Legendary director SS 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.
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.
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.
