Summary (tl;dr)

Filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli has officially announced his next magnum opus, titled "Varanasi," a time-traveling, mythological action-adventure starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Prithviraj Sukumaran, with a teaser and first look revealed.

Essential Background

S.S. Rajamouli is a highly acclaimed Indian filmmaker renowned for directing global blockbusters like "Baahubali" and the Oscar-winning "RRR," which significantly elevated Indian cinema's international profile. His projects are known for their grand scale, intricate storytelling, and imaginative action sequences. Anticipation has been building for his next film, previously referred to by the working titles "Globe Trotter" or "SSMB29," since the success of "RRR".

The Full Story

On November 15, 2025, S.S. Rajamouli officially unveiled his highly anticipated new film as "Varanasi" at a grand "GlobeTrotter" event held at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad. The announcement included the release of posters, first images, and a nearly four-minute teaser that showcased a visually rich time-travel adventure. The film features a star-studded cast with Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu in the lead role of Rudhra, alongside Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Mandakini and Prithviraj Sukumaran as Kumbha. The teaser hints at a plot that blends Hindu mythology, ancient history (specifically 512 CE Varanasi), and sci-fi elements, including an asteroid impact in Antarctica revealing a hidden city. Notably, Rajamouli revealed that a major sequence in the film is inspired by an "important episode" from the Ramayana. The film is planned as two three-hour movies, filmed for IMAX, and is slated for a 2027 release. The event also saw some initial trailer footage reportedly leaking online, further fueling discussions.

Why It Matters

The announcement of "Varanasi" has generated significant buzz due to the immense reputation of S.S. Rajamouli, whose previous films have achieved both critical acclaim and massive global box office success, including an Oscar for "RRR"'s music. The casting of prominent actors like Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas (marking her return to Indian cinema after several Hollywood projects), and Prithviraj Sukumaran amplifies the interest and potential audience reach. The ambitious concept of a globe-trotting time-travel adventure infused with Hindu mythology and high-budget IMAX production signals another potential cinematic spectacle from Rajamouli, which could redefine Indian cinema's global appeal and set new benchmarks for storytelling and visual effects. The integration of revered Hindu epic elements like the Ramayana also resonates deeply with a large audience, promising a culturally significant and widely discussed film.

Geographic Location

• Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad, Telangana, India (grand launch event for "Varanasi")
• Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India (setting for a recreated ancient city in the film)
• Antarctica (location of an asteroid impact and a hidden ancient city in the film's plot)