Big films usually start to look exciting when a trailer drops. Varanasi (2027) looks huge even before that point. Trade reports, early stills, set photos, and industry buzz all point in the same direction. The project already looks stylish, massive in scope, and technically sharp while still in production.
S.S. Rajamouli, the director behind Baahubali and RRR, is now working on what many see as his most ambitious film yet. For global viewers, he is one of the key names who helped push Indian cinema into international conversations about big-scale spectacle. When he announces a new film, it turns into a national event. With Varanasi (2027), that effect has clearly kicked in again.
This time, Rajamouli is building an epic science fiction and action adventure set around the holy city of Varanasi (Kashi). The story stretches across India, the Amazon region, and parts of Africa, and blends archaeology, mythological flavor, and modern visual effects.
The cast includes Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Prithviraj Sukumaran, and reports describe it as the most expensive Indian film to date. This article looks at why Varanasi (2027) already appears so impressive for both casual viewers and Rajamouli followers.
What Is Varanasi (2027) And Why Is Everyone Talking About It?
Varanasi (2027) is an upcoming Telugu-language epic science fiction action adventure from director S.S. Rajamouli. The film is planned for a 2027 release and is currently in active production. It is targeting a wide theatrical rollout, including IMAX formats, around the Sankranti 2027 window, with some reports pointing to a broader 2027 frame.
At its core, Varanasi (2027) follows an archaeologist hero who carries traits inspired by Lord Hanuman. Early reports describe a plot that moves between Varanasi (Kashi), dense Amazon jungles, and African landscapes. Fans and trade sources say the project looks big, polished, and detailed even at the production stage, which explains why Varanasi (2027) is already trending across social media and film news.
Quick overview of the story and genre
The basic idea of Varanasi (2027) is simple to grasp. An archaeologist with Hanuman-like abilities is drawn into a globe-spanning mission that connects ancient powers from Kashi to secrets buried in far-off lands. The hero deals with clues, artifacts, and legends that tie into Indian mythology, while facing modern threats and large-scale conflict.
The film mixes science fiction, adventure, mythology, and big action set pieces. Rajamouli has compared the tone to classic adventure films like Indiana Jones, but rooted in Indian culture, spirituality, and visuals shaped by modern VFX. Since Varanasi (2027) is still in production, some story details may shift, but the genre mix and central style already seem clear.
Meet the powerhouse cast of Varanasi (2027)
Varanasi (2027) brings together a group of stars that signal the size of the project.
- Mahesh Babu plays Rudhra and Rama in dual roles. This is his first collaboration with S.S. Rajamouli, and it is positioned as a major milestone in his career. Dual roles also suggest layered storytelling and strong character focus.
- Priyanka Chopra Jonas plays Mandakini. Her presence adds global recognition, since she is well known in both Indian cinema and Hollywood. She also returns to large-scale Indian projects with this film.
- Prithviraj Sukumaran plays Kumbha, widely reported as the main antagonist or a major rival figure. Known for intense performances, he brings serious depth to the film’s conflict.
This combination of a top Telugu star, a global Indian name, and a respected Malayalam actor points to a film built for both national and international appeal. Their casting supports the idea that Varanasi (2027) targets a wide market and a long theatrical run.
The most expensive Indian film ever made.
Reports place the budget of Varanasi (2027) in the range of ₹1,000 crore to ₹1,300 crore. In US dollar terms, that is roughly 120 to 150 million dollars, depending on exchange rates. For context, this puts Varanasi (2027) above RRR and Baahubali 2 and closer to mid to high-level Hollywood tentpoles.
According to public coverage, including reports summarized on the Varanasi (2027) film page, this budget would make it the most expensive Indian film ever mounted. Such scale usually translates into extensive physical sets, detailed costume work, complex visual effects, and large stunt units. There are also reports of profit-sharing deals for Rajamouli and Mahesh Babu, which signal strong internal confidence in long-term box office performance.
Why Varanasi (2027) Looks Outrageously Good Already
Several concrete factors explain why Varanasi (2027) is drawing strong reactions even before a full trailer. These include Rajamouli’s past work, the mythological angle, the size of the sets, global locations, and the style of action that early reports describe. For fans of large-scale spectacle and myth-based fantasy, the film already appears like a major upcoming event.
S.S. Rajamouli’s track record with epic cinema
S.S. Rajamouli has built a reputation for large, emotionally driven films that also work as mass entertainers. Baahubali: The Beginning and Baahubali 2: The Conclusion combined personal drama, strong heroes, and sweeping action with a mythic touch. RRR expanded that template with a historical setting, intense friendship drama, and stylized action that played strongly in international markets.
Varanasi (2027) is viewed as his next step after these titles. He is moving from historical fantasy into a science fiction adventure that still keeps myth and devotion in the picture. When a director with his history works with a larger budget, multiple continents, and a fresh visual style, expectations rise across the board.
A bold mix of science fiction, archaeology, and Indian mythology
The creative mix at the center of Varanasi (2027) feels fresh for mainstream Indian cinema. The lead is an archaeologist, not a traditional warrior or ruler, yet his traits echo Lord Hanuman. The holy city of Varanasi becomes a key source of power and mystery, while the narrative branches out into remote forests and distant terrains.
This format creates room for:
- Ancient temples and shrines were presented with detailed production design.
- Secret chambers, ancient scripts, and symbolic artifacts.
- Visualizations of spiritual or mythic powers using modern VFX.
Global viewers may see surface similarities to series like Indiana Jones or Tomb Raider, where a researcher steps into danger. The difference here is a deeper Indian spiritual base and a focus on Kashi as a living sacred city, not just a backdrop.
Global locations and massive set pieces
Varanasi (2027) reportedly moves between Varanasi (Kashi), the Amazon region, and areas in Africa, with filming already done in parts of Tanzania and Kenya. This gives the narrative a wide frame, from river ghats and crowded Indian streets to open savannas and thick jungles.
One of the key elements that has drawn attention is the huge Kashi set built in Hyderabad. Large portions of the city’s look and feel have been reconstructed on controlled sets so that the crew can stage large action scenes, stunts, and nighttime sequences without heavy restrictions. Recreating a complex, ancient city in this way points to serious world-building and high visual ambition.
Rajamouli is known for designing set pieces around cliffs, rivers, forts, and large open spaces. Fans expect Varanasi (2027) to continue that habit with river-based action, jungle chases, and large group scenes in and around temples or sacred spots.
Star power and character-driven hype
Casting Mahesh Babu in dual roles gives Varanasi (2027) a strong character angle. One role may highlight a modern, rational archaeologist, while the other leans into older traditions or connections to divine powers. This opens room for internal conflict, identity themes, and strong emotional beats.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas adds reach and familiarity for international audiences and streaming platforms. Her presence also suggests that key supporting characters will not be simple side roles. Prithviraj Sukumaran, widely praised for layered performances, is expected to bring weight and nuance to the main opposition.
Much of the current buzz comes from fans picturing how these actors will appear under Rajamouli’s direction. First look images, including Mahesh Babu’s warrior style visuals, have already helped grow that hype.
Early buzz from sets, trade reports, and fan theories
Production updates from late 2025 point to major climax scenes being shot, which signals careful planning for the final act. Trade analysts and box office trackers have been discussing the scale of the budget, the reported profit share structure, and the choice of global locations.
On social media, fan accounts and discussion forums are already filled with theories about the plot, Hanuman’s inspired powers, and how time travel or ancient energy might be shown. At the same time, the film is still two years away from release, so there is room for changes in the story and marketing. Keeping expectations high but grounded is sensible for any project of this size.
How Varanasi (2027) Could Change Indian Blockbusters Again
Varanasi (2027) is not just another big action film. If it performs well, it could reshape how Indian studios view large-budget science fiction, adventure, and myth-inspired stories. The film is set up as a major test for global reach, technical standards, and budgeting for local content at a high level.
Pushing Indian VFX and action to the next level
A budget in the ₹1,000 to ₹1,300 crore range gives Rajamouli and his team room to push visual effects and stunt design. Large-scale river scenes, partial or full destruction of temple structures, jungle chases, and sky-based sequences are all areas where VFX teams will be under pressure to match or approach global standards.
Strong results in these sections could improve audience trust in Indian blockbusters. If viewers feel that local productions can offer world-class visuals without losing cultural detail, it helps other large projects that follow.
Opening doors for more Indian myth-inspired sci-fi
Varanasi (2027) blends mythology, archaeology, and science fiction in a way that is still rare in Indian cinema. Success here could encourage more filmmakers to draw from epics, folk stories, and sacred cities, then present them through genres like sci-fi, time travel, or space-based stories.
Rajamouli already helped popularize large-scale mythic fantasy with the Baahubali films. Varanasi (2027) could do something similar for science fiction that remains rooted in Indian culture and spirituality. This shift would give young viewers familiar references with a fresh format.
What fans should watch for before the 2027 release
Over the next two years, audiences can track several key points:
- Teaser and trailer releases that show how Varanasi, the Amazon, and African settings look on screen.
- First, look at posters and motion posters of Mahesh Babu’s dual roles.
- Interviews where Rajamouli hints at the themes, tone, and visual approach.
- Music updates, since M.M. Keeravani’s background scores are often central to Rajamouli films.
Fans who care about mythology can pay special attention to how the Hanuman-inspired aspects are presented, both visually and in dialogue. Those interested in cinematography and VFX can look at how the marketing material frames large action shots and complex locations.
Conclusion
Varanasi (2027) already stands out as a rare mix of elements. A proven director, a record-breaking budget, global locations, and a mythic spine centered on Kashi all suggest a large-scale theatrical event. The cast, led by Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Prithviraj Sukumaran, adds weight to that sense of scale and ambition.
The film still has time before its 2027 release, yet early stills, first look material, and production reports have given audiences enough to form strong expectations. If Varanasi (2027) delivers on its promise, it could become a new benchmark for Indian epic cinema with a science fiction flavor.
What do you most want to see in Varanasi (2027)? Deeper mythology, stronger character drama, or massive action scenes across continents? Share your thoughts and predictions, and keep an eye on how this project grows in the coming months.
