Varanasi, headlined by Mahesh Babu and directed by SS Rajamouli, is scheduled to arrive in theatres on April 7, 2027. The makers are yet to reveal several details about the highly anticipated epic, but a reported synopsis of the film has now surfaced.
Varanasi Synopsis
According to a report by Gulte, the story is set in 2027, when the world faces a catastrophic threat as a massive asteroid named Shambhavi heads directly toward the holy city of Varanasi.
At the centre of the story is Rudhra, a rugged archaeologist and explorer who is recruited for a dangerous, high-stakes mission to retrieve an ancient cosmic artifact. He is joined by Mandakini, a fierce historian who is also an expert marksman.
Their mission takes them across several parts of the world, transforming the film into a globe-trotting sci-fi adventure. From the dense jungles of Africa and the frozen landscapes of Antarctica to various locations across Europe, Rudhra and Mandakini race against time while being pursued by Kumbha, a technologically brilliant antagonist.
The synopsis further suggests that the answer to preventing a devastating future event is connected to the mysterious and mythical history of Varanasi.
Mahesh Babu’s Varanasi and its massive scale
Varanasi is being described as an epic time-travel action adventure. Mahesh Babu will headline the film as Rudhra and has also confirmed that he will portray Lord Rama in one of its episodes.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas plays Mandakini, while Prithviraj Sukumaran has been cast as the antagonist Kumbha. The makers are expected to announce additional cast members as production progresses.
The SS Rajamouli directorial is being mounted on a grand scale, with extensive VFX work and multiple shooting schedules planned across domestic and international locations. The film is reportedly being made on a massive budget of around Rs 900-1000 crore.
Rajamouli recently revealed that approximately 80 days of filming were still pending and indicated that the production is expected to be completed by October 2026.
Mahesh Babu’s work front
Mahesh Babu was last seen in Guntur Kaaram, directed by Trivikram Srinivas. The film follows a hot-headed man from Guntur who sets out to uncover the truth surrounding his childhood and his mother’s decision to leave him following a tragic family incident.
The film also featured Jayaram, Ramya Krishna, Prakash Raj, Sreeleela, Meenakshi Chaudhary, Easwari Rao, Jagapathi Babu, Sunil and others in important roles.
