SS Rajamouli’s monumentally ambitious film Varanasi is set to make cinematic history by becoming the first Indian feature film to shoot in Antarctica. The announcement was confirmed when actress Priyanka Chopra responded to co-star Mahesh Babu’s social media post about her Hollywood film The Bluff, writing: “Thank you, my friend. See you in Antarctica.“
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Varanasi Antarctica Shooting and Project Details
The filming will take place primarily at the Ross Ice Shelf, the largest ice shelf on the frozen continent. This groundbreaking decision underscores Rajamouli’s unwavering commitment to delivering an unprecedented, globe-trotting epic adventure that transcends conventional filmmaking boundaries. Varanasi represents the director’s most ambitious project to date, building upon his legendary status established through the Baahubali franchise and the globally celebrated RRR.
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Film Title | Varanasi |
| Director | SS Rajamouli |
| Lead Cast | Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas |
| Filming Location | Antarctica – Ross Ice Shelf |
| Historic Achievement | First Indian film shot on Antarctic continent |
| Announcement Date | March 1, 2026 (via Priyanka’s Twitter response) |
| Announcement Method | Social media post response to Mahesh Babu |
| Previous Shooting Duration | Over 14 months completed |
| Remaining Shooting | Six more months intermittently |
| Release Date | April 7, 2027 (worldwide theatrical) |
| Production Budget | Estimated ₹1000+ crore |
| Camera Format | IMAX cameras (large-format cinematography) |
| Genre | Time-travelling, globe-trotting adventure |
| Production Company | Major Indian production houses |
Antarctica: The Filming Location and Challenges
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Ross Ice Shelf – largest ice shelf in Antarctica |
| Continental Status | Most remote continent on Earth |
| Temperature | Coldest place on Earth |
| Freshwater Reserves | Holds 75% of world’s freshwater |
| Permanent Residents | None – scientific research dedicated continent |
| Legal Framework | Antarctic Treaty regulating activities |
| Environmental Regulations | Strict protocols for filming operations |
| Weather Conditions | Extreme, unpredictable, hazardous |
| Logistical Challenges | Remote access, limited infrastructure, supply difficulties |
| Previous Film Shoots | Documentaries: Encounters at End of World (2007), Antarctica: A Year on Ice (2013), South (1919) |
Priyanka Chopra’s Perspective on Varanasi
Priyanka Chopra revealed significant details about the project during recent interviews: “This movie is going to be one of India’s biggest ambitions. It’s positioned in an incredible way—we travel through time, we travel the world. It is an adventure; it is really cool. I am very excited for the world to see it. We have shot for over 14 months now, and there are six more months to go intermittently. He takes his time. From whatever little I am allowed to see, I think it is going to be very cool and defining for Indian cinema.”
Her comments underscore the film’s unprecedented scope, combining temporal narrative elements with geographical globe-trotting sequences. The actress’s enthusiastic assessment, coupled with her acknowledgment of Rajamouli’s meticulous filmmaking approach, indicates the director’s commitment to delivering exceptional cinematic quality despite extended production timelines and challenging logistics.
SS Rajamouli’s Legacy and Ambition
Following the massive global success of RRR and his legendary Baahubali franchise, Rajamouli has established himself as Indian cinema’s foremost creator of spectacle-driven, narratively sophisticated epics. Varanasi represents his most ambitious undertaking, leveraging IMAX cinematography to capture Antarctica’s breathtaking vistas while weaving them into a time-travelling adventure narrative.
The decision to film in Antarctica exemplifies Rajamouli’s willingness to overcome extraordinary obstacles—environmental regulations, extreme weather, logistical challenges, and resource constraints—to realize his creative vision. Few international filmmakers have successfully navigated these barriers; Rajamouli’s determination positions him among cinema’s most visionary directors.
Film’s Global Ambition and Timeline
With over 14 months of filming completed and six more months of intermittent shooting required, the production demonstrates the complexity inherent in Rajamouli’s meticulous approach. The extended timeline, combined with IMAX camera utilization and globe-trotting sequences across multiple continents including Antarctica, suggests a production of unprecedented Indian cinematic scale.
The April 7, 2027 release date positions Varanasi as a major event film, with marketing potential spanning global markets given its international shooting locations and English-language release accessibility.
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FAQs
Why is Varanasi shooting in Antarctica?
Antarctica serves as a crucial filming location for Varanasi’s time-travelling, globe-trotting narrative. SS Rajamouli aims to shoot at the Ross Ice Shelf, the largest ice shelf on the frozen continent, to capture visually stunning sequences integral to the film’s epic scope.
Will Varanasi be the first Indian film shot in Antarctica?
Yes, Varanasi will become the first feature film from India to shoot in Antarctica. Very few films globally have filmed there due to extreme weather, logistical challenges, and strict environmental regulations under the Antarctic Treaty.
When will Varanasi release?
Varanasi is scheduled for worldwide theatrical release on April 7, 2027. The extended production timeline reflects Rajamouli’s meticulous filmmaking approach and the complexity of shooting in remote, challenging locations.
How much footage has been shot for Varanasi?
As of March 2026, over 14 months of shooting has been completed, with an additional six months of intermittent shooting remaining. Priyanka Chopra indicated the film is progressing toward completion with careful attention to quality.
What makes Varanasi such an ambitious film?
Varanasi combines time-travel narrative elements with globe-trotting adventure sequences shot across multiple continents, including Antarctica. The film uses IMAX cameras and represents SS Rajamouli’s most expansive project following RRR and Baahubali’s success.
