Prithviraj Sukumaran Birthday: Priyanka Chopra, Rajamouli wish 'Varanasi' star
Synopsis
Priyanka Chopra, Mahesh Babu, and director SS Rajamouli all marked Prithviraj Sukumaran's birthday with warm wishes referencing his 'Varanasi' villain role Kumbha — a rare collective cast moment that keeps the spotlight firmly on what is shaping up as one of the biggest Indian films of 2027.
Key Takeaways
Priyanka Chopra wished Prithviraj Sukumaran on his birthday on 16 October , calling him by his 'Varanasi' character name Kumbha .
SS Rajamouli posted a personal birthday tribute on X (formerly Twitter) , hinting at Kumbha's world-changing arc.
Mahesh Babu and the film's production banner also shared birthday greetings for the South actor.
Rajamouli previously called Prithviraj 'one of the finest actors I've ever known' after filming Kumbha's first scene. 'Varanasi' , produced by Sri Durga Arts and Showing Business , is set for a theatrical release on 7 April 2027 , with music by M.
Priyanka Chopra extended birthday greetings to her 'Varanasi' co-star Prithviraj Sukumaran on Friday, 16 October, addressing him by his character name in the highly anticipated pan-India epic. The warm exchange of wishes from the film's ensemble highlighted growing buzz around the SS Rajamouli directorial, one of the most-watched projects in Indian cinema.
How Priyanka Chopra Marked the Occasion
Chopra took to her Instagram Stories to reshare a birthday post originally put out by the makers of 'Varanasi'. In her message, she addressed Prithviraj by his on-screen identity, writing: 'Happy Birthday Kumbha (Making heart with hands emoticon) @therealprithvi.' The gesture underscored the camaraderie between cast members ahead of the film's release.
Wishes Pour In From the 'Varanasi' Camp
Lead actor Mahesh Babu, who plays protagonist Rudhra in the film, also posted a message on his official handle: 'Wishing you a very Happy Birthday Kumbha …. have a wonderful one… lots of love n happiness always… !!!' The film's production banner equally joined in, greeting Prithviraj as 'The most complex mind in #VARANASI… Happy Birthday Kumbha!!!'
Director SS Rajamouli took to his X (formerly Twitter) timeline with a more personalised note: '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. @PrithviOfficial #Varanasi.' The post offered a glimpse into the character's larger-than-life arc within the narrative.
Rajamouli's Praise for Prithviraj's Performance
In November, Rajamouli had unveiled the first look of Prithviraj as the antagonist Kumbha, accompanied by a glowing tribute. 'After canning the first shot with Prithvi, I walked up to him and said you are one of the finest actors I've ever known. Bringing life to this sinister, ruthless, powerful antagonist KUMBHA was creatively very satisfying. Thank you Prithvi for slipping into his chair… literally…' he had written at the time. The director's comments positioned Kumbha as a pivotal force in the film's dramatic conflict.
About 'Varanasi': Plot, Cast and Release
Produced by Sri Durga Arts and Showing Business, 'Varanasi' follows the adrenaline-charged journey of Rudhra, played by Mahesh Babu, as he races to protect the sacred city of Varanasi from the impending threat of an asteroid. Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran play key supporting roles, with Prithviraj portraying the formidable villain Kumbha. Music for the magnum opus has been composed by M. M. Keeravani, the Oscar-winning composer behind RRR. The film is scheduled to release in cinemas on 7 April 2027.
With Rajamouli at the helm, expectations for 'Varanasi' are sky-high, and every cast-related moment — including birthday wishes — is drawing significant attention from fans across the country.
Point of View
Babu, and Rajamouli are less a social media formality and more a calculated pre-release drum roll for 'Varanasi.' Rajamouli's productions run on spectacle and mythology, and the early positioning of Prithviraj's Kumbha as a 'sinister, ruthless, powerful antagonist' signals that the film will lean heavily on its villain for dramatic weight — a formula that served RRR well. What is notable is how seamlessly a Malayalam star has been folded into a Telugu-led, Bollywood-inflected production, reflecting the increasingly borderless nature of Indian blockbuster filmmaking. Whether 'Varanasi' can replicate RRR's global crossover depends on execution, but the marketing machine is clearly in motion.
NationPress
16 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Prithviraj Sukumaran playing in 'Varanasi'?
Prithviraj Sukumaran plays the antagonist Kumbha in 'Varanasi', described by director SS Rajamouli as a 'sinister, ruthless, powerful' character. Rajamouli unveiled the first look of the character in November and called Prithviraj 'one of the finest actors I've ever known.'
What is the release date of 'Varanasi'?
'Varanasi' is scheduled to release in cinemas on 7 April 2027 . The film is produced by Sri Durga Arts and Showing Business, with music composed by M. M. Keeravani.
What is 'Varanasi' about?
'Varanasi' follows the high-octane journey of protagonist Rudhra , played by Mahesh Babu, as he strives to protect the city of Varanasi from an incoming asteroid. The film features Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran in key roles, and is directed by SS Rajamouli.
Why did Priyanka Chopra call Prithviraj 'Kumbha'?
Priyanka Chopra referred to Prithviraj Sukumaran by his character name Kumbha from the film 'Varanasi', in which they are co-stars. It is a playful nod to his role as the film's villain, mirroring wishes from the film's production house and fellow cast member Mahesh Babu.
What did SS Rajamouli post on X for Prithviraj's birthday?
SS Rajamouli wrote 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 post hinted at the grand scale of Prithviraj's villainous role in the upcoming film.
