Production Overview

• Director: S.S. Rajamouli
• Producers: Sri Durga Arts and Showing Business
• Principal Photography: Began in October 2024
• Expected Release: Sankranti 2027 (Summer 2027)
• Languages: Multiple languages planned
• Genre: Time-travel adventure epic, mythological thriller

Plot Development

"Varanasi" is a complex narrative that spans thousands of years, incorporating elements from the Indian epic "Ramayana." The film features a significant 60-day shooting sequence inspired by the Ramayana, with Mahesh Babu playing Rama in what director SS Rajamouli described as one of the most memorable sequences of his career.

The story 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 central narrative involves a savior traversing different timelines and continents to alter a pivotal moment in Earth's history after an asteroid strikes Varanasi, prompting the time-travel narrative.

The film 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 Chinnamsta Devi, featuring a "TimeTrotter" concept that has sparked significant fan speculation.

Technical Specifications

"Varanasi" is specifically designed for IMAX viewing, showcasing SS Rajamouli's ambition to create a visually stunning cinematic experience. The film is shot at 400 frames per second for enhanced visual storytelling, far exceeding the standard 24 FPS used in most films. This high frame rate allows for extreme slow-motion effects that capture intricate details while maintaining a photorealistic quality.

Nearly all visuals in the film are CGI except for a few live-action elements. The production includes 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 multiple international studios including Mistyman Studios, Viskefi, Phantom FX, and Gimpville.

The title video required nearly a year of development (starting October 2024) and was aimed at meeting international standards in filmmaking. Mahesh Babu's scenes on a bull were filmed using green screen technology, demonstrating the blend of practical and digital effects.

Budget and Financial Management

"Varanasi" has a reported budget of ₹1,300 crore, making it one of the most expensive Indian films ever produced. Some reports suggest the total budget including marketing could reach ₹1,500 crore. This massive investment reflects the scale and ambition of SS Rajamouli's vision.

Mahesh Babu and SS Rajamouli have opted for a profit-sharing model instead of upfront fees. Mahesh Babu is set to earn 40% of the profits if the film is successful, while Rajamouli's unique profit-sharing model involves a smaller upfront fee and 50% of profits post-release. Priyanka Chopra is reportedly earning between ₹25–30 crore for her role, while Prithviraj Sukumaran is expected to earn over ₹10 crore.

The film needs to generate at least ₹2,000 crore globally to break even. The first promotional event alone cost over ₹20 crore, with approximately ₹200 crore dedicated to marketing and promotions. Global streaming rights are estimated to fetch up to ₹1,000 crore, representing a significant portion of the film's revenue potential.

Rajamouli has not set a specific budget, opting instead for creative freedom in production. A significant portion of the budget is allocated to high-quality VFX, with collaboration from top Hollywood studios. The producer, KL Narayana, is confident in the project's financial success, allowing Rajamouli and his team to work without budget constraints.

Filming Locations

The film utilizes various locations to capture the essence of different time periods. While some filming takes place in Varanasi to capture the city's spiritual and cultural significance, shooting schedules are planned in various global locations to accommodate the film's international scope.

The production team has meticulously planned shoots across multiple countries to authentically represent the different eras depicted in the film. From ancient Indian kingdoms to futuristic landscapes, the locations are chosen to enhance the storytelling and visual spectacle.

Production Timeline

• October 2024: Principal photography begins
• October 2024 - November 2025: Major Ramayana sequence shooting (60 days)
• November 15, 2025: Title reveal event at Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad
• 2026: Post-production and VFX work
• Early 2027: Marketing campaign launch
• Sankranti 2027: Worldwide release

Notable Production Elements

SS Rajamouli described the 60-day Ramayana sequence as one of the most memorable he has ever filmed. Each sub-episode of the sequence required unique planning and execution, with the team facing challenges that contributed to their growth and learning.

The production involved meticulous pre-production planning and efficient execution. Rajamouli's profit-sharing model ensures producers remain financially secure while allowing creative freedom. The team faced the challenge of achieving seamless integration of CG elements while ensuring the immersive experience was not compromised.

Rajamouli expressed gratitude to technical teams for creating the visually captivating title video. The collaboration with multiple international studios demonstrates the global scale of the production.

Events and Announcements

The title reveal took place at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad on November 15, 2025, attracting over 50,000 attendees. The first footage was unveiled at the launch event, with cast members expressing excitement about working together and promoting the film globally.

A recent GlobeTrotter event in Hyderabad cost around ₹15-20 crore and generated significant social media buzz. These promotional events showcase the film's grand scale and the industry's anticipation for its release.