Ever since the monumental success of 'Baahubali' transformed the landscape of Indian cinema, audiences have come to anticipate that SS Rajamouli's cinematic ventures would unfold across multiple installments. This expectation became deeply ingrained, with many considering the multi-part epic as an integral part of the director's signature style. However, in a significant and deliberate shift, Rajamouli has made a definitive decision regarding his highly anticipated project 'Varanasi', clearly stating that the film will not be divided into two parts but will be presented as a single, cohesive cinematic experience.
SS Rajamouli's Firm Statement Ends All Sequel Rumors
During the first glimpse event of 'Varanasi', Rajamouli directly addressed the persistent sequel question in an interview with Screen Rant Plus. He revealed that while the team briefly entertained the idea of splitting the film into two parts, they quickly abandoned this concept. "It's one film," he asserted firmly, leaving no room for ambiguity. The director also provided clarity on the runtime, confirming that 'Varanasi' will be approximately three hours long, positioning it as a substantial yet standalone feature rather than a sprawling multi-part saga. With this announcement, Rajamouli has effectively silenced all speculation about Part 1 and Part 2, confirming that 'Varanasi' will narrate its complete story within a single film.
A Clear Departure from the 'Baahubali' Legacy
Rajamouli achieved global recognition through the two-part epic 'Baahubali: The Beginning' and 'Baahubali: The Conclusion', which set a new benchmark for Indian cinema. His subsequent international hit 'RRR', which won an Oscar for the song 'Naatu Naatu', further cemented his reputation for grand, multi-layered storytelling. Following these blockbuster successes, there has been widespread anticipation and speculation that his future projects would follow a similar multi-part formula. However, 'Varanasi' boldly contradicts this trend. Notably, this marks Rajamouli's first single-part film since 'Eega' in 2012, signaling a potential return to focusing his creative energies on self-contained narratives that deliver a powerful impact in one sitting.
'Varanasi' Progresses as a Unified Cinematic Journey
'Varanasi' boasts an impressive ensemble cast featuring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Prithviraj Sukumaran in pivotal roles. Mahesh Babu portrays the character Rudhra, with strong buzz suggesting he might also appear as Lord Ram, adding mythological depth to the narrative. Priyanka Chopra Jonas takes on the role of Mandakini, while Prithviraj Sukumaran embodies the antagonist, Kumbha. With the possibility of a sequel now firmly dismissed, audiences can look forward to experiencing 'Varanasi' as a singular, unified, and potent cinematic adventure. This approach promises a focused storytelling experience that aims to captivate viewers from beginning to end without the narrative fragmentation of multiple parts.
This strategic move by SS Rajamouli not only challenges prevailing industry norms but also highlights his versatility as a filmmaker willing to evolve beyond established formulas. It underscores a commitment to artistic integrity, ensuring that each project's narrative demands dictate its structure, rather than conforming to external expectations. As 'Varanasi' moves forward, it stands as a testament to Rajamouli's creative confidence and his dedication to delivering compelling stories in the format that best serves them.
