Hyderabad: SS Rajamouli has offered insights into the scale of his upcoming film ‘Varanasi’, starring Mahesh Babu, describing it as five to six times bigger than his blockbuster ‘RRR’.
The filmmaker also revealed that the team completed the shoot in 275 days, 40 days fewer than it took to film the 2022 action drama.
Rajamouli discussed the ambitious project during his appearance at the 50th São Paulo International Film Festival in Brazil, highlighting how extensive pre-production work helped streamline the filming process.
“We are told the stories of our mythology, history and heroes right from our childhood. I did a lot more paperwork on Varanasi, going into filming even more prepared. We shot RRR in 315 days and Varanasi, despite being bigger, in 275 days, saving 40 days,” Rajamouli said.
‘Varanasi’ revolves around a global crisis triggered by a massive asteroid named Shambhavi, which threatens the holy city of Varanasi.
Mahesh Babu plays Rudhra, a rugged archaeologist and explorer who embarks on a dangerous mission to retrieve an ancient cosmic artefact before a larger catastrophe unfolds.
He is joined by Mandakini, a historian and skilled marksman, on a journey spanning Africa, Antarctica and Europe.
Their mission brings them into conflict with Kumbha, a technologically advanced antagonist, as they uncover links between the looming disaster and Varanasi’s mythical past.
The story places mythology at the heart of an adventure that could hold the key to averting the catastrophe.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas plays the female lead, Mandakini, opposite Mahesh Babu, while Prithviraj Sukumaran essays the principal antagonist, Kumbha.
Mounted on a grand scale with extensive visual effects and multiple shooting schedules, ‘Varanasi’ is one of Rajamouli’s most ambitious projects.
Production was initially expected to conclude by October 2026, while Mahesh Babu has reportedly completed his portions.