Director S.S. Rajamouli, known for his blockbuster films such as 'RRR' and 'Baahubali' that transformed the scale of Indian cinema and attracted Hollywood's interest, has announced his most ambitious project to date.
Renowned for his fusion of mythical narratives with epic action and creative choreography, Rajamouli revealed his newest film and its title during an event on Saturday in Hyderabad, a city in southern India, where thousands of enthusiastic fans gathered to get an initial look.
Although the plot specifics of the movie “Varanasi,” formerly known as “Globe Trotter,” are still undisclosed, a nearly four-minute video revealed a visually captivating time-travel adventure that incorporates elements of Hindu mythology into its narrative. The film is named after the Indian city regarded as the spiritual center of Hinduism.
Rajamouli announced that the movie will be shown in theaters in IMAX format and is anticipated to debut in 2027. 'Here you go… VARANASI to the WORLD…' Rajamouli posted on X. During the event, he hinted that a scene in the film is inspired by 'a significant episode' from the Ramayana, a Hindu epic centered on the life of Lord Rama.
For the film 'Varanasi,' Rajamouli has brought together a stellar cast featuring Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Prithviraj Sukumaran. Chopra Jonas, who gained recognition as a Bollywood star, makes her return to Indian cinema with this movie after working on several Hollywood films. A movie poster depicts her as the character Mandakini, dressed in a mustard sari, holding a pistol, and standing on the edge of a cliff.
“Varanasi” marks Babu's initial partnership with Rajamouli. The initial glimpse portrays him as an intense warrior, drenched in blood, astride a white bull, wielding a trident. Babu made a dramatic entrance on stage Saturday, riding a mechanical white bull. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime project,” Babu stated after revealing the teaser at Hyderabad’s Ramoji Film City, the vibrant center of Telugu cinema, also referred to as Tollywood. “I will make everyone proud. All of India will be proud of us.”
A massive crowd of enthusiastic fans witnessed the initial preview of the film on a gigantic 110-by-130-foot (33.5-by-39.5-meter) screen, surrounded by replicas of the city of Varanasi. The venue was illuminated with a spectacular show of colorful lights and fireworks, while the audience danced to the lively beats of Telugu music, featuring both new hits and classic tunes, transforming the occasion into a lively celebration.
The Telugu film industry has established a distinct identity from Hindi-language Bollywood, known for its intense and occasionally logic-defying action, mythical narratives, and lavish visual style. A significant portion of Tollywood's recent achievements, both critically and commercially, is attributed to Rajamouli. His grandiose heroes and ambitious filmmaking, featuring creative visual effects, have propelled the industry to international prominence.
Rajamouli gained international recognition after the release of 'RRR,' or 'Rise, Roar, Revolt,' his 2022 Telugu-language epic set in British India. This expansive anti-colonial narrative became one of India's most successful films, achieved global streaming popularity, and won an Oscar for best original song. His 'Baahubali' series, released in two parts in 2015 and 2017, shattered box-office records in India and introduced Western audiences to the visual splendor of Telugu cinema.
A reedited version, 'Baahubali: The Epic,' was released in cinemas worldwide just last month. Many fans of Tollywood films traveled from distant towns and villages to see Babu, who enjoys a near-divine status among them. 'It's not just Tollywood anymore; it's global now,' said Manideep Rayudu, a fan. 'Our superstar Mahesh Babu is no longer just a regional star; he is a global star.'