Varanasi (SSMB29): Mahesh Babu’s Boldest Film Yet — Cast, Plot & 2027 Release Plan

Varanasi (SSMB29) – Review & Latest Updates

1. Big Announcement and the Globetrotter Event

On November 15, 2025, Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad turned into a frenzy. SS Rajamouli and Mahesh Babu hit the stage and finally dropped the title of their much-awaited film: “Varanasi.” The crowd? Massive. Over 50,000 fans packed in, cheering like crazy. If you wanted to catch the action from home, you could — JioHotstar streamed it live from 6 pm. Mahesh Babu made his entrance riding a white bull, and honestly, the image just screamed epic. Rajamouli didn’t hold back either. He announced, “Here you go… VARANASI to the WORLD…” — making it clear this movie isn’t just for local audiences. The vision is global.

2. Cast and Characters

Mahesh Babu leads as “Rudhra,” a tough-as-nails explorer and warrior. Priyanka Chopra Jonas joins as “Mandakini,” the mysterious first lady of the story — imagine her standing on a cliff with a gun, blending old and new worlds. Prithviraj Sukumaran is the villain, “Kumbha.” And for the music, Rajamouli sticks with his frequent collaborator, M.M. Keeravani, so expect something big.

 

3. Story and Theme

This isn’t your regular action flick. “Varanasi” dives into time travel and Hindu mythology, all rooted in the spiritual city itself. The plot revolves around a mysterious herb — a spice tied to the legends of the Ramayana. The story promises not just wild adventures across different eras and worlds, but also a deeper, more philosophical journey.

4. Technical Vision and Production

Rajamouli’s going all out. He’s recreated the Ganges riverbank and Varanasi temples at Ramoji Film City, spending about ₹50 crores just on the sets. The movie’s shot in IMAX, so expect jaw-dropping visuals. P. S. Vinod handles the camera, and Tammiraju is directing, both known for their strong visuals that mesh perfectly with Rajamouli’s style. The budget? Reportedly around ₹1200 crores. This isn’t just a big Indian movie — it’s aiming for a global stage.

5. Release Date and Expectations

Composer M.M. Keeravani announced a summer 2027 release. Some reports point to March 25, 2027 — lining up with the Good Friday weekend. Smart timing. “Varanasi” is releasing in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada, with a story designed to appeal to everyone — not just in India, but worldwide.

6. Challenges and Leaks

Right before the big event, a glimpse of the film leaked online. Rajamouli admitted it broke his heart after all the work they put in to keep things under wraps. Critics and fans started to wonder if the hype online was getting out of hand. Some skeptics on Reddit even said, “People are in denial… They’ll have to build a lot more hype.” With stakes this high, the team has to nail the VFX, editing, and story — it needs to feel like a true epic.

7. Expectations and Impact

If “Varanasi” lives up to its promise, it could be a game-changer for Rajamouli and Mahesh Babu — not just in India, but everywhere. The mix of time travel, mythology, and adventure could give audiences something completely new. The IMAX visuals and huge production values mean you’re not just watching a movie; you’re getting swept into an experience. If the music, action, and story all hit the right notes, this could become a blockbuster people remember for years.

8. Final Thoughts

There’s a lot to be excited about: the cast, the direction, the scale, and Rajamouli’s track record. Mahesh Babu as the lead and a story that weaves mythology with adventure — that’s a strong combo. Still, there’s risk. The budget is enormous, and if the story doesn’t deliver, it could end up all style, no substance. But if everything comes together, “Varanasi” might just set a new benchmark in Indian cinema, connecting with both Indian audiences and the world.