SS Rajamouli’s upcoming film Varanasi centers on a father‑son bond.
Emotional core drives the adventure
Director SS Rajamouli says the story will find its emotional anchor in a deeply moving father‑son relationship. Mahesh Babu plays the hero Rudra, while veteran actor Prakash Raj portrays his father, giving the narrative a personal touch amid a globe‑trotting plot. Rudra’s journey will take him through the deep wilderness of Africa and across the icy expanses of Antarctica, providing a vivid backdrop for the family drama.
The film’s timeline stretches across multiple centuries, weaving natural disasters with legendary figures from the Ramayana. A standout 30‑minute episode pits Lord Rama against the giant demon Kumbhakarna, with Prithviraj Sukumaran cast as the fearsome foe. Writer Vijayendra Prasad, who also co‑wrote Baahubali and RRR, said the sequence left him completely spellbound.
Epic scope and visual spectacle
Varanasi promises a visual feast, with all major IMAX action sequences already completed, according to Rajamouli. Extensive VFX work is under way to blend the diverse landscapes, fantasy elements and mythic battles into a seamless cinematic experience. The film’s ambition to be one of the biggest cinematic events of the year is underscored by its ambitious travel itinerary and the scale of its set pieces.
Music for the film is being composed by MM Keeravani, adding an emotional layer to the high‑octane adventure. The theatrical release is slated for April 7, 2027, positioning Varanasi as a marquee title in the spring calendar.
Production timeline and music
The shoot is expected to wrap by the end of October 2026, with Mahesh Babu undergoing extensive look tests to capture the calm and commanding demeanour of Lord Rama for the climactic battle. Rajamouli emphasizes that Varanasi is shaping up as a standalone action‑adventure rather than a multi‑part franchise, keeping the focus on a single, self‑contained story.
With the IMAX sequences in the can and VFX pipelines humming, the film’s final polish will be applied in the months leading up to its release. Audiences can anticipate a blend of high‑stakes adventure, mythic spectacle and the emotional resonance of a father‑son relationship that ties the sprawling narrative together.
Frequently asked questions
When is SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi film scheduled to hit theatres?
The film is slated for a theatrical release on April 7, 2027, positioning it as a marquee spring title.
Who plays the father of Mahesh Babu’s character in Varanasi?
Veteran actor Prakash Raj portrays the father of Mahesh Babu’s hero Rudra in the film.
What mythological battle is featured in Varanasi’s 30‑minute episode?
A 30‑minute sequence pits Lord Rama against the giant demon Kumbhakarna, with Prithviraj Sukumaran cast as Kumbhakarna.
Will Varanasi include IMAX action sequences?
Yes—director SS Rajamouli confirms that all major IMAX action sequences have already been completed for the film.
Which composer is scoring the music for Varanasi?
The film’s music is being composed by MM Keeravani, adding an emotional layer to the high‑octane adventure.
