Tollywood

4 days ago

114 views

SS Rajamouli's Varanasi To Be Shorter Than RRR?

Hyderabad, February 13 - Director SS Rajamouli's Varanasi is his most ambitious film yet, and everyone got a glimpse of it when the makers released the first-look teaser in November last year. The nearly 4-minute-long promo showcased Rajamouli's massive vision for the global action-adventure. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Ever since the teaser of Mahesh Babu's starrer dropped, social media has been buzzing with speculation about how long the film would be. Seeing the massive scale, fans believe that it can't be fit into one film, and that Rajamouli might have to split it into two parts or keep it as a super lenghty one part epic. While everyone is speculating multiple parts or a high runtime, Rajamouli seems to have a clear-cut plan to complete the story in one part. What is interesting is that the legendary filmmaker intends to keep the film's theatrical runtime under 3 hours. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) “At this point, I’m assuming @VaranasiMovie run time will be less than 3hour” - @ssrajamouli ▶️ https://t.co/SeOUk2PDRn #MaheshBabu | #Varanasi pic.twitter.com/1tpLtlRQli— VardhanDHFM (@_VardhanDHFM_) February 13, 2026 During an interview with Collider, the Baabubali director said that as things are proceeding, he believes that the final runtime of Varanasi will be less than 3 hours, which will be less than his last film, RRR. Released in 2022, RRR was huge in scale with the official runtime of 3 hours and 2 minutes, and to have a shorter runtime than the last film for the upcoming film, which is bigger than RRR in terms of everything, is insane. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Of course, a lot of shooting is still pending, and the final runtime might vary, but it is clear that Rajamouli is not looking to expand the film in multiple parts (as of now). When it comes to filmmaking, no one does things better than Rajamouli, but it will be interesting to see how he fits such a massive scale in a film with under 3 hours, while keeping it engaging and the spectacle he is known for. Also starring Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran, Varanasi is scheduled to release on April 7, 2027. Stay tuned...

Tollywood

5 days ago

294 views

SS Rajamouli Picks One of The Greatest Cinematic Moments In Varanasi

Hyderabad, February 13 - Director SS Rajamouli has often spoken about cinema transcending realism, and the scene he associates with one of the greatest cinematic moments in Varanasi perfectly reflects that philosophy. During an interview with Collider, the maverick filmmaker picked the moment in the film which he feels is going to be a peak cinematic moment. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The filmmaker was asked at what point he thought of making Varanasi. While he didn't pinpoint an instance which led him to make this global action adventure, he did point out the scene featuring the titular character, Rudra, played by Mahesh Babu. The visual captures a ferocious warrior charging through the ancient city atop a raging bull, with dust, chaos, and towering temples framing the spectacle. It is not designed to depict everyday Varanasi, but its eternal spirit—raw, powerful, and deeply spiritual. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) What elevates this moment into cinematic greatness is its symbolism. The bull instantly evokes Nandi, the sacred mount of Lord Shiva, who is intrinsically linked to Varanasi. By placing his protagonist on the bull, Rajamouli fuses man and epicness into a single visual idea. For Rajamouli, this moment represents cinema at its most elemental—where culture, history, movement, and emotion collide in a single frame. It is the kind of shot that, Rajamouli feel, will remain etched in the audience's memory long after the film ends. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Also starring Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran, Varanasi is being filmed for IMAX and is scheduled to release on April 7, 2027, in multiple languages. Stay tuned...

Hollywood

6 days ago

95 views

Priyanka Chopra To Star In Next James Bond Film?

Mumbai, February 12 - Priyanka Chopra is taking giant steps in her career. Having built a successful career both in Indian cinema and Hollywood, the actress might be in line to feature in the next James Bond film, which is in the early stages of development. Over the past few years, Amazon MGM Studio has solidified its relationship with the Indian star, collaborating with her on last year's action thriller Heads of State opposite John Cena and Idris Elba. An internal report of Amazon found that twice as much buzz as her co-stars based on volume, headlines and quoting intensity for Heads of State, which was a big hit on the platform. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Amazon MGM acquired the James Bond franchise a couple of years back, and the next Bond movie will be the first in the franchise to be made under Amazon. According to the report by Variety, the studio is so bullish on the Jamshedpur-born actress, so much so that rumours continue to swirl that she will land somewhere in Bond 26, the tech giant's first foray into the 007 franchise. While Priyanka didn't reveal anything, the actress acknowledged that the James Bond franchise could be truly global now with Amazon having storng distribution network worldwide, be it theatrical or streaming. The actress is curious to see which lane the studi pick for the widely popular franchise. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) At present, the next James Bond film is still in the early stages of development. With Daniel Craig having exited the role after No Time To Die, the makers are yet to officially announce the next actor to play 007, let alone the supporting cast. Casting decisions are being closely guarded by the studio, and no names have been confirmed so far. Meanwhile, Priyanka Chopra Jonas returns to Indian cinema with possibly the biggest film of her career, director SS Rajamouli's Varanasi. The global action adventure, headed by Mahesh Babu and also starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, is currently in production for an April 7, 2027, release. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Stay tuned...

Tollywood

11 days ago

90 views

SS Rajamouli's Mega Blockbuster RRR To Be Made In Animation

Hyderabad, February 7 - Director SS Rajamouli is currently working on his next, titled Varanasi, starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran. Touted as a global adventure rooted in Indian culture, Varanasi has been announced for a worldwide release on April 7, 2027, in multiple formats and languages. As the maverick filmmaker is busy making the next Indian phenomenon, his last film, RRR, could also return to the big screens in a new form. Released in 2022, the period action drama opened new markets for Rajamouli and team by becoming one of the biggest Indian grossers ever. Now, the Baahubali director is working to bring the film as an animation. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) During a recent Varanasi promotional interview with Polygon, SS Rajamouli revealed, "We have been in talks with a few studios in Japan to make RRR in anime. So I'm waiting for things to get through. Hopefully it happens, and hopefully we can announce a cool continuation of RRR anime". Rajamouli has become a fan of anime lately, after expressing admiration for animated films like Demon Slayer and Attack on Titan. While work to bring RRR as an anime is ongoing, the director's Baahubali is already in development as an animation for a 2027 release. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Recently, the filmmaker's Baahubali (both parts) re-released as a single part epic, and with this, an animated film, titled Baahubali: The Eternal War, was announced with the epic first look teaser. Directed by Ishan Shukla, the animated film will be released in two parts, with the first part confirmed to hit the big screens in 2027. In the animated movie, the murdered Prince Baahubali enters the afterlife and joins an eternal war between gods and demons across 14 realms. Released in March 2022, RRR stars Jr. NTR and Ram Charan, along with Alia Bhatt, Ajay Devgn, Ray Stevenson, Alison Doody, Olivia Morris, Shriya Saran, and Samuthirakani in key roles. The film was a massive hit at the box office, grossing over 1200 crores worldwide. Stay tuned...

Tollywood

11 days ago

77 views

SS Rajamouli's Dharna for IMAX: How Mahesh Babu's Varanasi Could Finally Bring True 1.43:1 Screens to India

In the world of global cinema, S.S. Rajamouli is no longer just a filmmaker; he is a visionary architect of spectacle. Following the historic global success of RRR, Rajamouli is now setting his sights on a new frontier—one that isn't just about the story on screen, but the screen itself.His upcoming globe-trotting adventure, officially titled Varanasi (formerly #SSMB29), starring Superstar Mahesh Babu, is being positioned as a cultural and technological inflection point for India. During a high-profile interaction, Rajamouli issued a playful yet pointed ultimatum to the tech giants in Los Angeles, sparking a viral conversation about India's theatrical infrastructure. The filmmaker's frustration centers on the lack of True IMAX screens in India—specifically those capable of the immersive 1.43:1 aspect ratio. To emphasize his point, Rajamouli shared a sentiment that has now become the rallying cry for Indian cinephiles: In India, we call something like Dharna that says like if you are not happy with someone we pitch tents outside their office and say we demand some theatre. So I am going to pitch tent outside IMAX in LA and demand them... we need big screens here in India. This isn't just a joke; it is a signal of intent from a director who refuses to let his 1,300-crore vision be compressed into standard formats. The irony of the current situation is hard to ignore. India is already IMAX's 7th largest market, with a staggering footprint growth of nearly 60% since 2020. The audience's appetite for premium large-format experiences is undeniable, yet the infrastructure lags behind the ambition. While most Indian IMAX screens are digital versions on smaller 1.90:1 displays, Rajamouli's Varanasi is being filmed specifically for the towering 1.43:1 format. For a story that spans multiple worlds—from the spiritual ghats of Varanasi to the frozen wastes of Antarctica and even the mythic Treta Yuga—the director insists that only the vertical scale of a True IMAX can do justice to the magnificent visuals. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   Perhaps the most stinging irony lies in Hyderabad, the heart of Telugu cinema. Despite producing the country's biggest blockbusters and housing a massive fan base, the city currently lacks a confirmed, top-tier IMAX screen. This gap between the industry's creative ambition and its technical infrastructure is precisely what Varanasi hopes to bridge. With a star-studded cast including Mahesh Babu as the protagonist Rudhra, Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Mandakini, and Prithviraj Sukumaran as the antagonist Kumbha, the film is designed for scale, myth, and immersion. Rajamouli has even noted that for the film's teaser launch, they audaciously built a custom 100-foot by 130-foot screen just to show the footage as intended. The ball is now firmly in the court of Indian exhibitors. IMAX has already responded to Rajamouli's Dharna comment with a clear we're ready, signaling that they are open for business and eager to expand.If Varanasi receives the IMAX treatment it deserves by its April 7, 2027 release, it won't just elevate one film; it will reset the expectations for how Indian blockbusters are experienced. It could finally normalize IMAX-first filmmaking in India, turning it from a premium afterthought into a standard for excellence. As Rajamouli prepares to take his fight to LA, the message is clear: Indian cinema has the vision—it's time for the theaters to provide the canvas.

Bollywood

13 days ago

104 views

Priyanka Chopra To Return For Krrish 4? Here Is What The Actress Has To Say

Mumbai, February 5 - India's international star Priyanka Chopra is all set to make a grand comeback to Indian cinema with director SS Rajamouli's ambitious action adventure Varanasi, fronted by Mahesh Babu and also starring Prithviraj Sukumaran. Varanasi isn't the only Indian film Priyanka is doing. The actress is also part of Farhan Akhtar's Jee Le Zaraa, and she might return to reprise her role in the fourth instalment of the superhero franchise, Krrish. During the interview, Varanasi cast gave after teaser reveal, the actress spoke about her return to Indian cinema and seemingly confirmed Krrish 4. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The interviewer asked the Don actress if she would be part of the upcoming Don 3 and Krrish 4. Instead of giving a clear yes or no, the actress chose to remain tight-lipped, saying that she did not know if she could talk about those projects at all. Her evasive yet playful reply was enough to fuel speculation. Adding to the excitement, Mahesh Babu jokingly reacted to her comment, suggesting that "something is definitely happening," which further amplified the buzz online. Clips of this exchange quickly went viral, with fans interpreting Priyanka's reaction as a subtle hint rather than a denial. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) While there has been no official confirmation from the makers of Krrish 4 or from Hrithik Roshan regarding the cast, a recent report revealed that Hrithik met Priyanka in the US and both discussed the much-awaited film. Reports strongly stated that the actress would be returning to reprise her role as Priya Mehra, and he reaction in the interview had said it all, but confirmed the reports. As for Don 3, the project has currently been put on hold indefinitely after Ranveer Singh, who was cast to play the titular role, exited the film due to reasons known to the makers. Krrish 4, meanwhile, is expected to start shooting sometime this year, though exact timeline is not revealed yet. Stay tuned...

Tollywood

14 days ago

201 views

S.S. Rajamouli's Varanasi: Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Reveal Mind-Bending Plot Details in Global Interview

Following the monumental global success of RRR, visionary director S.S. Rajamouli is set to return with his most ambitious project to date, titled Varanasi. Scheduled for a 2027 release, the film has already ignited a massive conversation across the globe. In a recent high-profile interview with DiscussingFilm, the lead cast—Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Prithviraj Sukumaran—shared deep insights into the movie's plot, its decade-long development, and the grueling production process that took them into the heart of the African wilderness. The road to Varanasi has been a testament to Rajamouli's unwavering commitment. Mahesh Babu revealed that he has been waiting for this collaboration for over 15 years. He noted that he first met the director long before the Baahubali franchise changed the landscape of Indian cinema. Despite the massive delays caused by Rajamouli's other commitments and the pandemic, the director stuck to his word. Mahesh confessed that when he finally heard the narration after the release of RRR, the sheer scale of the vision was so intimidating that he felt a sense of nervousness, though he has since embraced the challenge of playing the lead role of Rudhra. In terms of plot, Varanasi is described as a high-concept, time-travel action epic. Mahesh Babu portrays Rudhra, a fervent devotee of Lord Shiva, the God of destruction and transformation. The narrative follows Rudhra as he is sent on a perilous mission through time to secure an ancient cosmic artifact. The journey is fraught with danger, as he discovers that he is being hunted by a brilliant but evil mastermind who intends to use the artifact for global domination. This blend of ancient Indian mythology and futuristic sci-fi elements marks a new chapter for Indian cinema, aiming for a truly globetrotting feel. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   The primary antagonist, Kumbha, is played by Malayalam superstar Prithviraj Sukumaran, who described the role as the most unpredictable character arc of his career. Kumbha is a technologically advanced villain, characterized by his use of a high-tech wheelchair and Doctor Octopus-esque mechanical arms. Prithviraj highlighted Rajamouli's unique directorial style, noting that despite the humongous visual effects and sets, the director’s priority remains the actor's close-up. He emphasized that Rajamouli pushes his actors out of their comfort zones to ensure an honest and powerful performance, making the villainous Kumbha a truly formidable threat. The production of Varanasi has also broken new ground in terms of filming locations. A significant portion of the movie was shot in Maasai Mara, Kenya, where the cast had unprecedented access to wildlife. Priyanka Chopra Jonas remarked that the support from the Kenyan government allowed the team to film in a way that has rarely been attempted in cinema before, providing a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Mahesh Babu added that the first day of shooting in Africa, surrounded by wild animals, was a memory he would never forget. With a budget estimated to exceed ₹1,000 crore and a release planned for the premium IMAX 1.43:1 format, Varanasi is shaping up to be a historic cinematic event in 2027.

Tollywood

18 days ago

254 views

SS Rajamouli, Mahesh Babu's Varanasi Plot Revealed: A Time-Bending Global Epic

Hyderabad, January 31 - SS Rajamouli's much-anticipated collaboration with Mahesh Babu, titled Varanasi, is shaping up to be a high-concept action-adventure that blends science fiction and large-scale spectacle. Also starring Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran, the film has been announced for global release on April 7, 2027. As the anticipation around the film continues to grow, the plot has reportedly been revealed, which offers what the movie is about. According to the core plot, mentioned in Letterboxd, Varanasi revolves around a catastrophic event, when an asteroid strikes the ancient city of Vāranāsi in India, triggering a chain of events that could potentially alter the fate of the entire world. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The asteroid impact is not just a moment of destruction but the starting point of a far bigger mystery. As chaos unfolds, questions arise about whether this incident marks the beginning of the end for humanity. Is Earth heading towards inevitable doom, or is there still a chance to change destiny? The film reportedly explores how this single event becomes a turning point in the history of the planet. "When an asteroid hits the city of Vāranāsi in India, what are the events that it leads to? Is the world about to be doomed? Does it need a saviour who has to traverse across the continents and timelines to influence the most crucial moment in the history of Earth?" says the plot. At the centre of this, Mahesh Babu as Rudra embarks on a globe-spanning and time-bending journey, influencing key moments in Earth's history to ensure survival. This unique blend of time travel and global adventure makes Varanasi one of Rajamouli's most ambitious concepts to date. The film also takes inspiration from one of the key episodes of Ramayana, which is said to be the highlight of the movie. By linking the spiritual significance of Vāranāsi with a global, timeline-altering crisis, the film is expected to deliver a visually spectacular and emotionally charged experience, redefining the scope of Indian cinema on the world stage. Stay tuned...

Tollywood

20 days ago

196 views

Release Date of SS Rajamouli, Mahesh Babu's Varanasi Locked

Mumbai, January 29 - Speculation around director SS Rajamouli's much-anticipated film Varanasi, starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran, has intensified after viral hoardings surfaced in the holy city, triggering fresh discussions about the film's release date. Images of the hoardings went viral on social media, instantly catching the attention of fans and trade circles alike, given the massive buzz surrounding the project. The hoardings prominently mention April 7, 2027, a date that has led many to believe that the makers may be subtly hinting at the film's theatrical release, before they officially confirmed the same. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Interestingly, the date coincides with the Ugadi festival period, making it a strategically attractive window for a film of this scale. Earlier trade reports had already pointed towards a Ram Navami 2027 release window, with April being the likely month. Varanasi is touted as one of the biggest Indian films ever made. With expectations already sky-high, even unconfirmed promotional elements like these hoardings are enough to set the internet buzzing, underlining the unparalleled anticipation surrounding the project. Stay tuned...

Bollywood

20 days ago

226 views

Don 3 Update: Director Farhan Akhtar Puts The Film On Hold Amid Continuous Delay

Mumbai, January 29 - Director Farhan Akhtar's plans to reboot the iconic Don franchise continue to remain uncertain as the latest development suggests the Don 3 is unlikely to start rolling anytime soon. Ever since the movie was announced, it has been under scrutiny due to various reasons, and it seems the makers have now decided to move on. According to the report by Pinkvilla, director Farhan Akhtar has decided to momentarily step away from the much-talked-about actioner and shift his focus to his dream project, Jee Le Zaraa. It is said that the filmmaker doesn't want to rush on the casting front after Ranveer Singh exited it over other priorities. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The film was supposed to start rolling in early 2026 with Ranveer Singh stepping into the role of Don. However, the mega success of Dhurandhar made the actor rethink his strategy going forward, and in this process, he reportedly backed out from Don 3 as he doesn't want to do back-to-back gangster films. While the buzz around Don 3 continues after Ranveer Singh's exit, Farhan is in no hurry to rush the casting process and wants to ensure the iconic franchise gets the right face to carry the legacy forward. The casting of Don is the most important factor, and Akhtar wants to be absolutely sure about who steps into the role, which is a longer process. Meanwhile, the actor-filmmaker has reported reinitiated conversations around Katrina Kaif, Alia Bhatt and Priyanka Chopra starrer Jee Le Zaraa. The script for the film is already locked, but the delay is because of logistical challenges and date alignments of all three lead actresses. If dates align, the film could finally go on floors in the second half of 2026. Stay tuned...

Tollywood

42 days ago

19 views

Varanasi Release Date: SS Rajamouli, Mahesh Babu's Epic Adventure Film To Release On April 15, 2027?

Hyderabad, January 6 - SS Rajamouli and Mahesh Babu team up for the first time for an epic action adventure film, titled Varanasi. The much-awaited collaboration, also starring Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran, continues to generate massive buzz, and now a potential release date has added fuel to the excitement. As per lastest buzz, Varanasi is eyeing a grand theatrical release in April 2027, though an official confirmation from the makers is still awaited. According to reports, the makers are planning to bring Varanasi to cinemas on April 15, 2027, which coincides with Sri Rama Navami. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Varanasi is one of the most ambitious Indian films ever made, both in terms of budget and execution. The project involves extensive international schedules, heavy VFX work, and elaborate action set-pieces. A 2027 release window allows ample time for post-production, especially after the global success standards set by Baahubali and RRR. For Mahesh Babu, Varanasi is easily the biggest film of his career. The film is expected to present the superstar in a never-seen-before avatar, designed specifically for global audiences. Expectations are sky-high, as fans believe this film could redefine Mahesh Babu’s international presence. While April 9, 2,027 is being widely reported as the target release date, the makers have not made any official announcement yet, apart from the fact that they announced a summer 2027 release. Given Rajamouli's track record, the final date will only be revealed once filming and major post-production milestones are locked. Stay tuned...

Tollywood

44 days ago

27 views

Mahesh Babu's Varanasi Makes History with Teaser Screening at Paris's Iconic Le Grand Rex

In a groundbreaking moment for Indian cinema, the teaser of the highly anticipated magnum opus, Varanasi, starring Superstar Mahesh Babu, will be screened at the iconic Le Grand Rex theatre in Paris.As reported by the entertainment portal @AlwaysBollywood, this marks the first time an Indian film's promotional content will be showcased at this prestigious European venue. The special screening is scheduled for 9 PM local time on January 5, 2026. This historic event underscores the immense global ambition of the project, directed by the visionary S.S. Rajamouli.The move to launch the teaser in such a grand international setting is a clear indicator of the makers' intent to position Varanasi as a global cinematic event. The news was confirmed by the French distribution company Anna Films, which is organizing the screening. Varanasi is a globetrotting action-adventure on a monumental scale, with a reported budget of approximately ₹1,300 crore. The film boasts a stellar pan-Indian cast, including global icon Priyanka Chopra as the female lead and acclaimed actor Prithviraj Sukumaran as the antagonist. The film's music is composed by the Oscar-winning M.M. Keeravani, with the story penned by V. Vijayendra Prasad. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   The film, which was tentatively known as SSMB29, has been a subject of immense speculation and excitement since its announcement.Rajamouli has envisioned the film as an epic adventure rooted in Indian culture, drawing inspiration from classic adventure cinema. The narrative is rumored to be a socio-fantasy involving time travel, where Mahesh Babu's character embarks on a journey to alter crucial historical moments. While the screening at Le Grand Rex is a historic first for an Indian teaser, the theatre has previously premiered other Indian films like Kabali, Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, Mersal, and Saaho.