SS Rajamouli's 'Varanasi' to Feature Lavish Latin Dance Sequence with Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra
Following his monumental successes with blockbusters like 'Baahubali: The Beginning', 'Baahubali 2: The Conclusion', and the Oscar-winning 'RRR', acclaimed filmmaker S. S. Rajamouli is now deep into production on his next ambitious cinematic venture, 'Varanasi'. This globe-spanning adventure film, slated for release in April 2027, has already ignited immense curiosity and excitement among fans and industry observers alike.
Grand Dance Sequence Revealed by Choreographer Shankar
Recent online buzz was fueled by a resurfaced video featuring renowned choreographer Shankar, who discussed his collaboration with Rajamouli on 'Varanasi'. In an interview originally conducted with Suman TV, Shankar revealed that Rajamouli narrated the entire script to him over several hours, leaving him thoroughly impressed by the project's grand scale and compelling narrative.
According to Shankar, the film will include a spectacular and lively dance number starring Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra, performed in a vibrant Latin dance style. The sequence is being designed as a major highlight of the film, with plans to bring in trained dancers from the United Kingdom to ensure authenticity and visual grandeur. Shankar emphasized that the song will be mounted on an exceptionally lavish scale, promising to be a memorable cinematic moment.
Antarctica Shoot and Time-Travel Elements
Beyond the elaborate dance sequence, 'Varanasi' has generated significant attention for its ambitious international shooting plans. The adventure drama is reported to incorporate time travel elements inspired by Indian mythology, adding a unique layer to its storyline. The cast, led by Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra, also includes acclaimed actor Prithviraj Sukumaran.
One of the most talked-about aspects is the film's upcoming schedule, which is reportedly planned for Antarctica. This location is rarely used in commercial filmmaking due to:
- Harsh and unpredictable weather conditions
- Strict environmental regulations under the Antarctic Treaty
- Extremely high production costs
If successfully completed, 'Varanasi' could become the first major Indian commercial film to shoot on the Antarctic continent, marking a historic milestone in Indian cinema.
Priyanka Chopra's Enthusiastic Insights
Priyanka Chopra has openly shared her excitement about the project, describing it as "one of India's biggest ambitions" during promotions for her film 'The Bluff'. In an interview with Mid-Day, she elaborated on the film's scale and vision.
"It's positioned in an incredible way, we travel through time, we travel the world. It is an adventure; it is really cool. I am very excited for the world to see it," Chopra stated.
She also revealed that production has been extensive, with over 14 months of shooting already completed and approximately six more months planned intermittently. "He takes his time. From whatever little I am allowed to see, I think it is going to be very cool and defining for Indian cinema," she added, praising Rajamouli's meticulous approach.
Film Details and Magnitude
'Varanasi' is being touted as Rajamouli's next magnum opus, with a reported budget of around Rs. 1,300 crore. This time-travel epic aims to push the boundaries of Indian cinema with its international scale, star-studded cast, and innovative storytelling. As production continues, anticipation builds for what promises to be another landmark film from one of India's most visionary directors.
