Actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas has opened up about her much-anticipated return to Indian cinema after nearly six years, as she gears up for director SS Rajamouli’s upcoming film Varanasi, co-starring Mahesh Babu. Alongside sharing her excitement about the project, the actor also addressed rumours linking her to a possible return to popular franchises like Don and Krrish.
Priyanka, who has spent the last few years working extensively in Hollywood, spoke about navigating two very different film industries and what it means to come back to Indian cinema at this stage of her career.
In a conversation with ScreenRant, she said, “I am so happy to be coming back and, you know, making this movie in India, because if there was any other, any way to come back into Indian cinema, it was this.”
Priyanka on Rumours Around Don and Krrish
When asked about speculation suggesting she may reprise her roles in franchises she once headlined alongside Shah Rukh Khan (Don) and Hrithik Roshan (Krrish), Priyanka remained cautious.
“I don’t know if I can talk about either of them at all,” she said, stopping short of confirming or denying the reports.
Her response prompted a light-hearted comment from her Varanasi co-star Mahesh Babu, who quipped, “Then there’s something happening,” adding fuel to fan curiosity.
‘Exciting Times Ahead’
Speaking further about Varanasi, Priyanka expressed how special the project feels as her first Indian film in almost six years.
“Exciting, exciting times ahead, and yes, this (Varanasi) is the first one that I am doing after, like, almost six years in India,” she said. “My favourite part was getting to dance again. I haven’t done that in any of my Hollywood productions, so I was really excited to be able to do that.”
Balancing Hollywood and Indian Cinema
Priyanka also reflected on the differences between working in Hollywood and India, explaining that the approach to filmmaking varies significantly.
“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,” she said. “You have to immerse yourself completely into whichever world you’re working in.”
Describing herself as a “director’s actor,” Priyanka highlighted how she adapts to each filmmaker’s vision.
“I believe an actor’s journey is through a director’s vision,” she said, adding that whether it’s Hindi cinema or international projects, she approaches every set with openness and originality.
What’s Next for Priyanka Chopra
Varanasi is expected to release next year and marks Priyanka Chopra’s official return to Indian cinema. On the international front, she will next be seen in the Hollywood film The Bluff, which is scheduled for a digital release on February 25, 2026.
