The much-talked-about film, SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi, is set to commence a new schedule of shooting on Thursday at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad. After taking a short two-week break, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who plays a major role in the action adventure, has returned to India. She is expected to participate in an action sequence. According to reports, the team will be filming some intensely charged and emotionally heavy climax sequences over the next few days featuring Priyanka, Mahesh Babu, and Prithiviraj Sukumaran.

Varanasi, a hot topic

Varanasi has already been the hottest topic in the entertainment world. Earlier, the film faced a few controversies, right from objections to its title to debates sparked by Rajamouli’s comments related to Lord Hanuman. While the issues are still being debated and talked about, Rajamouli has turned his focus on the film. The filmmaker was supposed to fly to Japan (along with Prabhas) and promote Baahubali: The Epic release, but had to pull back because of the Varanasi shooting schedule clash with the trip.

Rajamouli working quietly

Meanwhile, the movie is creating massive buzz in the digital space. Some of the biggest OTT platforms in the country have reportedly approached the makers, showing strong interest in acquiring the streaming rights. The figures being discussed are said to be staggering, and insiders claim the quoted amount is so high that it might set a new record that will remain untouched for a long time.

Despite the hype, Rajamouli and his team are maintaining their trademark silence. The director is known for working quietly and letting his films speak. For Varanasi too, he seems to be employing a similar approach. Varanasi is scheduled to release in the summer of 2027, and the film is carrying humongous expectations. With the new schedule beginning, fans are eagerly waiting for more updates, and hoping to catch a BTS glimpse of the film.

Also Read: “Watching Mahesh Babu As Lord Rama Gave Me Goosebumps” – SS Rajamouli

A day after Madras High Court cleared all hurdles for Akhanda 2 to release on December 12, 2025, the buzz about the film resurfaced. The Balakrishna-starrer picked up momentum and the makers are planning to release a promo featuring the new release. The booking for Akhanda 2 in the USA is garnering a lot of curiosity and the excitement among the fans has shot up.

This isn’t a release… it’s a phenomenon.
7200+ tickets sold in the USA in under 6 hours.🔥🔥🔥#Akhanda2 is booking like a box-office surgical strike.💥💥#Akhanda2USA Grand USA Premieres on Dec 11th 💥💥#Akhanda2Thaandavam USA release by @MokshaMovies, @CineGalaxyUSA & Sree… pic.twitter.com/gPKOQ1SINu

— MokshaMovies (@MokshaMovies) December 10, 2025

Balakrishna’s star power

According to North America film distributor Moksha Movies, Akhanda 2 has got off to a blazing start. No sooner had the booking for overseas release and premieres (December 11) opened, the pre-sales tickets for the film were magnificent. Around 7200+ tickets were sold out within six hours from the time of announcement. Trade overseas describe this as a ‘phenomenon’ given Balakrishna’s star power and his earlier track record. Fans too overseas have been waiting for Balayya to unleash his acting chops on the silver screen. The expectations on Akhanda 2 have been sky high after the first instalment became a blockbuster.

Others films postponed

The delay in the release of Akhanda 2 from December 5 to December 12 prompted makers of other films to also push their films. Two small films Mowgli and Psych Siddhartha were forced to postpone their release dates. While Mowgli will hit the screens on December 13 (and not on 12th) Psych Siddhartha will release on January 1, 2026. Many other films too suffered after Akhanda 2 was postponed prompting distributors to revisit their release plans. The fiasco of Akhanda 2 came like an eye-opener for many filmmakers. The encounter reinforced them to make sure that the film is free from all legalities for a smooth release. Although the postponement of its release cost filmmakers dear, they still exude confidence that the devotional action thriller will strike a chord with fans and audiences. Trade is betting big on Balakrishna and director Boyapati Srinu combination.

Also Read: Explained: Here’s Why Court Halted The Release of Balakrishna’s Film Akhanda 2

The plan would affect people from countries, including the UK, which can fill out a form in lieu of a visa. 

​The plan would affect people from countries, including the UK, which can fill out a form in lieu of a visa.