Rana Daggubati Shuts Down Rumors of Role in SS Rajamouli's 'Varanasi'
Rana Daggubati, renowned for his portrayal of the tyrannical king Bhallaldeva in SS Rajamouli's epic blockbuster 'Baahubali', has officially addressed swirling fan theories about his involvement in the director's next ambitious project. As Rajamouli prepares for his upcoming time-travel and mythological adventure 'Varanasi', starring Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, speculation had been rife that Daggubati might appear in a negative role, reminiscent of his past villainous performances.
Daggubati's Clear Statement on Casting
In a recent interview with News18, Rana Daggubati directly responded to the rumors, stating unequivocally that he is not part of the film's cast. He shared, "I'm not a part of the film. I do wish I were, but I'm not (laughs)." This clarification puts an end to months of speculation and fan discussions, confirming that he was never considered for a role in 'Varanasi'. Daggubati's candid reaction highlights the persistent buzz surrounding Rajamouli's projects, which often generate intense public interest and conjecture.
Confirmed Cast and Characters of 'Varanasi'
The film 'Varanasi' boasts a star-studded ensemble, with Mahesh Babu taking on the lead role of Rudra. In character reveals, Babu is depicted riding a bull while wielding a trident, with a massive asteroid heading toward Earth in the backdrop, hinting at the film's grand scale and mythological themes. Priyanka Chopra Jonas plays Mandakini, seen brandishing a handgun, marking her highly anticipated return to Indian cinema after a significant hiatus.
Adding to the excitement, Prithviraj Sukumaran has been cast as the main villain named Kumbha, promising a compelling antagonist. The supporting cast includes veteran actor Prakash Raj, and reports suggest that 'Dhurandhar' actor R Madhavan will also feature in the film, though official confirmations are pending. This lineup underscores Rajamouli's penchant for assembling diverse and talented actors to bring his visionary stories to life.
Massive Budget and Elaborate Sets
'Varanasi' is shaping up to be one of Indian cinema's most expensive productions, with an estimated budget of Rs 1400 crore. Recent leaks and reports have showcased the film's extravagant sets, which have been constructed in Hyderabad. According to a Rotten Tomatoes report, the makers have built a colossal set measuring over 700 by 400 feet, meticulously designed to replicate the iconic ghats and the famous Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple of Varanasi.
These sets, which have gone viral on the internet, demonstrate the filmmakers' commitment to authenticity and visual splendor, aiming to transport audiences directly into the heart of the ancient city. The attention to detail in recreating Varanasi's spiritual and architectural essence is expected to be a major highlight of the film, enhancing its immersive experience.
Release Date and Daggubati's Current Projects
The film is scheduled for a worldwide release on April 7, 2027, building anticipation over the next few years. Meanwhile, Rana Daggubati is actively promoting his latest venture, 'Neelira', which is backed under his own production banner. He was last seen in the Tamil-Telugu bilingual film 'Kaantha', continuing to explore diverse roles across Indian cinema. His clarification regarding 'Varanasi' allows fans to focus on his upcoming work while eagerly awaiting Rajamouli's next cinematic masterpiece.
