S.S. Rajamouli’s highly anticipated film Varanasi is set to release on April 7, 2027, showcasing his ambitious storytelling and cinematic techniques.
Key moments
On April 7, 2027, renowned Indian filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli will unveil his latest cinematic venture, Varanasi, in theaters across India. This film marks a significant milestone in Rajamouli’s illustrious career, which has already established him as the highest-grossing Indian film director of all time, with his films amassing over 40 billion rupees in earnings.
Varanasi is not just another film; it is set to be the first Telugu movie presented in Cinemascope and utilizing a premium large-scale IMAX format. The film’s budget is reported to be around $100 million, reflecting Rajamouli’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of Indian cinema. The film spans multiple timelines, with significant events occurring as far back as 7200 BCE and extending into the future, specifically 2071.
The set of Varanasi is a meticulously crafted recreation of the actual city, scaled down by about 30%. Among the notable features is the Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple, which has been recreated using detailed reference images to ensure authenticity. The width of the set measures 700 feet, while its length extends to 400 feet, showcasing the grand scale of this project.
Filming has involved a minimum of 500 extras, highlighting the film’s expansive narrative and the scale of production. The trailer for Varanasi took an impressive year to complete, a testament to Rajamouli’s dedication to quality and detail. As one industry insider noted, “If RRR was a breakthrough moment that introduced global audiences to the possibilities of Indian cinema, Varanasi feels like the next evolution: bigger, bolder, and even more ambitious.”
Priyanka Chopra Jonas, one of the film’s stars, commented on the film’s unique storytelling approach, stating, “It’s not like you’re sitting in a machine and going into — it’s not Back to the Future.” This reflects the film’s intricate narrative that weaves through global catastrophes and asteroid threats, aiming to prevent the destruction of the world.
Rajamouli’s father, V. Vijayendra Prasad, has also contributed to the writing of Varanasi, ensuring that the film carries the family’s legacy of storytelling excellence. As Rajamouli himself has expressed, “When Rajamouli says, ‘See you all at the movies,’ he’s not just inviting India, he’s inviting the world.” This statement encapsulates the film’s ambition to reach a global audience.
As the release date approaches, excitement is building among fans and industry professionals alike. Rajamouli’s films have significantly influenced both Indian cinema and global perceptions of it, and Varanasi is poised to continue this trend. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the film’s international release strategy, but anticipation is high for what promises to be another groundbreaking addition to Rajamouli’s filmography.
