Varanasi: Rajamouli’s Ramayana sequence took 60 days

SS Rajamouli has never been shy about scale, but his latest comments suggest he is chasing something more than spectacle. Speaking on the Empire Film Podcast, the Baahubali and RRR director said he has never been fully satisfied with how Indian epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata have been presented on screen.

That dissatisfaction now has a destination: Varanasi, the upcoming film led by Mahesh Babu that includes a pivotal sequence inspired by the Ramayana.

“I was never fully satisfied with how these epics were presented on screen,” Rajamouli said, as quoted by The Times of India.

A 60-day Ramayana sequence, not a full retelling

Rajamouli made clear that Varanasi is not a straightforward adaptation of the entire epic. Instead, the film builds one significant episode around the Ramayana, with Mahesh Babu appearing as Lord Rama. Reports cited by The Times of India say the extended sequence took 60 days to shoot.

The director has previously said that seeing Mahesh Babu in the character’s look gave him goosebumps. He also spoke about the practical challenge of filming a sequence that must carry both visual grandeur and deep emotion, especially for audiences who may not arrive with detailed knowledge of the original story.

Who else is in Varanasi

• Mahesh Babu as Lord Rama in the Ramayana-inspired sequence
• Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran in key roles
• Director: SS Rajamouli
• Release: 7 April 2027, worldwide

Why this matters

Indian epics have been adapted many times, but Rajamouli’s track record turns this into a genuine event. Baahubali and RRR succeeded by treating emotion and scale as one package. If the Varanasi sequence delivers the same, it could offer a template for future mythological storytelling: massive sets in service of a clear emotional line, not just visual noise.

That is the real promise here. The 60-day figure is not a guarantee of quality, but it signals that the Ramayana-inspired portion is central to the film rather than a passing nod.

What to expect

Varanasi combines adventure, large-scale action and Indian mythology. With Rajamouli framing the sequence as both emotionally resonant and visually grand, the film is shaping up as a test of whether epic material can feel intimate and accessible. Audiences will get their answer when the film releases in theatres on 7 April 2027.

Source: The Times of India