Hyderabad, February 12, 2026 — The Indian film industry has reached a historic inflection point. Visionary director SS Rajamouli, the man who turned Baahubali and RRR into global phenomena, is currently helming what is now officially the most expensive Indian film ever made. Titled Varanasi, this upcoming magnum opus is being produced on a staggering budget of $150 million (approx. ₹1,300–1,400 crore), a figure that has sent shockwaves through the global trade circuit.
Produced by KL Narayana under the Durga Arts banner, Varanasi is not just a movie; it is an ambitious technological marvel that promises to bridge ancient Indian mythology with cutting-edge science fiction.
A Global Cast for a “Globetrotter” Adventure
The film features an ensemble cast designed for international appeal:
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Mahesh Babu: Portraying the protagonist Rudhra, a rugged adventurer inspired by the traits of Lord Ram. Babu reportedly underwent intense physical training in Germany to prepare for this high-octane role.
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Priyanka Chopra Jonas: Returning to Indian cinema after a long hiatus, she plays Mandakini, a mysterious and pivotal character. Chopra recently revealed in a Variety profile that she gave Rajamouli an “ultimatum” to include a grand dance sequence, which the director has reportedly turned into a “folk-style” spectacle.
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Prithviraj Sukumaran: Taking on the mantle of the formidable antagonist, Kumbha.
Breaking Down the ₹1,400 Crore Budget
While ₹1,400 crore is a daunting figure, the production’s scale justifies the investment. Industry insiders and recent reports highlight several factors contributing to the cost:
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Seven-Country Shoot: The production has already filmed extensive sequences in Kenya (covering 95% of the African segments), the Amazon rainforest, and even Antarctica.
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IMAX 1.43:1 Format: Varanasi is making history as the first Indian and non-English language film to be shot entirely in the true IMAX 1.43:1 aspect ratio, requiring specialized cameras and post-production workflows.
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Complex VFX & Mythology: The plot reportedly involves an asteroid hitting the city of Varanasi, triggering a narrative that spans across multiple Yugas (eras), including the Treta Yuga and a futuristic 2027 CE.
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No-Salary Model: In a strategic move to manage the massive budget, both SS Rajamouli and Mahesh Babu have opted for a revenue-sharing model instead of upfront fees, taking a stake in the film’s global profits.
Mythology Meets Time Travel
During a recent interview, Rajamouli confirmed that while the film is a modern “globetrotting adventure,” it is deeply rooted in the Ramayana.
“All my films are inspired by the epics of Lord Rama,” Rajamouli stated. “In Varanasi, I have the chance to adapt an actual episode from the Ramayana and present it in a new cinematic form.”
The director dismissed recent social media rumors regarding AI-generated visuals, asserting that the stunning teaser released in November 2025 was the result of months of manual labor by thousands of VFX artists.
Release Date and Box Office Projections
With a confirmed release date of April 7, 2027, strategically timed for the Ugadi and Sankranti festivities, Varanasi is eyeing a worldwide release across 120 countries. Given that Rajamouli’s RRR grossed over ₹1,200 crore on a much smaller budget, trade analysts predict Varanasi could become the first Indian film to challenge the ₹2,000–3,000 crore global box office milestone.
As production continues under strict non-disclosure agreements, the world waits to see if this “high-stakes gamble” will indeed reshape the landscape of global storytelling.
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