SS Rajamouli, the visionary filmmaker who redefined the scale of Indian cinema, is reportedly planning his most ambitious project yet. His upcoming epic, Varanasi, starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Prithviraj Sukumaran, is now expected to be released in a two-part format to do justice to its massive narrative scope. After the massive success of Dhurandhar, reports suggest that Rajamouli is looking to replicate the storytelling strategy he used for Baahubali. According to a report by Bollywood Hungama, the decision to split the film into two parts comes from the sheer volume of the story. A source familiar with the development said, “Three hours-plus would not be enough for Varanasi. They are looking at extending it into a two-part format.”
The source further added, “Rajamouli and his team feel this extended format would afford them the liberty to tell a more expanded story without looking anxiously at the clock.” This approach allows the director to explore the film’s complex themes without compromising on the depth of the characters or the grandeur of the setting. While the film is titled Varanasi, the team is not actually filming in the ancient city. Instead, an incredibly detailed version of Varanasi has been constructed on massive sets in Hyderabad. These sets include a replica of the famous Ratneshwar Mahadev temple. Interestingly, the crew has built a full-scale temple structure for historical sequences, which will later be submerged underwater to reflect scenes set in the present day. Unlike the permanent Baahubali sets at Ramoji Film City, these structures are temporary. Since they have been built on rented land, they will be dismantled once the filming concludes.
The film is being described as a time-travel epic that blends historical and contemporary elements. The narrative is set to span an incredible timeline, ranging from 7200 BCE to 2027. Speaking to Polygon about the film’s unique structure, Priyanka Chopra clarified, “It’s not like you’re sitting in a machine and going into… it’s not Back to the Future. But we do go from 7,200 BCE to 2027. So you travel worlds and realms that our characters move within, which makes it really interesting. So it is a time-travel movie.”
Originally unveiled during a grand teaser launch in Hyderabad in 2025, Varanasi has also filmed portions in various international locations. Fans are eagerly awaiting the film’s arrival, which is currently scheduled for a theatrical release on April 5, 2027.
Also Read: 8 Photos That Prove SS Rajamouli’s Film Varanasi Would Be a Visual Feast
