Director SS Rajamouli and superstar Mahesh Babu have now cemented the global timeline for their monumental film, Varanasi. After unveiling the title and Mahesh Babu’s fierce first look in a massive “GlobeTrotter” event on November 15, the makers have tentatively locked the theatrical release date for March 25, 2027. This strategic date positions the high-budget timetrotting, globetrotting adventure epic to dominate the crucial pre-summer box office window worldwide.
The film, which was previously referred to as SSMB29, is poised to be one of the most expensive and technologically ambitious projects in Indian cinematic history. Featuring an all-star ensemble cast including Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran, the confirmation of a release date sends a clear signal that the meticulous production, which spans continents and millennia, is firmly on schedule.
While the official announcement of the release date is currently being reported by trade sources and eagerly awaited by fans, the commitment to a March 25, 2027 opening provides a definitive target for the extensive production and post-production work. Rajamouli and his team, known for their disciplined execution and complex VFX, are using the two-year window to ensure the cinematic spectacle meets their global standards.
The film is being mounted on a budget that reportedly surpasses ₹1,200 crore, a figure that underscores the sheer scale of the vision. The director, speaking at the Jiohotstar-premiered GlobeTrotter event, emphasized that the film requires cutting-edge technology, including native filming for the expansive IMAX 1.43:1 aspect ratio, making the 2027 date necessary for seamless completion.
Sources indicate that the filming schedule is rigorous, with Mahesh Babu already undergoing intense physical transformation to play the lead character, Rudhra, who is reported to be an explorer and is even seen in an avatar inspired by Lord Ram in the film’s concept teaser.
The grand GlobeTrotter event, which trended internationally upon its release, successfully established the film’s genre as a one-of-a-kind blend of mythology, historical fiction, and modern adventure. The trailer, now widely viewed, showcased the film’s immense geographical and temporal scope..
This complex structure confirms that Varanasi will not only showcase exotic locations but also explore a thrilling plot that links global locations and different eras through a central mystery rooted in Indian lore. This unique approach justifies the casting of global star Priyanka Chopra (as the character Mandakini) and the Pan-Indian actor Prithviraj Sukumaran (as the antagonist, Kumbha), demanding talents who can command presence across diverse historical and geographical settings.
Rajamouli, who recently delivered the global phenomenon RRR, expressed his immense passion for the project at the launch event. He called the film a “dream project” and “once-in-a-lifetime project” for the entire team, making a powerful public commitment to make India proud with the final product.
The film’s high-profile backing by KL Narayana and SS Karthikeya under the banners Sri Durga Arts and Showing Business ensures that the director receives all necessary resources to execute his vision. With the massive budget, the international cast, and the fixed release date of March 25, 2027, Varanasi has cemented its position as the next major cinematic event on the global calendar.
