The Wait Is Over: Rajamouli’s Next Officially Titled ‘Varanasi’
In a spectacle that could only be orchestrated by the director who brought us RRR and the Baahubali series, S.S. Rajamouli has finally unveiled his next cinematic venture. The project, previously known by its working titles SSMB29 and Globetrotter, is now officially titled Varanasi.
The grand “Globetrotter” event, held on November 15, 2025, at Hyderabad’s Ramoji Film City, was attended by approximately 50,000 roaring fans . The event wasn’t just a title reveal; it was a full-blown celebration streamed live globally, cementing Rajamouli’s status as a filmmaker who treats every announcement as an event in itself.
For the first time in Indian cinema history, a film launch of this scale was streamed live on an OTT platform, with JioHotstar broadcasting the festivities to fans worldwide . This digital-first approach demonstrates the film’s global ambitions from day one.
A Spectacle Worthy of the Hype
The Globetrotter event was more than just a press conference—it was a cinematic experience in its own right. The evening featured electrifying performances, including a live rendition of the film’s theme “Sanchaari” by actress-singer Shruti Haasan and a powerful musical introduction for the antagonist Kumbha composed by Oscar-winner M.M. Keeravani .
The centerpiece of the night was a massive 100-foot LED screen that showcased the first footage—though not without some drama. Rajamouli explained to the audience that a technical check involving a drone accidentally triggered early playback of the footage, causing the teaser to leak on social media moments before the official reveal .
The ‘Varanasi’ Teaser: A Journey Through Time and Space
The approximately three-minute teaser confirmed that Varanasi is not just a globe-trotting adventure but a “time-trotting” epic that spans thousands of years . The footage opened in 512 CE in an ancient kingdom called Varanasi before jumping to the year 2071, where meteors threaten to destroy Earth .
Viewers were then transported to Antarctica, where explorers discover an abandoned ship frozen in an iceberg, before witnessing stunning CGI depictions of the African animal kingdom . The temporal journey continued to 7200 BCE, showing underground cave monsters battling humans and a massive war between humans and gods above ground .
One of the most striking sequences showed human soldiers forming a giant tower, with one soldier at the top aiming his bow and arrow at an approaching god—a visual that fans immediately connected to the Ramayana . The teaser concluded with Mahesh Babu’s character riding a bull and wielding a trident against a backdrop of ancient pyramids .
Meet the Characters: A Star-Studded Ensemble
Rudhra – The Archeologist Adventurer
Superstar Mahesh Babu plays Rudhra, described as an Indiana Jones-style archaeologist on a globetrotting search for ancient artifacts . At the event, Rajamouli shared his admiration for Babu’s exceptional discipline, revealing that the actor leaves his phone in his car throughout shooting days to maintain complete focus .
The teaser showcased Babu in multiple avatars, including a breathtaking shot of him as Lord Ram wielding a bow and arrow, which has sent fans into a frenzy . Another powerful visual featured him riding a bull and holding a trident, clad in a blood-soaked shirt and a Nandi pendant .
Mandakini – The Fierce Explorer
Priyanka Chopra Jonas marks her triumphant return to Indian cinema as Mandakini, another explorer in the film . During the event, Chopra Jonas expressed her excitement about working with Rajamouli, stating, “You are truly the visionary that has brought Indian cinema to the globe like no one else has before” .
Her character appears to be strong and action-oriented, with the first look showing her in a bright yellow saree while holding a gun . Chopra Jonas also shared her affection for the Telugu film industry, calling her return to Indian cinema a “celebration” .
Kumbha – The Scientific Antagonist
Prithviraj Sukumaran plays the villain Kumbha, described as a sharp, scientific-minded antagonist who uses advanced technology including a special chair with Doc Ock-style robot arms . Sukumaran shared that he was “blown away” within the first five minutes of hearing the story narration .
He expressed his gratitude for being trusted with “one of the most complex, the most emotionally and physically challenging characters” in the film .
Behind the Scenes: The Visionaries
The film represents the continued collaboration between Rajamouli and his father, legendary screenwriter V. Vijayendra Prasad, who has written the story . Prasad is the creative force behind Baahubali, RRR, and Bajrangi Bhaijaan, known for his ability to blend mythological themes with compelling human stories.
The film is being produced under the banner of Sri Durga Arts and Showing Business, with K.L. Narayana and S.S. Karthikeya (Rajamouli’s son) producing .
A New Benchmark for Indian Cinema
Varanasi represents several firsts for Indian cinema. It’s the first Indian film specifically shot for IMAX presentation , with several sequences already captured in the large-format . This technical achievement places it in the same league as Hollywood blockbusters designed for premium format viewing.
The film’s blend of ancient mythology with futuristic elements creates a unique narrative structure that spans multiple timelines—from 7200 BCE to 2071 CE . This ambitious temporal scope is unprecedented in Indian cinema.
Rajamouli hinted at the film’s mythological connections, stating, “From childhood I’ve thought many times about making a ‘Mahabharata’-level dream project. Even when starting this film, I planned that I must take one major pillar from the ‘Ramayana'” .
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Varanasi’s release date?
Varanasi is slated for a worldwide theatrical release in 2027 , with specific reports indicating a January 2027 release coinciding with the Sankranti festival .
What is the basic plot of Varanasi?
While full plot details remain under wraps, the film follows Mahesh Babu as Rudhra, an archaeologist on a globetrotting search for ancient artifacts. The story spans thousands of years and multiple continents, blending elements of Indian mythology with adventure .
Who is composing the music for Varanasi?
Oscar-winning composer M.M. Keeravani, who previously worked with Rajamouli on RRR and the Baahubali series, is creating the music for Varanasi .
The Verdict: What to Expect Next
The revelation of Varanasi has set a new benchmark for film announcements in Indian cinema. With its ambitious timeline spanning thousands of years, global settings, and blend of mythology and adventure, Rajamouli appears poised to deliver another cinematic landmark.
As Prithviraj Sukumaran noted at the event, “This is S.S. Rajamouli once again, taking Indian cinema to the world, this time bigger, hopefully better and definitely more audacious than ever before” .
With the film already shot for 60 days and boasting sequences that Rajamouli describes as “far more beautiful than you imagine” and “far more divine than you imagine” , the countdown to 2027 begins for what could be India’s next global cinematic phenomenon.
Stay updated on Varanasi by following official social media channels and streaming the Globetrotter event on JioHotstar .
