Superstar Mahesh Babu has officially concluded his extensive filming schedule for the highly anticipated action-adventure 'Varanasi,' directed by cinematic visionary SS Rajamouli. The actor spent over 600 days on set for his portions of the epic, which is slated for a worldwide release on April 7, 2027.
An Ambitious Production Timeline
Mahesh Babu wrapped up his scenes for 'Varanasi' on September 22, 2026, marking the end of a remarkable 606-day commitment to the project. Production for the film originally commenced on January 24, 2025, a date confirmed by the filmmaker through an official social media announcement. While the lead actor's work is complete, the remaining segments of the film are expected to conclude shortly. Reports also indicate that Mahesh Babu will portray a younger version of his character in certain scenes, an effect achieved by the production team without the use of artificial intelligence.
Plotting a Global Catastrophe
'Varanasi' is set in the year 2027, a time when humanity faces an existential threat from a colossal asteroid named Shambhavi, hurtling towards the ancient city of Varanasi. The narrative follows Rudhra, a rugged archaeologist and explorer played by Mahesh Babu, who is tasked with an urgent, globe-spanning mission: to retrieve an ancient cosmic artifact. He is joined by Mandakini, a formidable historian and expert marksman, portrayed by Priyanka Chopra Jonas. Their perilous journey takes them through diverse landscapes, from the dense jungles of Africa and the icy expanses of Antarctica to various locations across Europe. They are relentlessly pursued by Kumbha, a technologically advanced antagonist played by Prithviraj Sukumaran. The key to averting the impending global disaster is said to be intricately linked to the mythical past of Varanasi itself.
Technical Ambition and Global Reach
The film is expected to feature extensive visual effects, a hallmark of SS Rajamouli's grand productions. Director Rajamouli has reportedly placed significant emphasis on preserving the authentic essence of dubbing for the film. His vision extends beyond mere literal translation and lip-syncing; his team meticulously reviewed over 1,500 voices to select the perfect voice artists for the project. 'Varanasi' is projected for an unprecedented global launch, with plans for release in 50 languages. This includes a wide array of Indian languages, as well as international versions in French, Spanish, German, Arabic, Japanese, and Korean, among others.
What's Next for 'Varanasi'
With Mahesh Babu's principal photography now complete, the production shifts focus towards the extensive post-production phase, including the intricate VFX work and final editing. The film was initially anticipated to conclude its entire shooting schedule by October 2026. The April 7, 2027, release date allows ample time for the detailed technical and linguistic preparations required for such an ambitious worldwide cinematic event.
