Priyanka Chopra Jonas Returns to Indian Cinema with a Dance Demand for Rajamouli's 'Varanasi'
Global icon Priyanka Chopra Jonas is making a highly anticipated return to Indian cinema with a starring role in SS Rajamouli's upcoming epic film 'Varanasi'. The actress recently disclosed that she made a specific demand to the acclaimed 'Baahubali' director before signing on to the project, expressing her long-awaited desire to perform a dance sequence in an Indian movie.
A Cinematic Vision Unlike Anything Before
During an exclusive conversation with Variety, Priyanka Chopra Jonas shared her excitement about the film's grand scale and Rajamouli's unique directorial vision. She emphasized that this project represents a completely new experience in her career, stating, "This is unlike anything I've ever done. We travel from Antarctica to various global locations, and the worlds he creates are so larger than life. Nobody has the vision that he does, so even I'm excited to see more of what unfolds."
Massive Teaser Reveals Epic Scale and Timeline
The film's conceptual teaser, unveiled in November 2025 at Ramoji Film City, provides a glimpse into the extraordinary scope of 'Varanasi'. The teaser showcases the narrative moving across multiple geographical locations and historical periods, including:
- Antarctica's icy landscapes
- The spiritual city of Varanasi
- Kenya's diverse terrain
- Historical settings from 512 CE
- Futuristic visions of 2027 CE
- Mythological elements from the Threthayuga era
This ambitious project comes with a reported budget of approximately Rs 1300 crore, making it one of the most expensive Indian films ever produced.
Priyanka's Specific Request: A Dance Sequence
The 'Sky Is Pink' actress revealed a lighthearted yet firm condition she presented to Rajamouli during negotiations. She recounted telling the director, "Listen, I'm coming back to Indian movies. I have to do a dance song. Like you have to make me dance." Priyanka added that while she knows the dance sequence is planned, it hasn't been filmed yet, describing it as one of the final elements she's eagerly anticipating.
She also mentioned completing another intricate dance number with complex choreography, stating, "We already did one where the choreography was crazy. It's so intricate and demanding."
Star-Studded Cast and Production Details
In 'Varanasi', Priyanka Chopra Jonas portrays the character Mandakini, while Mahesh Babu takes on the lead role of Rudhra. Prithviraj Sukumaran appears as the antagonist Kumbha, adding depth to the film's conflict. The musical score is composed by the renowned MM Keeravani, promising a memorable auditory experience to complement the visual spectacle.
The film is scheduled for theatrical release on April 7, 2026, marking a significant date in the Indian cinematic calendar.
Priyanka's Upcoming Projects Beyond 'Varanasi'
Beyond her work in Rajamouli's epic, Priyanka Chopra Jonas maintains a busy international schedule. She is set to appear in the second season of the streaming series 'Citadel' and will star alongside Karl Urban in the film 'The Bluff', demonstrating her continued global presence across multiple entertainment platforms.
