SS Rajamouli just dropped a bombshell about his casting concerns for the epic Varanasi—and it involves Priyanka Chopra’s eight-year Hollywood stint. The legendary director’s candid revelation about doubting PC’s “Indian base” return has everyone talking about the challenges stars face when switching between Bollywood and Hollywood.
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Rajamouli’s Honest Doubt About Priyanka
| Varanasi Film Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Director | SS Rajamouli |
| Lead Stars | Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, Prithviraj Sukumaran |
| Runtime | ~200 minutes (3 hours) |
| Release Date | April 7, 2027 |
| Priyanka’s Last Indian Film | The Sky Is Pink (2019) |
| Initial Consideration | Two-part film (rejected) |
In a revealing chat with Screen Rant, Rajamouli admitted his concerns: “It’s been a while since she did an Indian film. I think the last one she did was eight years ago. She did a lot of Hollywood productions in between. I had a little doubt whether she’s changed her approach according to the Western audience and if she’ll be ready to move back to her Indian base…”
From Hollywood Glam to Indian Soul
The RRR mastermind’s worries weren’t unfounded. Priyanka Chopra has spent years building an impressive Hollywood career with projects like Quantico, Citadel, and Love Again. That’s a significant departure from the intensity and style of Indian cinema.
But here’s the plot twist—Rajamouli’s fears vanished the moment cameras rolled. He described her adjustment as “a fish into water,” instantly reconnecting with her Indian roots and delivering exactly what the role of Mandakini demanded.
Why Priyanka? The Bad-ss Meets Vulnerable
Rajamouli revealed he chose the former Miss World for her unique ability to portray both strength and vulnerability. “I’m a fan of her work,” the 52-year-old director confessed, highlighting her versatility across genres and emotions.
According to the Internet Movie Database (IMDb), Priyanka Chopra has successfully juggled 60+ acting credits across two continents—a feat that initially made Rajamouli question if she could switch gears back to Indian storytelling.
One Epic Film, Not Two
Initially, Varanasi was considered for a two-part release—following Rajamouli’s successful formula with Baahubali. However, the director quickly scrapped that idea. “We considered Varanasi as a two-part film for a brief period of time. But we quickly dropped the idea, and the runtime of the film will be around three hours,” he revealed.
This decision aligns with trends in Indian cinema, where directors increasingly prefer single, comprehensive narratives over extended franchises. The Film Federation of India has noted this shift toward tighter, more focused storytelling in recent years.
For more updates on Bollywood and South Indian cinema, stay tuned to TechnoSports Entertainment News.
A Mythological Masterpiece in the Making
Varanasi promises to be a visual spectacle with mythological undertones, starring Mahesh Babu in the lead role alongside Chopra. The grand unveiling event in Hyderabad already generated massive buzz, with the recent confirmation of its April 7, 2027 release date sending fans into overdrive.
Catch more behind-the-scenes stories and celebrity updates at TechnoSports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Varanasi be released as two parts like Baahubali?
No, SS Rajamouli confirmed Varanasi will be a single film with approximately 3 hours runtime, abandoning the two-part format.
When was Priyanka Chopra’s last Indian film before Varanasi?
Priyanka’s last Indian film was The Sky Is Pink in 2019, making Varanasi her comeback after nearly 8 years.
