Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and SS Rajamouli open up about Varanasi; Director recalls James Cameron’s message after RRR : Bollywood News

Filmmaker S. S. Rajamouli is gearing up for his next feature Varanasi, an action-adventure that brings together Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Prithviraj Sukumaran. Set against the backdrop of the ancient and culturally layered city of Varanasi, the film is being positioned as a large-scale narrative rooted in tradition while speaking to contemporary audiences.

Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and SS Rajamouli open up about Varanasi; Director recalls James Cameron’s message after RRR

Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and SS Rajamouli open up about Varanasi; Director recalls James Cameron’s message after RRRWith anticipation around the project steadily building, Rajamouli, Mahesh Babu, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas recently shared insights into the film during an interview. Rajamouli reflected on the global recognition he continues to receive following the success of RRR, including a memorable interaction with Hollywood filmmaker James Cameron. Speaking about the conversation, Rajamouli said, “I saw James Cameron talking about RRR, and it made me happy once more. We had a long conversation about RRR, and the words I remember him saying were you continue going to the films that you do.”

Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who returns to Indian cinema after a six-year gap, spoke about her excitement in collaborating with Rajamouli. She revealed that she had a specific request for the director, saying, “I haven’t done an Indian film for six years. I requested SSR. Can you make me dance?” Mahesh Babu added that music plays a significant role in the film, hinting at a song already shot for the project. “We have already shot one song, and it just keeps playing in our minds. Priyanka keeps singing it all the time,” he shared.

Varanasi has already begun making waves internationally. The film’s first glimpse was showcased at the Trailer Festival at Le Grand Rex in Paris, one of Europe’s most iconic cinema halls, where it reportedly received an enthusiastic response from the audience. The early exposure has further fuelled curiosity around the project’s scale and storytelling.

Character reveals from the film have also added to the buzz. Mahesh Babu’s looks as Rudhra and as the Hindu god Rama, Prithviraj Sukumaran’s intense antagonist avatar as Kumbha, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas’s portrayal of Mandakini have all been unveiled, prompting widespread discussion across social media platforms.

With filming progressing and expectations rising, Varanasi is slated for a grand theatrical release on April 7, 2027, marking Rajamouli’s next major cinematic outing after RRR.

Also Read: Priyanka Chopra Jonas reveals her ONLY request for Varanasi was to dance: “Poor Mahesh Babu had to do it too”