Varanasi: Why Rajamouli’s Next Film Promises Action Unlike RRR and Baahubali

S.S. Rajamouli has made two of the biggest action spectacles in Indian cinema. So when his son says Varanasi will be different from both, fans pay attention. Producer SS Karthikeya…

By Reetam Bodhak

October 5, 2026

3 min read

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S.S. Rajamouli has made two of the biggest action spectacles in Indian cinema. So when his son says Varanasi will be different from both, fans pay attention.

Producer SS Karthikeya has teased that the film’s action is “crazy” and unlike anything in RRR or Baahubali. His promise: viewers will be on the edge of their seats in every sequence.

Varanasi : Overview

Detail	Info
Director	S.S. Rajamouli
Writer	Vijayendra Prasad
Lead cast	Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, Prithviraj Sukumaran
Characters	Mahesh Babu as Rudhra, Priyanka Chopra as Mandakini, Prithviraj Sukumaran as Kumbha
Release date	April 7, 2027 (theatres)
Special note	Rajamouli’s first film since RRR

What Makes This Action Different?

Karthikeya didn’t reveal specifics, and that is part of the fun. What he did say is that the action won’t be a repeat of the earlier blockbusters. After the scale of Baahubali and the mass-hero fire of RRR, a fresh approach is a bold promise.

The first glimpse offers a clue about the story. Rudhra, played by Mahesh Babu, goes on a time-travelling mission at the request of Kumbha, played by Prithviraj Sukumaran. Rudhra then discovers that Kumbha’s intentions aren’t what they first seemed. A time-travel plot gives the action team plenty of room to play with.

The Oscars Stunt Category Angle

This is where the buzz gets bigger. The Academy has announced a new Achievement in Stunt Design category, debuting at the 100th Academy Awards in 2028 and covering films released in 2027. It will recognise the work of stunt designers, coordinators, performers and choreographers.

Varanasi is slated for April 2027, which falls inside that eligibility window. Karthikeya’s comments have sparked curiosity about whether the film could become a contender. To be clear, that is speculation for now and not an official campaign.

Priyanka Chopra’s Return

Priyanka plays Mandakini, marking her return to Indian cinema after nearly eight years. Pairing her with Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran gives the film one of the most exciting casts of the decade.

What About Rajamouli’s Mahabharata Dream?

Karthikeya also addressed the long-discussed Mahabharata project. According to him, there has been no progress yet. Rajamouli still says he isn’t ready to take it up. After 25 years of working with his father, Karthikeya notes that the director has grown more patient over time.

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