- By Swati Singh
- Mon, 17 Nov 2025 04:41 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
SSMB29, officially titled Varanasi, is grander than anyone would have ever thought. The upcoming movie will introduce new technology to Telugu cinema. It is being entirely shot in the Premium Large Format- IMAX. What makes SS Rajamouli's 'dream project' bigger is his vision behind making the film and the dream cast- Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran. With these elements combined, Varanasi is strongly positioned to be the next major blockbuster hit in theatres, following the global impact of RRR.
Why can Varanasi be another big hit after RRR?
SS Rajamouli's global appeal
SS Rajamouli is one of the most popular filmmakers in India. The global success of RRR established Rajamouli's brand worldwide. It will give his next project, Varanasi, a benefit to be represented internationally. The Globe Trotter event which took place on November 15, 2025, witnessed the presence of media persons not only from India, but also from around the globe. It indicated high international anticipation for the movie.
SS Rajamouli's vision makes it a dream project
Addressing the crowd at the Globe Trotter event in Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad, SS Rajamouli shared his vision behind his dream project Varanasi. He said, "Since my childhood, I’ve spoken many times about what the Ramayana and Mahabharata mean to me, and how making them is my dream project. I never imagined I would get to shoot an important episode from the Ramayana this early. While writing every scene and every dialogue, I felt like I was floating. On the first day, when Mahesh came in Lord Rama’s get-up for the photoshoot, I got goosebumps. I was torn. Mahesh has the charm of Krishna, but the calmness of Rama. Still, I was confident. I even set that photo as my wallpaper… and then removed it."
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Star-Studded Cast
Both SS Rajamouli and Mahesh Babu are two of the biggest names in the Indian cinema. This will be the first time both the actors are collaborating which makes it one of the most-anticipated movies so far. Malayalam superstar Prithviraj Sukumaran is also a part of Varanasi. He will be seen essaying a pivotal role in the film. Adding international power, SS Rajamouli has also roped in global star Priyanka Chopra to it.
Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran at Globe Trotter event
Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra at Varanasi teaser launch
Mahesh Babu's massive star power
Mahesh Babu absolutely owned the Globe Trotter event! Riding onto the stage on a robotic bull, he sent fans into a frenzy, with the crowd cheering louder than ever. It was a moment that showcased his massive star power – people even came just to hear his voice! Paired with SS Rajamouli’s cinematic grandeur, this event is buzzing as a major highlight for the Varanasi movie launch.
Mahesh Babu looks ethereal at Varanasi event
A glimpse of crowd at Varanasi event
Mahesh Babu makes grand entry on robotic bull at Globe Trotter event
At the event, SS Rajamouli also hailed Babu's fans for their 'discipline' towards their icon. He said, "We don't know where people came from. They started flying drones and shooting the footage, leaking it. That is a year of hard work of many people, thousands of man power and crores of rupees. People worked day and night for this. Because of that we didn't have the chance to even test our video. So we took a chance. People came here from so far, we wanted this to be perfect."
Varanasi to release in India's biggest IMAX screen ever
Varanasi is set to be released in 2027 in the 1.43 true imax ratio, first non English film to do so as well.
Varanasi to release in 1.43 true imax ratio
Visuals from Globe Trotter event
Massive Budget
If the reports are to be believed, Varanasi is being made on a reported budget of around Rs 1200 crore. This includes the construction of elaborate sets (including a Rs 40 crore recreation of the iconic ghats of the city).
Varanasi global opening prediction
According to reports, Industry experts believe the film can shake the worldwide box office by achieving massive opening day collections. Varanasi is potentially aiming for a global opening of over Rs 400 crore gross.
Decoding Varanasi teaser
Varanasi teaser hit the right chords of the audience, as evident from the reactions being poured online. It is a blend of Hindu mythology with a time-travel narrative, spanning from 512 CE to 2071 CE. The teaser also features glimpse of Lord Hanuman in Lanka from 72,000 BCE.
On the top is Mahesh Babu's character Rudra, riding a bull while holding a trident. His look has been a major talking fans among his fans who have called it a potential "proud representation of Indian cinema to the global audience" and "India's next major cinematic milestone."