Priyanka Chopra reaches Hyderabad for 'Varanasi'
Priyanka Chopra has arrived in Hyderabad with her husband Nick Jonas and daughter Malti Marie to begin shooting for SS Rajamouli's highly anticipated film 'Varanasi.' The actor was spotted at the airport dressed in a white crop top, a beige jacket, and black cargo pants, exuding a classic adventurous vibe that fits Rajamouli's cinematic universe, according to a report by DH Online.
The family's arrival has sparked excitement among fans, especially after Rajamouli himself shared a cryptic post on social media. On July 18, 2026, the director posted a photo of Priyanka with the caption: "Grace when she smiles. Fire when she doesn’t. Mandakini… @PriyankaChopra in #Varanasi." The post, shared on X (formerly Twitter), included a glimpse of Priyanka in what appears to be her character look for the film.
Details of the shoot and film
While official plot details remain under wraps, 'Varanasi' is expected to be a grand-scale action-adventure film, a hallmark of Rajamouli's work. The movie marks Priyanka Chopra's return to Indian cinema after a string of international projects. She is rumored to play a pivotal role, possibly titled Mandakini, as hinted by Rajamouli's tweet. The director's previous films, such as the 'Baahubali' series and 'RRR', have set high expectations for his next venture.
An Instagram post by celebrity photographer Manav Manglani also captured the family's arrival, showing Priyanka, Nick, and Malti walking through the airport. The post quickly went viral, with fans expressing their excitement for the film's production.
Priyanka's recent projects and family time
Priyanka has been balancing her Hollywood commitments with family life. She and Nick welcomed daughter Malti in 2022, and the couple often shares glimpses of their family moments. This shoot in Hyderabad marks a significant homecoming for Priyanka, who has been based in the US for several years. Her involvement in 'Varanasi' is seen as a major coup for Indian cinema, bringing international attention to the project.
The film's shooting schedule is expected to span several months, with key scenes being shot in and around Hyderabad. Rajamouli is known for his meticulous planning and large-scale sets, and 'Varanasi' is expected to be no exception.
Reactions from fans and industry
Social media has been abuzz with reactions to Priyanka's arrival and Rajamouli's post. Many fans expressed excitement over the collaboration, with one user commenting, "This is going to be epic! Priyanka and Rajamouli together – what a combination!" Industry insiders speculate that the film might also feature other big names, but no official cast list has been released yet.
As the shoot commence, all eyes are on the 'Varanasi' set. The film is expected to be one of the biggest releases in Indian cinema, continuing Rajamouli's legacy of delivering blockbuster hits.
