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

Allu Arjun has shared a piece of Indian heritage with a Japanese entrepreneur. He gifted a Sita Ram Kalyanam painting to Tomatsu Kosano, the head of Geek Pictures. This traditional artwork depicts a sacred wedding from the Ramayana. During their meeting, the Pushpa actor spoke about the deep roots of this ancient story. He explained why these timeless tales still resonate with people today.

“This gesture was more than just a gift. It acted as a conversation between two different worlds,” a statement from his team said. It showed how shared stories can bring distant nations closer together. The development comes at a time when Indian cinema continues to reach new global audiences. Allu Arjun often brings local traditions to his movies, particularly in Pushpa 2, whose Jathara episode was rooted in a local tradition. His recent meeting proves that art transcends borders.

As L2: Empuraan marks its first anniversary this Friday, composer Deepak Dev has chosen to revisit the film’s most debated element, its music. Taking to Instagram, he shared the original recorded version of the film’s title track, offering audiences a chance to hear it as it was conceived in the studio, untouched and fully realised.

A second listen, without the noise

The track, presented alongside a striking poster featuring Mohanlal, leans into the scale that defined the Lucifer sequel. Deepak’s note accompanying the release strikes a tone of quiet reflection rather than defensiveness. “The music had its share of voices — some loud, some critical — but above all, there was a genuine wave of listeners who saw it, felt it, and kept it alive. On this 1st anniversary, I’m sharing a track exactly as it was recorded for the film — now presented so you can experience every detail, every layer, in its full depth with the Macedonian orchestra. This is for those who truly listened. The complete OST will be released soon.”

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It is a gesture that feels both like a response and a reset. When Empuraan released, its background score in particular drew polarised reactions. For a film mounted on a grand, international canvas, expectations around its sonic identity were sky high. Deepak’s compositions, rich with orchestral textures and thematic ambition, divided opinion. But if anything, the anniversary drop reframes the conversation, shifting focus from reception to intent.

Behind the noise, a director’s faith

What makes this moment more telling is the creative equation between Deepak Dev and director Prithviraj Sukumaran. The composer has been a constant across all of Prithviraj’s directorial ventures, from Lucifer to Bro Daddy and now Empuraan. That continuity speaks to a deep mutual trust, one that held steady even when criticism peaked.

Deepak had previously shared that he brought up the backlash to Prithviraj, only to be advised to tune it out and take a breather. The director, known for his meticulous approach and long-term vision, reportedly encouraged him to step away from the noise and focus on the bigger picture. It is a sentiment that aligns with Prithviraj’s public admiration for Deepak, whom he considers among the finest composers in the country.

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That backing seems to have mattered. Instead of retreating, Deepak has chosen to re-engage, not by defending the work, but by presenting it again in its purest form. The mention of the Macedonian orchestra in his note also highlights the scale of production behind the score, an aspect that perhaps got overshadowed in the initial wave of reactions.

In closing his post, the composer acknowledged those who stood by the music despite the chatter. “My heartfelt thanks to everyone who gave love to the music of Empuraan. This journey continues because of you,” he wrote, hinting at both gratitude and unfinished business.

As the Lucifer franchise continues to loom large in Malayalam cinema, questions about its future remain. A third instalment has been discussed in passing, but nothing concrete has been announced yet. Whether Deepak Dev will return for the next chapter is equally uncertain, though given his history with Prithviraj, it would hardly be a surprise.

For now, the anniversary release serves as a reminder that film music often lives multiple lives. Sometimes, all it takes is distance and a fresh listen for it to be rediscovered.

Also Read: Ikkis Movie Review: Dharmendra’s Swan Song