After his major wins at the 95th Academy Awards and the Golden Globes for RRR, director S.S. Rajamouli’s next action-adventure epic is Varanasi. The producer shares why April 7, 2027, was chosen as the release date and how the film’s marketing kicked off with a mysterious installation in the city itself.
The epic tale covers thousands of years and crosses continents, with locations ranging from Antarctica and Africa to the iconic Indian city featured in the title. A standout sequence is rooted in the Ramayana, the legendary Indian text that tells the story of Lord Rama, whose birth is celebrated during Rama Navami.
Speaking to Variety, producer Karthikeya explained, “Varanasi lies at the heart of this film, so beginning the release conversation from the city itself felt instinctive.” “The cryptic on-ground installation was intended to spark curiosity, and audiences connected the dots organically.”
The cast is headlined by Mahesh Babu, who plays a dual role as archaeologist Rudhra and the mythological figure Lord Rama. He stars alongside Priyanka Chopra Jonas, whose character is said to be key to the film’s time-travel storyline.
Directed by S.S. Rajamouli, RRR achieved historic global success, earning major international recognition, including Best Original Song for “Naatu Naatu” at both the 95th Academy Awards and the Golden Globe Awards
RRR is a fast-paced, fictional reimagining of two real Indian freedom fighters—Komaram Bheem (N.T. Rama Rao Jr.) and Alluri Sitarama Raju (Ram Charan)—who form a powerful bond in 1920s Delhi. The film also features standout roles from Alia Bhatt, Ajay Devgn, and the late Ray Stevenson and went on to become one of the most successful Indian films ever made.
