The wait is over for cinema lovers across the globe. On November 15, 2025, filmmaker SS Rajamouli unveiled the title and first glimpses of his highly anticipated next project, Varanasi, at a grand Globetrotter event held at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad.
Earlier known by its working title SSMB29, the film marks Rajamouli’s first collaboration with Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu and features international icon Priyanka Chopra and Malayalam star Prithviraj Sukumaran in pivotal roles.
Let’s read how much Priyanka Chopra is getting paid.
Varanasi Launch Hyderabad
While only the spectators at the Hyderabad event witnessed the first glimpses of the film during the live fan event, the director and star cast later revealed it to the world through social media. SS Rajamouli took to his social media handles with the caption, “Varanasi to the World,” signaling the film’s global ambitions.
Mahesh Babu expressed his gratitude by writing, “Taking in every bit of the love and energy… Here’s our #Varanasi to the world. Thank you to my fans, media and everyone who came from far and showered the team with so much affection… See you all again very soon…”.
Priyanka shared her excitement with fans, stating, “Just a glimpse.. yet so much more. #Varanasi. Thank you for all the love towards our movie and towards us. With gratitude”.
What is Varanasi Movie About?
Varanasi is an epic science fiction action-adventure film that promises to take audiences on a time-traveling journey spanning thousands of years. The film is based on the concept of time travel, set both in ancient and modern worlds, with strong elements rooted in Hindu mythology and the Ramayana.
The teaser showcases multiple timelines and locations, including Antarctica, Varanasi, Kenya, 512 CE, 2027 CE, and even the Treta Yuga, suggesting an ambitious narrative scope. Mahesh Babu plays Rudhra, a fierce warrior navigating through multiple timelines, while Priyanka Chopra’s character Mandakini and Prithviraj Sukumaran’s antagonist Kumbha add layers of mystery and intensity to the story.
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Mahesh Babu’s Massive Profit-Sharing Deal
Unlike conventional salary structures, Mahesh Babu and director SS Rajamouli have reportedly opted for a unique payment arrangement for Varanasi. According to reports, both have decided not to take the usual upfront fees. Instead, they have negotiated a 40 percent profit-sharing deal with the producers, betting on the film’s box office success.
This means Mahesh Babu’s earnings will depend entirely on how well the film performs commercially, showcasing his confidence in Rajamouli’s vision and the project’s potential to become a legacy film. Mahesh Babu was last seen in Guntur Kaaram (2024) and has been selectively choosing projects, making Varanasi his most ambitious collaboration yet.
Priyanka Chopra Fee for Varanasi
Priyanka Chopra is reportedly charging Rs 30 crore for her role as Mandakini in Varanasi, making her one of the highest-paid actresses in Indian cinema, surpassing the salaries of contemporaries like Alia Bhatt and Deepika Padukone.
This marks Priyanka’s return to Indian cinema after her 2021 Netflix film The White Tiger, which also featured Rajkummar Rao and Adarsh Gourav. Prior to The White Tiger, her last theatrical releases in India were The Sky Is Pink (2019), Jai Gangaajal (2016), Bajirao Mastani (2015), and Dil Dhadakne Do (2015).
Priyanka’s Hollywood and Bollywood Projects
Apart from Varanasi, Priyanka Chopra has an impressive lineup of upcoming projects. She will star in The Bluff, a 19th-century Caribbean pirate film directed by Frank E. Flowers and produced by the Russo Brothers, where she plays a former female pirate protecting her family.
She is also part of Heads of State alongside John Cena and Idris Elba, and will return for the second season of the hit series Citadel. Rumors have also surfaced about her potential involvement in Hrithik Roshan’s Krrish 4, though official confirmation is still awaited.
Varanasi Movie Cast
Alongside the three leads, Varanasi is being made on a massive budget of Rs 1,100 crore, making it one of the most expensive Indian films ever produced. Prithviraj Sukumaran, who plays the antagonist Kumbha, is expected to earn more than Rs 10 crore for his role.
The film features music by Oscar-winner MM Keeravani, who previously composed the iconic soundtrack for Rajamouli’s RRR. The Ramayana-inspired sequence alone took 60 days to film, showcasing the film’s grand scale and attention to detail.
Varanasi Movie Release Date
Varanasi is slated for a worldwide theatrical release in January 2027, coinciding with the Sankranti festival, a prime slot for Telugu cinema. The film will be shot across India, the United States, and Africa, with Rajamouli reportedly in talks with Disney and Sony for global distribution.
With its epic scale, star-studded cast, and Rajamouli’s proven track record with Baahubali and RRR, Varanasi is poised to be a game-changer for Indian cinema on the world stage.
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