Key moments
On April 7, 2027, the cinematic world will witness the release of Varanasi, the latest ambitious project from acclaimed Indian filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli. Known for his groundbreaking works such as Baahubali: The Beginning and RRR, Rajamouli has consistently pushed the boundaries of storytelling and visual spectacle in Indian cinema.
With a staggering budget of $100 million, Varanasi is poised to be a landmark film, not just for Rajamouli, but for the entire Indian film industry. This film will be the first Telugu movie to be presented in Cinemascope and utilize a premium large-scale IMAX format, further enhancing the viewing experience for audiences worldwide.
The film’s narrative spans multiple timelines, ranging from 7200 BCE to 2071, weaving a complex tale that includes global catastrophes and a race against time to prevent the destruction of the world. Such ambitious storytelling reflects Rajamouli’s vision of creating a cinematic universe that resonates with both Indian and global audiences.
Rajamouli’s father, V. Vijayendra Prasad, has contributed to the writing of Varanasi, ensuring that the film is rooted in rich storytelling traditions. The set, a scaled-down recreation of the city of Varanasi, measures 700 feet in width and 400 feet in length, featuring significant structures like the Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple, meticulously recreated with detailed reference images.
Filming for Varanasi involved a minimum of 500 extras, showcasing the film’s grand scale. The trailer, which took a full year to complete, has already generated significant buzz, hinting at the film’s epic nature. As one observer noted, “If RRR was a breakthrough moment that introduced global audiences to the possibilities of Indian cinema, Varanasi feels like the next evolution: bigger, bolder, and even more ambitious.”
Priyanka Chopra Jonas, one of the film’s stars, remarked on the film’s innovative approach, stating, “It’s not like you’re sitting in a machine and going into — it’s not Back to the Future.” This highlights the film’s unique narrative style, which promises to engage viewers on multiple levels.
As anticipation builds for the release of Varanasi, Rajamouli’s invitation to audiences is clear: “When Rajamouli says, ‘See you all at the movies,’ he’s not just inviting India, he’s inviting the world.” This sentiment encapsulates the filmmaker’s ambition to transcend cultural boundaries and redefine the global perception of Indian cinema.
