Priyanka Chopra’s Dance Request to SS Rajamouli Changed ‘Varanasi’ — And Pulled Mahesh Babu In Too

Mumbai: When SS Rajamouli called Priyanka Chopra to discuss Varanasi, the scale was already massive. Mythology, time travel, epic action, and one of Indian cinema’s biggest stars—Mahesh Babu—were in place. But Priyanka had just one question before saying yes.

“Will you make me dance?”

That single request not only sealed her return to Indian cinema after seven years, it also reshaped the film’s creative energy—and unexpectedly pulled Mahesh Babu into multiple dance-heavy sequences.

A comeback that began with a condition

When Rajamouli first pitched Varanasi, he spoke about the character, the world, and the ambition behind the project. Priyanka listened, then shared something personal: she had not danced in an Indian film for years and deeply missed that connection with audiences.

If she was coming back, she wanted music, movement, and that unmistakable Bollywood rhythm.

Rajamouli agreed.

When Rajamouli goes all in

Priyanka later joked that she may have underestimated what agreeing meant. Once Rajamouli committed, he expanded the musical elements far beyond a single song. Rehearsals became intense, shooting schedules stretched, and choreography turned physically demanding.

And Mahesh Babu? He found himself right in the middle of it.

Priyanka revealed that Mahesh playfully blamed her for his sudden increase in dance scenes, teasing her on set for “starting all this.” What began as her personal wish soon became one of the most anticipated elements of the film.

Mahesh Babu can’t get the song out of his head

Despite the complaints, Mahesh appears more amused than annoyed. He has confirmed that a major song featuring both leads has already been filmed—and that the tune refuses to leave his head.

Priyanka, he says, keeps humming it on set.

The song exists purely because she asked to dance, and insiders suggest it may become one of Varanasi’s biggest crowd-pleasers.

First-time collaboration: Rajamouli and Priyanka Chopra

Varanasi marks Priyanka Chopra’s first collaboration with SS Rajamouli, the filmmaker behind Baahubali and RRR. Interestingly, Rajamouli has admitted he initially had reservations.

Having spent years in Hollywood and global projects, he wondered if Priyanka would instantly reconnect with Indian cinematic sensibilities.

Those doubts disappeared on day one.

He described her as “a fish into water”—fully present, emotionally attuned, and deeply committed from the first shot.

Why Mandakini needed Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka plays Mandakini, a role that demands both emotional vulnerability and physical strength. Rajamouli needed someone who could dominate action scenes yet completely unravel in intimate moments.

After considering several options, he felt Priyanka uniquely balanced both.

Mandakini can fight fiercely, but she can also fall apart—and Rajamouli believes Priyanka delivers that duality effortlessly.

Mahesh Babu as Rudhra — and as Lord Rama

Mahesh Babu stars as Rudhra, a layered protagonist whose journey spans timelines. Rajamouli has confirmed that Mahesh will also portray Lord Rama in one sequence, directly linking the film to the Ramayana.

Time travel plays a crucial role in Varanasi, with the narrative moving between worlds inspired by mythology and modern reality. Rajamouli has said these epics are not relics of the past, but living emotions that continue to resonate deeply.

Adding to the film’s scale is Prithviraj Sukumaran, who plays the antagonist.

Release plans

Varanasi is scheduled for a theatrical release on April 7, 2027.

Before that, Priyanka Chopra will be seen in the Hollywood action thriller The Bluff, co-starring Karl Urban, streaming on Prime Video this month.

But her true big-screen homecoming arrives next year—dancing, fighting, and commanding the screen in one of Indian cinema’s most ambitious films.

Seven years later, Priyanka Chopra is back.
On her terms.
And on the biggest stage possible.