For Priyanka Chopra Jonas, returning to Indian cinema after nearly six years is both familiar and deeply emotional.
After a successful run in Hollywood, the actor is finally back on an Indian film set — and she says it could not have happened in a better way.
Her comeback comes with S. S. Rajamouli’s highly anticipated epic Varanasi, where she stars opposite Mahesh Babu. The project has already become one of the most talked-about films in the Indian film industry.
In a recent interview with ScreenRant, Priyanka spoke about moving between film industries and how her global experiences have shaped her as an actor.
Navigating Hollywood and Indian Cinema
Addressing comparisons between Hollywood and Indian cinema, Priyanka explained that the two industries operate very differently and require a mental shift on every set.
“Um, yes, I think that the culture of filmmaking is very different in Hollywood versus how we work in India, and you have to pivot your brain. So I can divide my brain into two. I don’t think there is a world in which you bring lessons from there, here, or vice versa. You have to immerse yourself fully,” she said.
She added that an actor’s journey is guided by the director’s vision. “Whether it was Ilya in Heads of State or any work I’ve done abroad, or filmmakers in Hindi cinema, you have to go into every set with the originality of whatever you’re going to receive,” Priyanka explained.
Why Varanasi Felt Right
That sense of creative surrender is what drew Priyanka to Varanasi.
“I’m so happy to be coming back and making this movie in India, because if there was any other way to return to Indian cinema, it was this,” she said.
Don 3 and Krrish 4 Rumours
Her comeback naturally sparked questions about revisiting two iconic franchises — Don and Krrish. When asked if she would reprise her roles, Priyanka smiled and remained non-committal.
“I don’t know if I can talk about either of them at all,” she said. Sitting beside her, Mahesh Babu jokingly added, “Then there’s something happening.”
Priyanka laughed and highlighted what excites her most about returning.
“Exciting, exciting times ahead. This (Varanasi) is the first film I’m doing after almost six years in India. My favourite part was getting to dance again — I haven’t done that in any of my Hollywood productions, so I was really excited.”
What’s Next
Varanasi is expected to release next year. Before that, Priyanka will be seen in her Hollywood film The Bluff, which will stream on February 25, 2026.
