Mumbai, January 31, 2026 – The makers of ‘Varanasi’, SS Rajamouli’s much-anticipated magnum opus, have officially announced the release date for the pan-Indian spectacle starring Mahesh Babu, Prithviraj Sukumaran, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas. The film is set to hit theaters worldwide on April 7, 2027.
Rajamouli and Mahesh Babu Join Forces
This marks the first-ever collaboration between legendary filmmaker SS Rajamouli and Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu. The film is bankrolled by SS Durga Arts in association with Showing Business.
The first-look poster, unveiled alongside the release date, depicts a meteor crashing into Earth, hinting at apocalyptic stakes. Fans have already been captivated by the glimpses released last year, including Mahesh Babu riding a mechanical white bull, showcasing a blood-streaked warrior wielding a trident.
A Cosmic Mythological Saga
‘Varanasi’ promises a unique blend of cosmic disaster and ancient Indian mythology. Rajamouli shared insights about a major sequence inspired by “an important episode from the Ramayana.” The director described the 60-day shoot for the sequence as one of the most challenging of his career, adding, “While writing every scene and every dialogue, I felt like I was floating.”
The film is shot with IMAX exhibition in mind, promising a visually immersive experience.
Star Cast and Characters
- Mahesh Babu plays the central warrior, whose first glimpses as a blood-streaked combatant have already generated massive buzz.
- Prithviraj Sukumaran steps into the shoes of the antagonist, Kumbha, setting up a high-stakes conflict.
- Priyanka Chopra Jonas will portray Mandakini, a pivotal character in the cosmic-mythological narrative.
The first-look posters of Prithviraj and Priyanka have fueled fan excitement and speculation about the film’s epic scale and storyline.
What Fans Can Expect
Billed as a “globetrotter”, ‘Varanasi’ is expected to combine larger-than-life action sequences, mythology-inspired drama, and state-of-the-art visual effects. With Rajamouli at the helm, the movie is already shaping up as one of the most awaited pan-Indian releases of 2027.
