In a momentous reveal that has sent waves of excitement across the nation, acclaimed filmmaker SS Rajamouli has officially announced the title of his much-anticipated project following the global phenomenon, RRR. The film, now officially titled Varanasi, was unveiled at the ongoing Globetrotter event in Hyderabad, setting the stage for a cinematic spectacle.
A Star-Studded Pan-India Cast
The film boasts a powerhouse cast that bridges multiple film industries. Leading the charge is Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu, marking his highly anticipated collaboration with Rajamouli. Joining him in pivotal roles are global icon Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Malayalam sensation Prithviraj Sukumaran. The official teaser for this epic is scheduled to be launched at the same Globetrotter event, building immense anticipation.
Mahesh Babu's Internet-Breaking First Look
Ahead of the teaser launch, the makers treated fans to the long-awaited first look of Mahesh Babu, and it has taken the internet by storm. The powerful image depicts the actor in a blood-soaked avatar, wielding a formidable trisulam (trident) with intense ferocity. He is seen riding a bull through a seemingly deserted landscape, with ancient temples visible in the background, hinting at a deeply mythological and raw narrative.
This visually stunning glimpse has sparked widespread speculation about the film's plot. The appearance of hashtags like 'GlobeTrotter' and 'TimeTrotter' at the end of the clip strongly suggests that Varanasi might feature a time-travelling story, a first for Rajamouli's filmography.
Fan Frenzy and Priyanka's Mandakini Reveal
The reaction from netizens was instantaneous and electric. One fan on X (formerly Twitter) declared it the best look of Mahesh Babu's entire career, while others called it "internet-breaking." Many praised Rajamouli for choosing to showcase Indian culture and aesthetics on a global scale rather than emulating Hollywood styles.
This follows the recent first look reveal of Priyanka Chopra's character, Mandakini. The actress shared her enigmatic look on social media, captioning it with a cryptic message that her character is "more than what meets the eye." Her post even garnered an admiring "Incredible!" from her husband, singer Nick Jonas.
Completing the trifecta of reveals, it was confirmed that Prithviraj Sukumaran will be seen as the prime antagonist, Kumbha, promising a formidable clash on screen.
The Legacy of RRR and the Scale of Varanasi
Varanasi is Rajamouli's first directorial venture after the Oscar-winning global blockbuster RRR. The success of RRR, which won an Academy Award for the song 'Naatu Naatu', has raised expectations for this new project to stratospheric levels. To achieve its grand vision, the film has been shot on a massive scale across diverse locations, including Kenya and various parts of India such as Odisha and Hyderabad.
With its stellar cast, a director known for his larger-than-life storytelling, and a premise that blends mythology with potential science-fiction elements, Varanasi is firmly on track to become one of the most talked-about and awaited Indian films worldwide.
