S.S. Rajamouli Announces Varanasi Release for April 7, 2027

Filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli announced that his upcoming action-adventure epic, Varanasi, will receive a worldwide theatrical release on April 7, 2027, marking a significant follow-up to his global hit RRR. The film stars Telugu cinema leading man Mahesh Babu in the dual role of warrior Rudhra and the Hindu deity Lord Rama, alongside Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Mandakini and Prithviraj Sukumaran as the antagonist Kumbha, a scientist portrayed with advanced mechanical enhancements.

The story unfolds across thousands of years, blending elements of Hindu mythology from the ancient epic Ramayana with futuristic threats, including an asteroid endangering Earth. Set against diverse global backdrops from Antarctica and Africa to the sacred Indian city of Varanasi along the Ganges River, the narrative draws comparisons to Indiana Jones and James Bond for its high-stakes action and adventure. Production teams described it as an ambitious project rarely seen in Indian cinema, with on-location shooting in remote areas to capture its expansive scale. Rajamouli unveiled first-look footage in November 2025, providing an initial glimpse of the film's visual scope and tone.