The global cinematic landscape just shifted its gears. Visionary director SS Rajamouli, the man who brought the world Baahubali and the Oscar-winning RRR, has officially updated the release timeline for his most ambitious project to date: Varanasi.
Originally slated to hit the silver screen on March 25, 2027, the film will now make its grand worldwide theatrical debut on April 7, 2027. The strategic shift places the film’s release alongside the auspicious festivals of Ugadi and Gudi Padwa, ensuring a massive holiday window for its opening week.
In a move that mirrors the grandeur of his films, Rajamouli has employed a “less is more” strategy to announce the change. Residents and pilgrims in Varanasi City woke up to massive, minimalist outdoor hoardings scattered across the ghats and main thoroughfares.
These billboards feature no character faces, no flashy logos, and no traditional credits. Instead, they display a simple, haunting message: “In Theatres April 7, 2027.” This unusual strategy has instantly gone viral, sparking intense speculation and “treasure hunts” by fans across social media platforms to find every hoarding in the city.
The decision to move the release from March 25 to April 7 is more than just a scheduling conflict; it is a calculated tactical play. By shifting to early April, Varanasi avoids a direct collision with other major regional releases while positioning itself as the undisputed “Summer Blockbuster” of 2027.
Furthermore, industry insiders suggest that the extra two weeks allow the post-production team—which is currently handling over 3,500 VFX shots—the breathing room required to polish the film’s complex time-travel sequences.
Varanasi marks the first-ever collaboration between SS Rajamouli and Tollywood superstar Mahesh Babu. For Mahesh Babu, this project represents a significant departure from his previous urban-centric roles.
- Mahesh Babu as Rudhra: The actor reportedly plays a “globetrotting saviour” whose journey spans from the frozen landscapes of Antarctica to the ancient spiritual roots of India.
- Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Mandakini: Marking her monumental return to Indian cinema, Priyanka brings a global appeal to the project. Her character is rumoured to be the emotional anchor of the narrative.
- Prithviraj Sukumaran as Kumbha: The Malayalam cinema icon steps into the shoes of the antagonist, described as a physically and emotionally demanding role that pushes the boundaries of a traditional “villain.”
While Rajamouli is famous for keeping his scripts under lock and key, the first glimpse of Varanasi (unveiled at the GlobeTrotter event) teased a narrative of staggering scale. The story reportedly follows the catastrophic fallout after a massive asteroid strikes the city of Varanasi.
To prevent total global annihilation, the protagonist, Rudhra, must traverse across different timelines—including 512 CE, 2027 CE, and the mystical Threthayuga. By blending high-concept science fiction with deep-rooted Hindu mythology, Rajamouli aims to create a “visual spectacle” that transcends linguistic barriers.
No Rajamouli epic is complete without the auditory genius of MM Keeravani. Fresh off his global success with “Naatu Naatu,” the Oscar-winning composer is back to craft the soundscape for Varanasi.
Keeravani’s task is monumental: creating a musical score that shifts seamlessly between the tribal rhythms of ancient eras and the high-tech, futuristic sounds of 2027. The collaboration reinforces the “family-led” creative core of Rajamouli’s films, ensuring that the emotional beats of Varanasi resonate as strongly as its visuals.
Filming for Varanasi is currently in its final stages, with the team expected to wrap principal photography by August 2026. Following the wrap, the film will enter a rigorous 7-month post-production phase dedicated to IMAX formatting and visual effects.
With a reported budget of over ₹1,000 crore, Varanasi is not just a movie; it is an investment in the future of Indian cinema on the world stage. As April 7, 2027, draws closer, the “Varanasi to the World” movement is only set to grow.
