S.S. Rajamouli Returns With Varanasi, Spanning Millennia From Ancient Kingdoms to 2071
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Director S.S. Rajamouli has revealed the first footage and plot details for his epic new movie Varanasi, a globe-trotting, millennia-spanning blockbuster slated for IMAX release in 2027.
Director S.S. Rajamouli captured global attention in 2022 when his blockbuster RRR broke international box office barriers and struck gold at the Oscars. Now, the visionary filmmaker is raising the stakes even further. As reported by Polygon, Rajamouli recently unveiled the massive first look at his next project, titled Varanasi, during a live event in Hyderabad that drew tens of thousands of cheering fans. Slated for a worldwide theatrical release in 2027, the film is also making history as the first Indian production shot specifically for IMAX screens.
The newly revealed footage showcases a story of staggering temporal and geographical scale. The trailer jumps seamlessly across centuries, opening in an ancient kingdom in 512 CE before rocketing forward to a dystopian 2071 where falling meteors threaten global destruction. The globe-trotting narrative also touches down in Antarctica, African wildlife reserves, and an underground prehistoric cave set in 7200 BCE, featuring massive battles between humans and gods. For a modern gaming audience accustomed to sprawling sci-fi narratives and expansive multiversal lore, the sheer ambition of the set pieces feels right at home.
Starring Mahesh Babu as the Indiana Jones-style archaeologist Rudhra, the film also features Priyanka Chopra Jonas as fellow explorer Mandakini and Prithviraj Sukumaran as the villainous Kumbha. With its mix of mythological scope, advanced technology, and high-octane action, Varanasi is shaping up to be a massive cinematic event. You can check out the full breakdown of the announcement over at Polygon.
Tags: Movies, Entertainment, IMAX, S.S. Rajamouli, Polygon
Original article: Polygon