SS Karthikeya, son of acclaimed filmmaker SS Rajamouli, recently shared his raw emotional experience following a technical glitch that disrupted the highly anticipated first glimpse of the upcoming film, "Varanasi." The incident, which occurred during the movie's official launch event, left Karthikeya feeling a mix of frustration and profound disappointment.
Behind the Scenes of a Glitch
During an interview with anchor Suma on YouTube, promoting "Don’t Trouble The Trouble," Karthikeya recounted the chaotic scene backstage. "It was like a war room inside the tent," he described, expressing the intense pressure. He admitted to being deeply affected by the malfunction, stating, "To be honest, I felt like crying. I got emotional, angry, with... I don’t know whom." He emphasized that the error was "nobody’s mistake," attributing it instead to an inability to conduct pre-screening tests due to drones hovering around the venue all night, as his father, Rajamouli, had noted.
Karthikeya clarified that the production team possessed strong technical expertise, and the issue was not due to incorrect formatting. The problem simply stemmed from the lack of prior testing. However, his spirits soared when the glimpse finally played successfully on its third attempt. "When it played the third time, I yelled like Nani from Jersey," he enthusiastically recalled, highlighting the relief and excitement that followed the initial setback.
An Epic Story Unfolds in "Varanasi"
The film "Varanasi," starring Mahesh Babu, is set to hit cinemas on April 7, 2027. The narrative is set in a futuristic 2027, where humanity faces an existential threat from a massive asteroid named Shambhavi, hurtling towards the ancient city of Varanasi. The plot centers on Rudhra, a rugged archaeologist and explorer, who is tasked with a critical, global mission to retrieve an ancient cosmic artifact.
Rudhra is joined by Mandakini, a formidable historian and expert marksman, as they embark on an adventurous journey across diverse landscapes, from the dense jungles of Africa to the frozen expanse of Antarctica, and various locations across Europe. Their quest is complicated by the pursuit of Kumbha, a technologically advanced antagonist. The key to averting the impending global catastrophe is reportedly hidden within the mythical history of Varanasi itself.
Star-Studded Cast and Global Ambitions
Beyond Mahesh Babu in the titular role, "Varanasi" boasts a stellar cast including Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran, who are slated to play pivotal characters. The production is characterized by extensive visual effects work and multiple demanding shooting schedules. Reports indicate that Mahesh Babu has already completed his filming segments for the movie, even shedding his beard look for the role.
The film is poised for a massive international release, with plans to be available in an impressive 50 languages. This includes a wide array of international languages such as French, Spanish, German, Arabic, Japanese, and Korean, underscoring its ambition to reach a truly global audience.