Varanasi shooting near completion, post‑production underway

S.S. Rajamouli’s next venture, titled ‘Varanasi’, is said to have completed almost all of its shooting schedule and is now in post‑production. The film stars Mahesh Babu in the lead role, with Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran playing pivotal characters.

The producers are already working on dubbing the movie into several languages and are adding world‑class VFX and other technical enhancements. Distribution and marketing activities have also begun.

Shooting took place across multiple locations, including India, Antarctica, Africa and Europe. Rajamouli has described ‘Varanasi’ as his biggest action film to date and an adventure picture that is expected to hit theatres next year. One report suggests an April release, though the makers have not confirmed an official date.

International interest in the film’s overseas rights is reportedly high. Sony has been quoted as showing interest in acquiring the foreign‑distribution rights and has reportedly held talks with the producers, though no official confirmation has been made. Sony recently released the Indian epic ‘Ramayan’ on roughly 50,000 screens worldwide, and if it handles ‘Varanasi’, the film could see a larger global rollout than typical Indian releases.

An unverified leak claims that Prithviraj Sukumaran will appear as the character Kumbh, a reincarnation of Kumbhakarna, whose mission is to retrieve Ravana’s Navaratna mala. Rajamouli’s exact storyline remains undisclosed, and while some industry chatter hints at a Ramayana segment, no official details have emerged.

Music for ‘Varanasi’ is being composed by M.M. Keeravani, with Sri Durga Arts and Shoying Business listed as the production houses. Expectations among fans are high for the adventure‑action venture.

Separately, photos of Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas celebrating Diwali with their daughter were released on November 8, 2026.