HYDERABAD: Actor
The big-budget production is being mounted by K L Narayana and S S Karthikeya under the banners Sri Durga Arts and Showing Business.
A title glimpse was released at the Globe Trotter event held at Ramoji Film City. Composer M M Keeravani announced that the film is scheduled for a Summer 2027 release.
Mahesh says film will make India proud
Mahesh told the gathering that fans had been asking for updates for months. "We showed it today. I was blown away. Everyone knows how much I adored my father. I listened to every word he said except one he always wanted me to do a mythological film. I never listened. Today, he would have heard my words. His blessings are with us," he said.
Calling Varanasi a once-in-a-career role, he added he would work "as hard as required" to make the nation proud. "This is only the title reveal. The rest is for you to imagine. I fold my hands to thank everyone for their love," he said.
Rajamouli recounts shooting Rama sequence with Mahesh
Rajamouli said he was grateful to producer K L Narayana for bringing Mahesh and him together. He noted that some films cannot be explained in advance. "The scale and story of this film cannot be put into words. That's why we cut a video to set expectations," he said.
The director recalled that he understood the greatness of actor Krishna only after entering the industry. "Working with Krishna's son Mahesh Babu is a matter of pride," he said.
Rajamouli said Varanasi will introduce a new premium large-scale format to Telugu cinema and will be shot fully in IMAX. "I have always loved the Ramayana and Mahabharata. I never expected to film an important Ramayana episode in this project. While writing every scene, I felt like I wasn't walking on the ground," he said.
He revealed that a 60-day schedule was devoted to a major sequence featuring Mahesh as Rama. "When Mahesh came in costume for a photoshoot, I had goosebumps. I wondered whether his playful Krishna-like nature suited a calm Rama. But the moment I saw the photos, I made one my phone wallpaper and removed it fearing someone would see it. Mahesh appears in shades you've never imagined graceful, powerful, compassionate and furious. He shows all nine emotions," he said.
Writer Vijayendra Prasad and cast react
Writer Vijayendra Prasad said the film includes a 30-minute action sequence that left him stunned. "I saw Mahesh Babu's viswaroopam in that stretch. The audience will experience it soon. Some films are divine decisions," he said.
Keeravani said Rajamouli and K L Narayana aim to present wonders from continents and cultures through the film.
Prithviraj Sukumaran said Rajamouli had messaged him years ago about a powerful antagonist's role. "I agreed immediately. The film is physically and emotionally demanding. The shoot felt like torture at times," he said.
Priyanka Chopra said she was delighted to return to Indian cinema. "I thank Rajamouli for trusting me with the role of Mandakini," she said.
Producers aim for global reach
Producer K L Narayana said he had planned a Mahesh, Rajamouli film 15 years ago. "I didn't expect it to take this long. I thank Rajamouli for keeping his word," he said.
Producer S S Karthikeya said the team wants to take Indian cinema global and bring global audiences towards India.
Shruti Haasan performed the song Sanchari, and Prithviraj was introduced with the song composed for his character Kumbha. National and international media attended the event. Namrata Shirodkar, Sitara, Keeravani, Rama Rajamouli, S S Kanchi and Deva Katta were present.
Title glimpse shows myth, history and destruction arc
The title glimpse attempts to introduce the world of Varanasi from the Ramayana war sequence of Treta Yuga to ancient Varanasi, and to a present-day arc involving a meteor on a collision course with Earth. The visuals combine mythology, history and contemporary devastation, ending with Mahesh Babu charging into battle on Nandi, holding a trident in a Rudra-like avatar.
Drone leak angers Rajamouli
Rajamouli criticised attempts to leak the title glimpse during a technical test on India's largest LED screen installed at Ramoji Film City. He said 45 generators were needed to run the setup. Early on Saturday, some people allegedly flew drones and uploaded the test footage online. "This involves huge costs and hard work. They left us with no room to take risks," he said.
Technical issues caused a short delay during the event, prompting Rajamouli to again express displeasure. He became emotional after the final screening.