One of the most anticipated Indian films in years is inching closer to the finish line — and the latest update will excite every fan counting down.
Reports suggest that Mahesh Babu is currently deep in production on a crucial song sequence for Varanasi, the epic time-travel adventure directed by SS Rajamouli, with the full shoot expected to wrap by August 2026 ahead of its confirmed April 7, 2027 release date.
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What’s Happening on the Varanasi Set Right Now?
According to Telugu Chitraalu, Mahesh Babu has been filming on a massive specially constructed set in Katedan, Hyderabad over the past several days. The song reportedly isn’t just a filler number — it is said to be a story-critical track that plays a meaningful role in the film’s narrative progression.
Separately, the team also filmed an underwater sequence in the holy city of Varanasi itself, apparently shifting location from Hyderabad due to water availability issues. It’s that kind of logistical commitment that tells you exactly how grand Rajamouli is going with this one.
It’s worth noting — none of this has been officially confirmed by the makers yet. But the consistency of the reports makes it hard to ignore.
Varanasi: Everything You Need to Know at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Film Title | Varanasi |
| Director | SS Rajamouli |
| Lead Actor | Mahesh Babu (as Rudra) |
| Co-leads | Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Prithviraj Sukumaran |
| Villain | Prithviraj as Kumbha |
| Genre | Time-travel action adventure |
| Expected Shoot Wrap | August 2026 |
| Release Date | April 7, 2027 |
The Story Behind Varanasi
This isn’t your typical masala entertainer. Varanasi follows a devoted Shiva devotee named Rudra — a rugged adventurer and time traveller — who embarks on a perilous quest across eras to recover a lost cosmic artifact of immense power. As ancient secrets unravel, he realises the mission itself was engineered by a calculating mastermind with ambitions of global domination.
Mahesh Babu is also confirmed to appear as Lord Rama in one of the film’s episodes — a detail that has fans absolutely buzzing.
Prithviraj Sukumaran plays the primary antagonist, Kumbha — a vicious supervillain shown in a futuristic wheelchair in the first-look poster. Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who has already spoken publicly about filming for over 14 months, plays the co-lead Mandakini.
For more on Rajamouli’s previous cinematic universe, check out our deep dive on SS Rajamouli’s filmography and box office journey.
FAQs
Q: When is the Varanasi movie releasing?
Varanasi is officially slated for a theatrical release on April 7, 2027, with the shoot expected to wrap by August 2026.
Q: What is Mahesh Babu’s role in Varanasi?
He plays Rudra, a time-travelling adventurer and Shiva devotee, and will also appear as Lord Rama in one of the film’s episodes.
