# Half Done, Half to Go: SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi Wraps Shooting by June 2026

URL: https://technosports.co.in/ss-rajamoulis-varanasi-wraps-shooting-by-june-2026/  
Published: 2026-02-14  
Updated: 2026-02-14  
Author: Reetam Bodhak

Legendary director [SS Rajamouli](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S._S._Rajamouli) confirmed in a recent Collider interview that his ambitious epic *Varanasi* starring Mahesh Babu will complete shooting by June 2026. With 50% already filmed—including the challenging Ramayana episode—the team now shifts focus to extensive VFX work for the April 7, 2027 theatrical release.

## Varanasi Production Timeline

| **Aspect** | **Details** |
| --- | --- |
| **Shoot Completion** | June 2026 (50% already done) |
| **Most Challenging Sequence** | Ramayana episode (completed) |
| **Release Date** | April 7, 2027 |
| **Runtime** | Approximately 3 hours (single film, not two parts) |
| **Lead Cast** | Mahesh Babu (Rudhra/Lord Rama), Priyanka Chopra Jonas (Mandakini), Prithviraj Sukumaran (Kumbha) |
| **Genre** | Mythological-Fantasy (NOT Sci-Fi) |
| **VFX Work** | Extensive post-production with Hollywood studios |

## The Ramayana Challenge & Genre Clarity

The Ramayana episode proved most challenging, requiring period-appropriate postures. Mahesh Babu underwent three months of Kalari martial arts training solely to perfect his Lord Rama bearing. “You can’t stand like modern characters,” he explained about [this Telugu epic](https://technosports.co.in/telugu-cinema-big-budget-films).

![Varanasi](https://technosports.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/image-821-1024x768.png)

Rajamouli clarified *Varanasi* blends mythological-fantasy elements—NOT sci-fi. Prithviraj’s wheelchair-bound Kumbha has “strong story relevance,” with intensity through expressions rather than action.

## No “Naatu Naatu” Repeat, But Grand Music

Unlike *RRR’s* Oscar-winning dance track, *Varanasi* won’t feature mass dance numbers. “Grand music and impactful songs, but not high-energy dance like ‘Naatu Naatu,'” Rajamouli stated, delivering emotional payoff through different elements.

## Extreme Filming: Kenya to Antarctica

Production filmed across continents—Kenya’s Maasai Mara with wildebeests, Antarctica, Africa’s wilderness, and Varanasi. Instead of shooting in the densely populated sacred city, Rajamouli built a ₹50 crore Ramoji Film City set using thousands of photos and 360-degree footage.

Mahesh described Kenya: “Vehicles dropped us with wildebeest. The ground shook as animals ran.” Rajamouli directed via walkie-talkie, capturing [unprecedented sequences](https://technosports.co.in/south-cinema-action-films).

## VFX-Heavy Post-Production & Mahesh’s Discipline

With June 2026 wrap, focus shifts to Hollywood VFX studios. Despite heavy graphics, Rajamouli emphasizes practical elements—real sets and interactions before digital enhancement.

Rajamouli praised Mahesh’s work ethic: “He keeps his phone in the car. I’ve never seen him bring it to set”—impressive enough that the director vowed not touching phones during family time.

## FAQs

### **Q: When will Varanasi complete shooting?**

 SS Rajamouli confirmed the shoot will wrap by June 2026, with 50% already completed including the challenging Ramayana episode. The team then shifts to extensive VFX work for the April 7, 2027 release.

### **Q: Is Varanasi a science fiction film?**

 No, Rajamouli clarified it’s a mythological-fantasy blend, not sci-fi. Despite futuristic visuals like Prithviraj Sukumaran’s wheelchair, the genre focuses on mythology and fantasy elements with strong story relevance.