Priyanka Chopra Jonas' Look in Varanasi Debuts on Birthday

The first look of Priyanka Chopra Jonas in the upcoming epic film "Varanasi" was unveiled on Saturday, July 18, 2026, coinciding with the actor's birthday. Director S.S. Rajamouli shared two new stills on social media introducing her character, Mandakini, to the public.

Rajamouli described the character with the caption, "Grace when she smiles. Fire when she doesn't." The two images reflect this duality. One poster presents Chopra Jonas in an intense, fierce avatar, wearing a black outfit with her hair tied back. The other shows a more joyful side of the character, with the actor smiling and jumping mid-air against a backdrop of misty mountains and wildlife, which one source identified as Kenya's Maasai Mara.

The film, which marks Chopra Jonas's first collaboration with Rajamouli, is a pan-Indian action-adventure project. It stars Mahesh Babu in the lead role of Rudhra, with Prithviraj Sukumaran playing the antagonist named Kumbha. The director's frequent collaborator, composer M.M. Keeravani, is also attached to the project.

"Varanasi" is described as a globe-spanning narrative that blends elements of ancient mythology with science fiction, including a cosmic disaster. The story...