Varanasi, SS Rajamouli’s 2027 epic with Mahesh Babu & Priyanka Chopra, filmed in IMAX, promises a Rs 1200 crore spectacle and global blockbuster potential.

Varanasi, the official name of SSMB29, is far more magnificent than anyone could have imagined. The next film will bring new technology to Telugu cinema. The entire thing is being filmed in IMAX, or Premium Large Format. The vision behind the picture and the dream cast—Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran—are what bring SS Rajamouli’s “dream project” to life. With these factors taken together, Varanasi is well-positioned to follow RRR’s worldwide effect as the next big blockbuster smash in theaters.

What makes Varanasi a potential hit after RRR?

International appeal of SS Rajamouli

One of India’s most well-known filmmakers is SS Rajamouli. The worldwide popularity of RRR made Rajamouli’s name well-known. Having international representation will help his next project, Varanasi. Not only did media representatives from India attend the Globe Trotter event on November 15, 2025, but they also visited from other countries. It showed that the film was highly anticipated worldwide.

Because of SS Rajamouli’s vision, it is a dream project.

At the Globe Trotter event in Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad, SS Rajamouli spoke to the audience and explained the idea behind his ideal film Varanasi. Since I was a young child, I have talked a lot about the significance of the Ramayana and Mahabharata to me and how creating them is my ideal endeavor, he said. I had no idea that I would get to film a significant Ramayana episode so early. I felt as though I was floating when I was writing every scene and every line of speech. I felt chills when Mahesh arrived for the photo session wearing Lord Rama’s outfit on the first day. I was conflicted. Mahesh is peaceful like Rama yet possesses the charm of Krishna. I was still sure. I’ve even made that image my desktop wallpaper. and took it off later.

Cast of Stars

Two of the biggest stars in Indian cinema are Mahesh Babu and SS Rajamouli. It is one of the most anticipated films to date because this will be the first time both actors are working together. Malayalam superstar Prithviraj Sukumaran is also a part of Varanasi. He will be seen essaying a pivotal role in the film. Adding international power, SS Rajamouli has also roped in global star Priyanka Chopra to it.

Mahesh Babu’s massive star power

Mahesh Babu absolutely owned the Globe Trotter event! Riding onto the stage on a robotic bull, he sent fans into a frenzy, with the crowd cheering louder than ever. It was a moment that showcased his massive star power – people even came just to hear his voice! Paired with SS Rajamouli’s cinematic grandeur, this event is buzzing as a major highlight for the Varanasi movie launch.

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Mahesh Babu makes grand entry on robotic bull at Globe Trotter event

At the event, SS Rajamouli also hailed Babu’s fans for their ‘discipline’ towards their icon. He said, “We don’t know where people came from. They started flying drones and shooting the footage, leaking it. That is a year of hard work of many people, thousands of man power and crores of rupees. People worked day and night for this. Because of that we didn’t have the chance to even test our video. So we took a chance. People came here from so far, we wanted this to be perfect.”

Varanasi to release in India’s biggest IMAX screen ever

Varanasi is set to be released in 2027 in the 1.43 true imax ratio, first non English film to do so as well.

Massive Budget

If the reports are to be believed, Varanasi is being made on a reported budget of around Rs 1200 crore. This includes the construction of elaborate sets (including a Rs 40 crore recreation of the iconic ghats of the city).

Varanasi global opening prediction

According to reports, Industry experts believe the film can shake the worldwide box office by achieving massive opening day collections. Varanasi is potentially aiming for a global opening of over Rs 400 crore gross.

Decoding Varanasi teaser

Varanasi teaser hit the right chords of the audience, as evident from the reactions being poured online. It is a blend of Hindu mythology with a time-travel narrative, spanning from 512 CE to 2071 CE. The teaser also features glimpse of Lord Hanuman in Lanka from 72,000 BCE.

On the top is Mahesh Babu’s character Rudra, riding a bull while holding a trident. His look has been a major talking fans among his fans who have called it a potential “proud representation of Indian cinema to the global audience” and “India’s next major cinematic milestone.”