Acclaimed filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli, renowned for his global phenomenon “RRR,” has officially announced the worldwide theatrical release date for his highly anticipated next directorial venture, “Varanasi.” This action-adventure epic is set to captivate audiences on April 7, 2027, positioning itself as one of the most significant international cinematic events of that year.

“Varanasi” reunites Rajamouli with the Oscar-winning composer MM Keeravani, who famously won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for “Naatu Naatu” from “RRR.” The film boasts a star-studded cast led by Telugu-language cinema superstar Mahesh Babu, who takes on the role of the protagonist, Rudhra. Joining him are Bollywood and Hollywood crossover icon Priyanka Chopra Jonas, portraying the character Mandakini, and pan-Indian star Prithviraj Sukumaran, who is cast as the main antagonist, Kumbha.

The narrative of “Varanasi” promises an expansive and ambitious scope, spanning thousands of years and traversing multiple continents. The film’s publicity material describes it as being “in the vein of Indiana Jones and James Bond,” indicating a thrilling blend of adventure and intrigue. Locations mentioned for the epic journey range from the icy landscapes of Antarctica to the diverse terrains of Africa, culminating in the titular Indian city of Varanasi.

Rajamouli offered an initial glimpse into the project by unveiling first-look footage in November, generating immense excitement among fans and industry observers. The director’s previous work, “RRR,” achieved unprecedented global success following its 2022 release, earning widespread critical acclaim and attracting audience enthusiasm far beyond traditional Indian cinema markets. Its Academy Awards success marked a pivotal milestone for Indian cinema on the international stage, with the film also ranking as the fifth-highest-grossing film in Indian cinema history.

The film’s lead actors bring considerable star power and experience to the project. Mahesh Babu, with a career spanning over two decades, is one of Indian cinema’s biggest stars, celebrated for his roles in Telugu films such as “Srimanthudu,” “Bharat Ane Nenu,” and “Maharshi.” Priyanka Chopra Jonas has successfully forged a career bridging both Bollywood and Hollywood, with notable Bollywood credits including “Bajirao Mastani,” “Mary Kom,” and “Barfi!,” alongside Hollywood appearances in series like “Citadel” and films such as “Baywatch” and “The Matrix Resurrections.” Prithviraj Sukumaran, a versatile actor, has made his mark across Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi-language cinema, with recent roles in the Telugu action drama “Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire,” the Bollywood film “Bade Miyan Chote Miyan,” and the Malayalam film “The Goat Life.”

“Varanasi” is being produced under the banner of Sri Durga Arts and Showing Business, with K.L. Narayana and S.S. Karthikeya credited as producers, ensuring a robust foundation for this grand cinematic undertaking.