Varanasi Is 5-6 Times Bigger Than RRR: Rajamouli

One line from SS Rajamouli is enough to reset expectations for Indian cinema’s next big gamble. Speaking at the 50th São Paulo International Film Festival in Brazil, the RRR director said his adventure drama Varanasi is five to six times bigger than RRR in every aspect.

Bigger canvas, shorter schedule

That scale makes the schedule the real surprise. Rajamouli, as quoted by 123Telugu, said he spent far more time on paperwork before cameras rolled:

I did a lot more paperwork on Varanasi, going into filming even more prepared. We shot RRR in 315 days and Varanasi, despite being bigger, in 275 days, saving 40 days.

For a production this size, those 40 days matter. They point to problems being solved in pre-production rather than on set, where every extra day adds cost and wears down a crew. Rajamouli’s comment is also a glimpse into how he intends to keep a project of this scale under control.

What we know about Varanasi

Varanasi brings Rajamouli and Telugu star Mahesh Babu together for the first time, with Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran in key roles. It is Priyanka’s return to Indian cinema after an eight-year gap.

• Mahesh Babu plays Rudra.
• Priyanka Chopra Jonas plays Mandakini.
• Prithviraj Sukumaran is reportedly the antagonist, Kumbha.
• The time-travel adventure spans Varanasi, Africa and Antarctica, with an asteroid threat at the centre.
• Reports suggest a Ramayana-inspired sequence may feature Mahesh Babu as Lord Rama, though this is not officially confirmed.

Priyanka’s return is significant in itself. After eight years away from Indian films, her presence connects the Telugu film to Hindi and international audiences, while Prithviraj brings a strong Malayalam following.

Why fans should pay attention

After RRR earned worldwide acclaim, expectations for Rajamouli’s next film are enormous. The first-time pairing with Mahesh Babu makes this a milestone even before a frame is released, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas returning to Indian cinema could widen the film’s global reach.

The film is shot in IMAX, reportedly carries a budget of around Rs 1,300–1,400 crore, and is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on 7 April 2027 in multiple languages. While several casting and budget details remain unconfirmed, the release date gives fans a clear timeline for what is likely to be a long, carefully planned promotional run.

The bigger scale claim is not just marketing. It signals that Varanasi is designed as a pan-India, global event that will test whether Indian cinema can keep raising its own bar after RRR.

Source: The Times of India