After the unprecedented global success of RRR, filmmaker SS Rajamouli is now focusing his creative energy on a project that aims to redefine the boundaries of Indian cinema. Titled Varanasi, this upcoming action adventure features a powerhouse cast including Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran. Often referred to by fans as SSMB29, the film has been envisioned as a globe-trotting epic that brings a level of international scale and technical sophistication rarely seen in domestic productions.
The scale of the release is perhaps the most ambitious aspect of the project. Rajamouli is reportedly planning to localize the film in a staggering 50 languages, with a release spanning 120 countries. This is a massive leap forward for the industry, as it will break the previous record held by Shah Rukh Khan's 2023 hit Pathaan, which was released in 100 nations. The strategy is to ensure that Varanasi becomes a truly universal cinematic event that can be accessed by audiences across nearly every major global market.
What sets this project apart is Rajamouli's commitment to preserving the emotional core of his characters. Despite the efficiency offered by modern technology, the team has decided against using AI-generated or synthetic voices for the localized versions. Instead, they are opting for real voice actors to convey the personality and intent of each performance. The production is currently sampling around 1,500 artists to ensure the voices match the actors' original performances perfectly, as the director believes that translation should never dilute the emotional impact of the dialogue.
This dedication to artistic integrity was also evident when the first glimpse of the film featured expansive, breathtaking views of the African wilderness. Rajamouli has been vocal about dismissing any suggestions that AI was used to create these promotional assets, viewing such claims as a slight to the hard work and artistic genius of his crew. The production is a celebration of craftsmanship, relying on real locations and high-end cinematography to deliver its visual grandeur.
On the technical front, Varanasi has already achieved a historic milestone. It has been officially registered as the first non-English language film in global cinema history to be shot 100 percent natively on IMAX cameras. This decision ensures a level of visual immersion that few films can match. All the major, massive-scale action sequences intended for the IMAX format are already finished, marking a significant step forward in the production schedule.
Currently, the film is about 80 percent complete. With the most complex and large-scale sequences already in the bag, the team is now focusing on the remaining 20 percent, which consists primarily of smaller connecting scenes. The production is comfortably on track to wrap up these final portions by October 2026. Given the meticulous planning and the record-breaking release strategy, Varanasi is clearly being positioned as the next major global milestone for Indian cinema.
Bollywood
