Daijiworld Media Network – Hyderabad
Hyderabad, Nov 15: In a spectacle only SS Rajamouli could orchestrate, thousands of fans from across India and abroad descended on Ramoji Film City on Saturday evening for the grand reveal of the filmmaker’s much-anticipated project — now officially titled Varanasi. The event, streamed live on JioHotstar and Variety, turned into a mega celebration of cinema, star power, and fan fervour.
Lead actors Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran graced the stage, drawing thunderous applause. Adding to the evening’s energy, Shruti Haasan delivered a power-packed performance.
The organisers set up a massive screen for the title announcement, while fans were handed “passports” instead of entry passes — a creative nod to the film’s adventurous theme. Hundreds participated in a bike rally leading to the venue, and many carried specially designed posters, turning the event into a festival-like gathering.
After days of speculation between the names Varanasi and Sanchari, Rajamouli finally confirmed the title as Varanasi.
Ahead of the formal announcement, the team unveiled the first glimpse, which left fans stunned. The video shows Mahesh Babu in a fierce avatar — drenched in blood, gripping a trishul, and riding a bull, with ancient temple silhouettes towering behind him. Hashtags #GlobeTrotter and #TimeTrotter tease the film’s possible time-travel storyline.
Character looks of Priyanka Chopra as Mandakini and Prithviraj Sukumaran as the antagonist Kumbha had already caused buzz earlier, but Mahesh’s reveal took the frenzy to another level.
Varanasi marks Rajamouli’s first film after the historic success of RRR (2022), which catapulted Indian cinema to global spotlight, culminating in an Oscar win for “Naatu Naatu.” With Mahesh Babu leading the cast, expectations for this film have skyrocketed.
Though the puja ceremony was held in January, the team maintained ironclad secrecy. Rajamouli avoided his usual pre-shoot press interactions. Despite this, several details leaked during shooting in Kenya, Odisha, and Hyderabad, intensifying curiosity among fans.
Varanasi is expected to hit theatres in 2026, with release plans indicating a major global rollout.
The Rajamouli–Mahesh combination, the intriguing mythological pulse with time-travel undertones, and the international scale of production have already set the stage for one of Indian cinema’s most awaited films.