SS Rajamouli Announces ‘Varanasi,’ a Mythic Time-Travel Epic

Published: 17 November 2025 Monday. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Celebrated Indian filmmaker SS Rajamouli, known globally for his monumental works Baahubali and RRR, has unveiled his most ambitious cinematic venture yet: Varanasi, a time-travel adventure film inspired by Hindu mythology. The announcement was made at a grand event in Hyderabad, where thousands of cheering fans gathered to catch a first glimpse of the movie that promises to redefine Indian cinema’s scale once again.

Rajamouli, whose films are celebrated for their larger-than-life storytelling, visually stunning action sequences, and mythological themes, kept the plot details largely under wraps. However, the nearly four-minute teaser, released during the event, hinted at a story that blends time travel with episodes from Hindu religious epics. The film takes its title from the sacred city of Varanasi, revered as the spiritual heart of Hinduism.

At the Hyderabad unveiling, Rajamouli described the film as a “once-in-a-lifetime project” and revealed that one of the sequences draws inspiration from “an important episode” from the Ramayana, the epic narrative of Lord Rama’s life. The teaser showcased breathtaking visuals, combining ancient mythological landscapes with futuristic elements, suggesting a narrative that spans different eras and realities.

The film features a star-studded cast, headlined by Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu, Bollywood icon Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Malayalam cinema star Prithviraj Sukumaran. This marks the first collaboration between Rajamouli and Babu, whose fierce warrior persona was highlighted in the teaser. In a striking display at the event, Babu made his entrance atop a mechanical white bull, holding a trident and covered in war paint, echoing the dramatic imagery from the film.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas returns to Indian cinema with Varanasi, portraying the character Mandakini, seen in the teaser balancing on a cliff in a mustard sari with a pistol in hand. The actress, who has spent years working in Hollywood, described her return as “exciting and challenging,” emphasizing her admiration for Rajamouli’s visionary storytelling.

The Hyderabad event, held at the iconic Ramoji Film City, was a spectacle in itself. A giant 110-by-130-foot screen, flanked by replicas of Varanasi’s ghats, served as the backdrop for the first-look teaser. Thousands of fans from across India gathered to witness the reveal, celebrating with fireworks, colorful lighting displays, and music from Rajamouli’s past hits and the film’s original score. The atmosphere was described by attendees as more festival than conventional movie launch, highlighting the cultural and cinematic impact Rajamouli has cultivated over the years.

“Varanasi is a project that pushes the boundaries of imagination,” Rajamouli said during the unveiling. “We are exploring time, mythology, and the human spirit in ways Indian cinema has never seen before.” He also confirmed that the film will be released in IMAX format, promising audiences a truly immersive experience.

The release, scheduled for 2027, has already generated global interest. Rajamouli first captured international attention with RRR (Rise, Roar, Revolt), the 2022 Telugu-language epic set in British India. The film became one of India’s biggest cinematic hits, achieving global streaming success and winning an Academy Award for Best Original Song. Rajamouli’s earlier two-part Baahubali series (2015 and 2017) broke box-office records in India and introduced international audiences to the grandeur of Tollywood cinema. A recently released re-edited version, Baahubali: The Epic, has further cemented his legacy as a global filmmaker.

Fans of Tollywood — the Telugu-language film industry — travelled from far-flung towns and villages to Hyderabad for the event. Mahesh Babu’s nearly godlike popularity among his followers was evident as the crowd erupted when he appeared atop the mechanical bull. “It’s not actually Tollywood now, it’s global,” said fan Manideep Rayudu. “Our superstar Mahesh Babu is not a regional star anymore. He is a global star.”

The film’s ambitious scale and mythological inspiration signal Rajamouli’s continued commitment to blending cultural storytelling with technical innovation. The teaser featured a blend of intricate set designs, computer-generated imagery, and dynamic choreography that is characteristic of Rajamouli’s filmmaking style. Observers note that Varanasi could redefine the time-travel genre in Indian cinema, incorporating uniquely local mythological elements while appealing to a global audience.

Reports indicate that the production of Varanasi will involve extensive on-location shooting across India, combined with cutting-edge visual effects work. Rajamouli has consistently pushed technological boundaries in Indian cinema, from the elaborate battle sequences of Baahubali to the high-octane stunts in RRR. Industry insiders suggest that Varanasi may feature never-before-seen visual effects, particularly in its time-travel sequences.

The music for Varanasi is being composed by MM Keeravani, a long-time collaborator of Rajamouli, known for creating soundscapes that enhance the grandeur and emotional depth of his films. Dance and choreography, central to Tollywood cinema, will also play a pivotal role, blending classical Indian elements with contemporary styles to underscore the narrative.

Rajamouli’s approach reflects a broader trend in Indian cinema, where filmmakers are increasingly seeking to blend traditional storytelling with international cinematic techniques. Analysts suggest that Varanasi could further elevate Tollywood’s global profile, attracting audiences from Hollywood and European markets, similar to the international success of RRR.

The Hyderabad event also underscored the fan culture surrounding Rajamouli and his collaborators. Thousands of attendees engaged in coordinated dances, chants, and displays of loyalty, reflecting the deep connection between Indian cinema and its audience. Such events not only serve as marketing spectacles but also highlight the cultural resonance of these films within Indian society.

With Varanasi, Rajamouli is poised to create another milestone in global Indian cinema. The combination of a mythologically rich storyline, time-travel adventure, and technological innovation positions the film to appeal to both domestic audiences and international viewers seeking epic, visually stunning narratives.

As the countdown to 2027 begins, anticipation is already building among fans and industry insiders alike. Rajamouli’s track record suggests that Varanasi could once again redefine audience expectations, blending mythology, action, and spectacle in a film that promises to be both a cultural celebration and a cinematic milestone.