SS Rajamouli birthday wish for Prithviraj teases 'Varanasi' role
Synopsis
SS Rajamouli's birthday note to Prithviraj Sukumaran wasn't just a warm gesture — it was the first cryptic public tease of Kumbha, Prithviraj's character in 'Varanasi'. With post-production racing toward a January 2027 finish and an April 7 release locked, Rajamouli's 'didn't want to awaken the Kumbha' line may be the film's most intriguing unofficial promo yet.
Key Takeaways
SS Rajamouli wished Prithviraj Sukumaran on his birthday on 16 October with a post on X , teasing his role as Kumbha in 'Varanasi' .
Rajamouli wrote: 'Didn't want to awaken the Kumbha within you today.
The Kumbha who is destined to make his mark on the world.' 'Varanasi' stars Mahesh Babu as Rudhra, Priyanka Chopra as Mandakini, and Prithviraj as Kumbha.
Producer S S Karthikeya confirmed only 4–5 days of shooting remain, with post-production expected to finish by January 2027 .
The film is scheduled for a theatrical release on 7 April 2027 .
Filmmaker SS Rajamouli marked Prithviraj Sukumaran's birthday on Friday, 16 October with a playful tribute on X, hinting at the Malayalam star's much-anticipated role as Kumbha in the upcoming pan-India epic 'Varanasi'. The warm post doubled as one of the more intriguing teases yet for a film that has kept fans guessing about its scale and tone.
What Rajamouli Posted
The 'RRR' and 'Baahubali' director shared a cheerful photograph of himself alongside Prithviraj, the two appearing to share a laugh against a lush green backdrop. In his post, Rajamouli wrote: "Happy birthday Prithvi. Didn't want to awaken the Kumbha within you today. The Kumbha who is destined to make his mark on the world."
Prithviraj responded in kind, writing: "Thank you Sir! Cannot wait for the world to witness your madness!" — a reply that further stoked curiosity about what Rajamouli has in store with 'Varanasi'.
Family Wishes Pour In
Beyond the film fraternity, Prithviraj's wife Supriya Menon also joined the birthday celebrations, sharing a warm photograph on Instagram and writing: "Happy Birthday to our wonderful Daada! Wishing you the best of health and happiness always! We love you to the moon and back!"
'Varanasi' Post-Production Update
The birthday buzz also brought fresh details about the film's progress. Producer S S Karthikeya confirmed that post-production work on 'Varanasi' is currently underway at a brisk pace. He noted that only four to five days of principal photography remain before the film is fully shot, and that all post-production work is expected to wrap by January 2027.
Notably, the producer referenced another project featuring Fahadh Faasil — 'Don't Trouble the Trouble' — while contextualising the parallel production timelines, suggesting the team is juggling multiple high-profile commitments simultaneously.
The 'Varanasi' Cast and Release
'Varanasi' is shaping up to be one of the most star-studded Indian productions in recent memory. Mahesh Babu leads the film as Rudhra, joined by Priyanka Chopra as Mandakini and Prithviraj as Kumbha. The film is slated to arrive in cinemas on 7 April 2027. Rajamouli's cryptic birthday message — directly invoking Kumbha's destiny to 'make his mark on the world' — has only deepened anticipation for what promises to be a landmark release.
Point of View
Arriving at a moment when 'Varanasi' has few official visuals in the public domain. The character name drop 'Kumbha...destined to make his mark' signals a villain or formidable antagonist archetype, which fits Prithviraj's proven range in morally complex roles. With Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra already generating global curiosity, Prithviraj's casting could be the wildcard that gives 'Varanasi' the dramatic edge Rajamouli's epics are known for. The production timeline — post-wrap by January, release in April — looks tight but not unprecedented for a Rajamouli production that has clearly been in the pipeline for years.
NationPress
16 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did SS Rajamouli write for Prithviraj Sukumaran's birthday?
SS Rajamouli posted on X: 'Happy birthday Prithvi. Didn't want to awaken the Kumbha within you today. The Kumbha who is destined to make his mark on the world.' The message teased Prithviraj's character Kumbha in the upcoming film 'Varanasi'.
Who plays what role in 'Varanasi'?
Mahesh Babu leads the film as Rudhra, Priyanka Chopra plays Mandakini, and Prithviraj Sukumaran portrays Kumbha. The film is directed by SS Rajamouli and is slated for release on 7 April 2027.
When will 'Varanasi' release in theatres?
'Varanasi' is scheduled to hit cinemas on 7 April 2027. Post-production is expected to be completed by January 2027, according to producer S S Karthikeya.
How much of 'Varanasi' is left to shoot?
Producer S S Karthikeya confirmed that only four to five days of principal photography remain. Post-production work is simultaneously underway and is expected to wrap by January 2027.
Who is Prithviraj Sukumaran playing in 'Varanasi'?
Prithviraj Sukumaran plays Kumbha in 'Varanasi'. SS Rajamouli's birthday wish described Kumbha as a character 'destined to make his mark on the world', offering the first public hint at the role's significance in the narrative.
