Acclaimed filmmaker SS Rajamouli has raised expectations for his much-anticipated film starring Mahesh Babu, revealing that the project is five to six times bigger than the Oscar-winning blockbuster RRR.
The director shared the update while speaking at the 50th São Paulo International Film Festival in Brazil.
Despite its massive scale, Rajamouli said the production was completed more efficiently than RRR. According to the filmmaker, RRR required 315 shooting days, while the new project wrapped up filming in just 275 days, thanks to extensive pre-production planning and detailed groundwork.
The upcoming film, titled Varanasi, reportedly revolves around a high-stakes global crisis triggered by a giant asteroid threatening the ancient city of Varanasi. Mahesh Babu plays Rudhra, an archaeologist and explorer who embarks on a dangerous mission to recover a powerful cosmic artifact.
The adventure takes audiences across multiple continents, including Africa, Antarctica and Europe. Joining the mission is Mandakini, a skilled historian and marksman, while the duo faces off against a technologically advanced antagonist named Kumbha.
The film also features Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran in key roles. Reports suggest that Mahesh Babu has already completed his portions of the shoot, with Rajamouli expressing confidence in the actor’s performance.
With its ambitious narrative, international settings and larger-than-life vision, the film is being projected as one of the biggest Indian cinematic ventures ever mounted. The movie is scheduled for a theatrical release on April 7, 2027.
