Mahesh Babu and S.S. Rajamouli Unveil 'Varanasi' Teaser for Summer 2027 Release
The Varanasi teaser trailer dropped on November 15, 2025, at 11:24 PM UTC, and it didn’t just drop—it exploded. A 3-minute, 50-second spectacle featuring Mahesh Babu as the enigmatic Rudhra, the teaser confirmed what fans have been whispering for months: S.S. Rajamouli is back, and he’s bringing his biggest spectacle yet. The film, officially titled Varanasi but also known as Varanasi To The World and #GlobeTrotter, lands in U.S. theaters in Summer 2027, with an Indian release expected later that year. This isn’t just another sequel or spin-off. It’s the next chapter from the man who made RRR win an Oscar—and this time, the stakes are global.
From Kakinada to the World
For years, S.S. Rajamouli has redefined what Indian cinema can achieve on the world stage. After Baahubali shattered box office records and RRR became the first Indian film to win an Academy Award for Best Original Song, expectations were sky-high. The teaser for Varanasi doesn’t just meet those expectations—it detonates them. The opening shot: a lone figure in saffron robes standing atop a crumbling temple at dawn, the Ganges glinting behind him. Then—cut to a speeding bullet train in Prague. Then—a drone shot over the pyramids at sunset. The visuals are unmistakably Rajamouli: operatic scale, impossible stunts, and a heartbeat of myth woven into every frame.Mahesh Babu, now 50, plays Rudhra—a warrior-scholar whose journey begins in the sacred streets of Varanasi but spirals across continents. The choice of Varanasi isn’t random. It’s one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on Earth, a spiritual crossroads where death and rebirth are celebrated daily. The film’s subtitle, #GlobeTrotter, hints at something deeper than just action set pieces. This isn’t just a chase movie. It’s a mythic odyssey.
A Cast That Bridges Two Cinemas
The casting alone is a cultural milestone. Alongside Mahesh Babu, the film brings in Priyanka Chopra Jonas, the global star who transitioned from Bollywood to Hollywood with Quantico and Baywatch, and Prithviraj Sukumaran, the magnetic Malayalam actor known for his intensity in films like Pulimurugan. Their presence signals something new: Rajamouli isn’t just making a Telugu film anymore. He’s building a transnational epic.“This isn’t about language,” one industry insider told me. “It’s about scale. Rajamouli’s been quietly studying how Hollywood structures global narratives. Now he’s applying it to Indian mythos—with international stars who can carry that weight.”
The production companies—Showing Business and Sri Durga Arts—are newcomers to Rajamouli’s orbit. His previous blockbusters were produced by DVV Entertainment and Arka Media Works. The shift suggests a new financial model, possibly backed by international investors. The IMDb listing under the working title SSMB29 (Sarkaru Vaari Paata Mahesh Babu, 29th project) confirms this is a milestone.
Why Summer 2027 Matters
Summer 2027 isn’t arbitrary. It’s strategic. The film will likely avoid clashing with Marvel’s next slate, which typically dominates June and July. Instead, it’s aiming for late August or early September—a quieter window where a bold, original film can dominate word-of-mouth. Rotten Tomatoes Trailers, the official distributor, is betting big. Their YouTube channel, which has over 4.2 million subscribers, promoted the teaser with a call to action: “Subscribe and click the bell.” Within 24 hours, the video hit 12 million views.It’s also a calculated move for Mahesh Babu. At 50, he’s entering his prime as a leading man—no longer the youthful romantic hero, but the mythic patriarch. This role could define his legacy. And for Priyanka Chopra Jonas, it’s a return to her roots in South Indian cinema, something she hasn’t done since Mary Kom in 2014.
What We Don’t Know (Yet)
The teaser gives us no plot. No villain. No clear motive for Rudhra. We see him fighting in a desert with a curved blade, then standing in a neon-lit Tokyo alley, then kneeling before a stone idol in a Himalayan cave. Is he a guardian? A rebel? A reincarnated king? The script, co-written by Rajamouli and his father, Vijayendra Prasad—the same duo behind Baahubali—suggests a layered narrative, possibly drawing from ancient Indian epics like the Markandeya Purana or the Skanda Purana.Production is confirmed to be underway, with filming expected to span India, Nepal, Egypt, and Eastern Europe through 2026. The film’s budget, rumored to exceed $80 million, would make it the most expensive Telugu film ever made. And unlike RRR, which was shot primarily in Hyderabad, this one will feature real locations—no studio sets.
The Bigger Picture
Varanasi isn’t just a movie. It’s a statement. In a time when global audiences are hungry for stories beyond Western frameworks, Rajamouli is proving that Indian mythology, when told with cinematic grandeur, can resonate everywhere. The teaser’s silence speaks volumes: no voiceover. No exposition. Just imagery. Sound. Emotion.It’s the same approach that made RRR a phenomenon. No subtitles needed. Just heart.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'Varanasi' a sequel to 'RRR' or 'Baahubali'?
No, 'Varanasi' is a standalone story, though it shares the same mythic tone and scale as Rajamouli’s previous epics. It doesn’t continue any existing plotlines but instead builds a new world rooted in Indian spiritual traditions. The cast and crew are mostly new to Rajamouli’s current team, signaling a fresh creative direction.
Why is Priyanka Chopra Jonas in a Telugu film?
Her role suggests a narrative bridge between Indian and global audiences. While she’s primarily known for Hollywood and Bollywood, this marks her first major role in a South Indian production since 2014. It’s likely she plays a pivotal character—perhaps a foreign archaeologist or a spiritual guide—who helps unravel Rudhra’s past. Her involvement signals the film’s ambition to reach Western markets.
What’s the significance of the title 'Varanasi'?
Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is one of Hinduism’s holiest cities, believed to be the place where liberation from the cycle of rebirth occurs. The film’s use of the name suggests Rudhra’s journey is spiritual as much as physical. The teaser’s imagery—fire rituals, floating lamps, ancient temples—hints at themes of death, rebirth, and destiny, possibly tying into Puranic legends about the city’s divine origins.
When will tickets go on sale?
Tickets won’t be available until early 2027, likely through Fandango and other major platforms, as indicated in the teaser’s YouTube description. Pre-orders for premium formats (IMAX, 4DX) may open in late 2026. Given the global hype, early access passes could be offered through fan clubs or streaming partnerships with Netflix or Amazon Prime.
Will 'Varanasi' be released in other Indian languages?
Yes. Like 'RRR' and 'Baahubali,' 'Varanasi' will likely be dubbed into Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam for wider Indian release. A dubbed English version is also expected for international markets. The original Telugu version will remain the definitive cut, with subtitles available in over 20 languages.
How does this compare to other global Indian films?
Unlike 'Dangal' or 'Baahubali,' which had strong cultural specificity, 'Varanasi' seems designed for universal appeal without diluting its roots. Its globetrotting structure resembles 'The Da Vinci Code' or 'Indiana Jones,' but with Indian philosophy at its core. If executed well, it could become the first Indian film to rival Hollywood epics in global box office reach while retaining its cultural authenticity.
