Priyanka Chopra Completes Hyderabad Schedule for SS Rajamouli's Magnum Opus 'Varanasi'
Global icon Priyanka Chopra has officially wrapped her shooting schedule in Hyderabad for the highly anticipated SS Rajamouli directorial 'Varanasi'. The superstar shared this update via her Instagram stories, marking her last working day in the city for the month. This development signals a significant milestone in her much-awaited comeback to Indian cinema after several years of Hollywood projects.
International Promotions and Return to Sets
Following her Hyderabad schedule completion, Priyanka Chopra is now heading to Los Angeles to promote her upcoming English action thriller 'The Bluff', which is scheduled for release on February 25, 2026. The actress confirmed she will rejoin the 'Varanasi' production sets after completing these promotional activities abroad.
Priyanka's Role as Mandakini Revealed
In the epic film, Priyanka Chopra will portray the character of Mandakini, a role that perfectly blends high-octane action with traditional Indian cultural elements. The first-look posters have already generated tremendous excitement, showing the actress holding a pistol while dressed in a vibrant yellow saree. This marks her first major Indian film role since her Hollywood ventures began.
Massive Scale and Star-Studded Cast of 'Varanasi'
The film features an impressive ensemble cast alongside Priyanka Chopra:
- Mahesh Babu plays Rudhra, a devoted Shiva follower on a quest for a cosmic artifact
- Prithviraj Sukumaran portrays the antagonist Kumbha
- Veteran actor Prakash Raj also stars in significant supporting roles
The narrative takes audiences on a global journey spanning multiple continents including Antarctica, Kenya, and the spiritual city of Varanasi itself. One of the most talked-about sequences is a spectacular 25-minute Ramayana segment where Mahesh Babu will appear as Lord Rama.
Technical Excellence and Production Details
'Varanasi' represents one of Indian cinema's most ambitious projects with several notable production aspects:
- The film is being shot specifically for IMAX format to deliver an immersive visual experience
- Music composition is handled by the acclaimed MM Keeravaani
- Production budget ranges between Rs 1,000 to 1,300 crore, making it one of India's most expensive films
- The theatrical release is scheduled for April 7, 2027
Priyanka Chopra's Recent Projects and Future Prospects
The actress was last seen in Indian theaters in the 2019 film 'The Sky Is Pink' alongside Farhan Akhtar, followed by her role in the 2021 Netflix production 'The White Tiger'. Industry sources also indicate strong buzz about Priyanka potentially returning as the female lead in Hrithik Roshan's superhero franchise installment 'Krrish 4', though official confirmation remains pending.
SS Rajamouli's 'Varanasi' continues to generate immense anticipation as it brings together some of Indian cinema's biggest talents for what promises to be a groundbreaking cinematic experience that bridges traditional storytelling with global production values.
