The eagerly anticipated first collaboration between superstar Mahesh Babu and visionary director S. S. Rajamouli, titled Varanasi, was launched in a grand manner, revealing a stunning teaser that has captivated audiences online. This teaser takes viewers through various timelines and mythologies, starting in 512 CE in Varanasi and jumping to 2027 CE, when Asteroid Shambhavi collides with Earth. The story then traverses locations like Antarctica, Africa, and Vanaanchal, ultimately moving to Tretayugam (7200 BCE), where Mahesh Babu portrays the fierce character Rudra. The visually striking trailer, rich in VFX, concludes with an impressive image of Mahesh wielding a trishul while riding Nandi.
Mahesh has referred to Varanasi as his “dream project,” expressing his belief that the film will instill pride in its viewers. The team dedicated nearly a year to create this glimpse, reflecting the film’s grand scale and ambition. With Rajamouli merging mythology with time travel, the film promises a unique experience previously unseen in Telugu cinema. The cast includes Priyanka Chopra Jonas as the female lead and Prithviraj Sukumaran as the main antagonist. Produced by Durga Arts and Showing Business, Varanasi is set to showcase an innovative technological advancement. At the launch event, Rajamouli announced that the film will be shot in a new “Premium Large-Scale Format IMAX,” allowing audiences to enjoy the film in a full-screen IMAX experience.
Unlike past films that were adapted to IMAX, Varanasi is being crafted specifically for this format from its inception. Scheduled for release in Summer 2027, Varanasi is poised to be a significant cinematic event in Indian cinema.
