SS Rajamouli after back to back global blockbusters ‘Baahubali’ franchise and ‘RRR’ is now working on his upcoming time travelling action thriller ‘Varanasi’ starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran. The film went on floors in 2025 and has now reportedly entered the final stage of shooting.

Mahesh Babu’s major portions wrapped

According to a report by Telugu Chitraalu, SS Rajamouli and his team have completed more than 90% of the shoot. The report further claims that Mahesh Babu has already completed his major portions for the film. Only a crucial introduction episode is reportedly left to be shot for the actor.Meanwhile, other important works are also happening at the same time. Dubbing, editing, background music and VFX works are said to be progressing quickly as the team moves closer to completing the film.

Mahesh Babu to play Lord Rama?

‘Varanasi’ is said to be a mythological action adventure that follows the hero across different timelines. A previous report claimed that the film will feature a special Ramayana episode based on the battle between Lord Rama and Kumbhakarna. The report further claimed that Mahesh Babu will appear as Lord Rama in the sequence. It must be mentioned that these details have not been officially confirmed by the makers.

SS Rajamouli talks about ‘Varanasi’

Earlier during a screening event in France, Rajamouli spoke about the kind of experience Varanasi will offer to the audience. “You are going to experience the cold and ice of Antarctica. The gods of Ramayana, the natural disasters and fantastic elements. That's the experience you are going to have, but at the core of all this is the emotions of father and son. All this makes Varanasi for you,” he said.In the film Mahesh Babu plays Rudhra while Priyanka Chopra Jonas plays Mandakini as the female lead. The film also marks PeeCee’s return to Indian cinema after an eight-year gap.Meanwhile, Malayalam star Prithviraj Sukumaran plays the main antagonist Kumbha.‘Varanasi’ is scheduled to release in theatres worldwide on April 7, 2027.