“RRR” director S.S. Rajamouli‘s next directorial venture “Varanasi” has unveiled a worldwide theatrical release date, positioning the Indian production as one of 2027’s major international releases.
The action-adventure epic reunites the “RRR” helmer with Oscar-winning composer MM Keeravani, who took home the Academy Award for best original song for “Naatu Naatu” from “RRR.” Telugu-language cinema Mahesh Babu leads the cast alongside Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran.
The film’s story spans thousands of years and traverses multiple continents, with locations ranging from Antarctica to Africa to the titular Indian city. It is “in the vein of Indiana Jones and James Bond,” according to the film’s publicity material. Mahesh Babu plays the protagonist Rudhra, Chopra Jonas plays a character named Mandakini and the main antagonist Kumbha is played by Sukumaran. Rajamouli unveiled first-look footage from the project in November.
“Varanasi” will open in theaters worldwide on April 7, 2027.
Rajamouli’s “RRR” became a global phenomenon following its 2022 release, earning widespread critical acclaim and audience enthusiasm that extended well beyond traditional Indian cinema markets, with the film’s Academy Awards success marking a milestone for Indian cinema on the international stage. It is the fifth-highest grossing film in the history of Indian cinema.
Babu is one of Indian cinema’s biggest stars, with a career spanning over two decades in Telugu-language films including “Srimanthudu,” “Bharat Ane Nenu” and “Maharshi.”
Chopra Jonas has built a career bridging Bollywood and Hollywood, with Bollywood credits including “Bajirao Mastani,” “Mary Kom” and “Barfi!,” while her Hollywood work includes the series “Citadel” and films such as “Baywatch” and “The Matrix Resurrections.”
Sukumaran is a pan-Indian star who has worked across Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Hindi-language cinema, with recent credits including the Telugu action drama “Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire,” the Bollywood film “Bade Miyan Chote Miyan” and Malayalam film “The Goat Life.”
The project is being produced under the banner of Sri Durga Arts and Showing Business. Producers include K.L. Narayana and S.S. Karthikeya.
