama
• Priyanka Chopra Jonas: Playing explorer Mandakini
• Prithviraj Sukumaran: Playing antagonist Kumbha

Plot Details

A time-travel saga blending Hindu mythology with modern narrative, the film begins in 512 CE in an ancient kingdom and jumps to 2071, where meteors threaten the city. It explores prehistoric times, featuring battles between humans and gods, and showcases stunning CGI of wildlife.

The story involves a savior traversing different timelines and continents to alter a pivotal moment in Earth's history. An asteroid strikes Varanasi, prompting the time-travel narrative. The film features a major sequence inspired by the Ramayana, taking 60 days to shoot, with Mahesh Babu playing both Rama and a new character named Rhudra.

It connects to themes of the Ramayana, including Hanuman and other mythological figures. Fan theories suggest connections to Kumbhakarna (related to Prithviraj's character Kumbha) and that the film possibly involves a quest for ancient Energy Vials. It may include elements of Shiva mythology and connections to Chinnamasta Devi, featuring a "TimeTrotter" concept that has sparked significant fan speculation.

Character Details

Mahesh Babu's character Rudhra: An archaeologist on a quest for ancient artifacts, possibly gains divine powers. Also plays Rama in a significant 60-day shooting sequence inspired by the Ramayana. Character may gain divine powers following a catastrophic asteroid strike. Possibly an avatar of either Lord Ram or Lord Shiva according to fan theories. Character name "Rhudra" connects to Hindu mythology.

Priyanka Chopra's character Mandakini: An explorer whose role bridges mythological and modern narratives according to fan theories. Role may involve falling into a cave associated with the goddess Chinnamasta Devi.

Prithviraj Sukumaran's character Kumbha: The antagonist who utilizes advanced technology and a high-tech wheelchair according to fan theories. Character may be connected to mythological figure Kumbhakarna. On a quest for ancient energy sources to access mythological eras. Character possibly a billionaire named Kumbha seeking to control time and rewrite mythology.

Financial Aspects

The film has a reported budget of ₹1,300 crore, making it one of the most expensive Indian films. Some reports suggest the total budget including marketing could reach ₹1,500 crore. Mahesh Babu and SS Rajamouli have opted for a profit-sharing model instead of upfront fees, with Mahesh Babu set to earn 40% of the profits if the film is successful.

Priyanka Chopra is reportedly earning between ₹25–30 crore, while Prithviraj Sukumaran is expected to earn over ₹10 crore. The film needs to generate at least ₹2,000 crore globally to break even, with global streaming rights estimated to fetch up to ₹1,000 crore. The first promotional event alone cost over ₹20 crore, with approximately ₹200 crore dedicated to marketing and promotions.

Music and Soundtrack

Composer M.M. Keeravaani (reuniting with Rajamouli after Baahubali and RRR) confirmed six songs for the film. The first track "Rana Kumbha" has been released, along with the second track "The Arrival". Both tracks are available on major streaming platforms. Music is described as having "grandeur" by Keeravaani.

Technical Aspects

Specifically designed for IMAX viewing, the film is known for its grand visuals and ambitious storyline. It features extensive VFX work with collaboration from multiple international studios, shot at 400 frames per second for enhanced visual storytelling. Nearly all visuals are CGI except for a few live-action elements, including 10 fully CGI shots integrated with live-action elements.

The VFX work is supervised by Srinivas Mohan, who previously collaborated with Rajamouli on Baahubali and RRR. The film collaborates with studios like Mistyman Studios, Viskefi, Phantom FX, and Gimpville. The title video required nearly a year of development (starting October 2024) and is aimed at meeting international standards in filmmaking.

Production Details

Produced by Sri Durga Arts and Showing Business, principal photography began in October 2024. Shooting schedules are planned in various global locations. A major sequence inspired by the Ramayana took 60 days to shoot, with meticulous pre-production planning and efficient execution. Rajamouli's profit-sharing model ensures producers remain financially secure.

Marketing and Release Strategy

The film employs a grand marketing approach with significant budget allocation. A recent GlobeTrotter event in Hyderabad cost around ₹15-20 crore and attracted over 50,000 attendees, generating significant social media buzz. The marketing strategy leverages partnerships with major Hollywood studios to enhance global reach.

Anticipated recovery of costs will come through multiple revenue streams including box office earnings, satellite rights, and digital/OTT rights (potentially up to ₹1,000 crore). The film is positioned as a global representation of Indian cinema with a planned simultaneous release in multiple languages during Sankranti 2027.

Controversies and Challenges

The film faced religious controversy over SS Rajamouli's remarks about Lord Hanuman during a promotional event, where he expressed disbelief in God, specifically referencing Lord Hanuman. Made in frustration over technical glitches at the event, these comments sparked backlash on social media.

A police complaint was filed by Rashtriya Vanara Sena, resulting in an FIR registered against Rajamouli for allegedly hurting religious sentiments. An old tweet from 2011 resurfaced where Rajamouli stated a preference for Lord Krishna over Lord Ram. The investigation is ongoing by Hyderabad Police, with potential impact on the film's reception due to religious sentiment concerns.

Fan Theories and Speculation

The "TimeTrotter" concept has ignited wild fan theories, with many believing the film involves time travel or time-shifting narrative. Connections have been drawn between Kumbha (Prithviraj's character) and mythological figure Kumbhakarna. There is speculation about Mahesh Babu's character gaining divine powers after an asteroid strike and theories about quests for ancient energy sources to access mythological eras.

Fans have connected the film to Shiva mythology and legends of Varanasi, with possibilities of retrieving "Sanjeevani" during the Ramayana period. Theories suggest a bridge between Kaliyuga and Treta Yuga through a portal created by an asteroid named "Sambhavi" and an association with goddess Chinnamasta Devi through a cave scene. Interpretations include Mahesh Babu riding a chariot with Prithviraj in a battle scene.

Audience Expectations

With high anticipation following SS Rajamouli's previous successes (Baahubali, RRR), the film is expected to be a visually striking cinematic experience. Positioned as a global representation of Indian cinema, it is anticipated for release in multiple languages in summer 2027. Fans are eagerly awaiting more details about its complex mythological and time-travel narrative.