Varanasi producer built Ghats brick-by-brick to realise Rajamouli's vision
Synopsis
S. S. Rajamouli's follow-up to Oscar-winning RRR is shaping up as Indian cinema's most technically ambitious undertaking yet. With the Varanasi Ghats painstakingly reconstructed on set — brick by brick — and a powerhouse cast anchored by Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, the April 2027 release promises a scale that transcends typical Hindi cinema spectacle.
Key Takeaways
Karthikeya confirmed on 4 May 2026 at Comic Con Experience Mexico 2026 that the Varanasi Ghats were reconstructed entirely on set.
The production design team travelled to Varanasi to gather measurements, dyes, and photographic references for authenticity.
Mahesh Babu stars as Rudhra , Prithviraj Sukumaran as Kumbha , and Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Mandakini .
Rajamouli's second directorial feature after RRR , which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2023.
Varanasi is scheduled for theatrical release on 7 April 2027 .
Producer S. S. Karthikeya revealed on 4 May 2026 at Comic Con Experience Mexico 2026 that the production design team reconstructed the Varanasi Ghats entirely on set to execute director S. S. Rajamouli's ambitious vision for the upcoming epic film Varanasi. The filmmaker's creative ambitions for sequences set in the historic riverfront could not be realised on location, prompting the producer to build the iconic landmark from the ground up.
The production design challenge
Karthikeya explained that the production design team travelled to Varanasi to gather exhaustive reference material — dyes, measurements, and photographic documentation — to authentically replicate the spiritual capital's most recognisable feature. "Our responsibility as a producer is to make that happen," he said, underscoring the commitment to translating Rajamouli's creative intent into physical sets. The brick-by-brick reconstruction ensured fidelity to both the director's vision and the historical authenticity of the location.
The ensemble cast and character reveals
Mahesh Babu leads the cast as Rudhra, with Prithviraj Sukumaran playing the intense role of Kumbha and Priyanka Chopra Jonas portraying the commanding Mandakini. The trio's first-look posters, released earlier, sparked widespread social media engagement and heightened audience anticipation across India. Each character design has been meticulously crafted to align with the film's epic scale.
Rajamouli's trajectory and release date
This marks Rajamouli's second directorial outing following the historical fiction RRR, which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2023. Varanasi is scheduled for theatrical release on 7 April 2027, positioning it as one of Indian cinema's most anticipated releases. The film's scale, casting, and production design signal Rajamouli's continued ambition to create visually immersive cinematic worlds on an international scale.
What audiences can expect
With principal photography reportedly complete and post-production underway, the film's narrative centred entirely on Varanasi — the spiritual and geographical anchor of the story. The reconstructed Ghats will serve as the primary setting for key sequences, allowing Rajamouli to control every visual element without logistical constraints. Industry observers note this approach mirrors the filmmaker's meticulous method seen in RRR, where controlled environments enabled complex action choreography.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Varanasi production reconstruct the Ghats on set instead of filming on location?
Director S. S. Rajamouli had a creative vision for breath-taking sequences in the Ghats that could not be practically executed on location. Producer S. S. Karthikeya decided to reconstruct the landmark entirely on set to realise the director's vision without logistical constraints.
What is the cast of the Varanasi film?
The film stars Mahesh Babu as Rudhra, Prithviraj Sukumaran as Kumbha, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Mandakini. It is directed by S. S. Rajamouli.
When is Varanasi scheduled to release?
Varanasi is scheduled for theatrical release on 7 April 2027, making it one of Indian cinema's most anticipated releases.
What was S. S. Rajamouli's previous film?
Rajamouli's previous directorial feature was the historical fiction RRR, which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2023. Varanasi marks his second major directorial outing.
How did the production design team ensure authenticity for the reconstructed Ghats?
The production design team travelled to Varanasi to gather exhaustive reference material including measurements, dyes, and photographic documentation. This ensured the reconstructed sets maintained historical and visual fidelity to the actual landmark.
