The makers are gearing up to release the highly-anticipated film Bhooth Bangla. It stars Akshay Kumar, Asrani, Tabu, Wamiqa Gabbi, Paresh Rawal and more in leading roles. While the movie boasts of a stellar cast, the highlight of the film lies in it being Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan’s 14th film together. They are reuniting after giving hits like Hera Pheri, Garam Masala, Bhagam Bhag, Chup Chup Ke, Dhol, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Khatta Meetha and more.

When we sat for a conversation with Bhooth Bangla’s writer Rohan Shankar, he revealed to us that the film may have references about Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan’s previous films. He told us, “I am big fan of these people. I used to show them memes from their previous movies while shooting. I am a meme person. I still send memes of Akshay (Kumar) sir. Our WhatsApp chat is full of those memes. So, on one or two occasions, I tried to implement some of the legendary lines. But only when it came naturally. I did not force any line where it did not fit. But you know, I could not control myself.”

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.