Tollywood superstar Mahesh Babu rides a mechanical bull at the unveiling of the first look of the film “Varanasi” in Hyderabad, India, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025. (AP Photo)
Filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli, the creative force behind global blockbusters RRR and Baahubali, has revealed his next cinematic spectacle. The new film, titled “Varanasi,” promises a sweeping time-travel adventure woven with elements of Hindu mythology. The announcement took place in Hyderabad, where thousands of fans gathered to witness the grand reveal.
A First Look at Rajamouli’s Most Ambitious Vision
The film was earlier known as “Globe Trotter,” but Rajamouli finally unveiled its official title and an intriguing first-look video. The nearly four-minute glimpse hints at a visually intense world where ancient myths meet futuristic storytelling. Although the plot remains tightly guarded, the preview suggests a layered narrative inspired by the spiritual essence of Varanasi, one of Hinduism’s holiest cities.
Rajamouli confirmed that the film will release in 2027. It will be projected in IMAX, reinforcing the director’s reputation for scale and spectacle. Announcing the title on X, he wrote, “Here you go… VARANASI to the WORLD…”
Mythology Meets Time Travel
At the Hyderabad event, Rajamouli hinted that a key sequence draws inspiration from an important episode in the Ramayana. He offered no further details, but the idea of blending epic literature with time-bending adventure has already heightened curiosity. Rajamouli is known for elevating cultural narratives with cutting-edge filmmaking, and Varanasi appears to continue that tradition.
A Star-Packed Cast Led by Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra Jonas
The cast has generated significant buzz. Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu leads the film in his first collaboration with Rajamouli. The first-look poster presents him as a blood-soaked warrior riding a white bull while holding a trident. Babu echoed the visual at the event, entering onstage atop a massive mechanical bull.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime project,” Babu told fans at Ramoji Film City. “I will make everyone proud. The whole of India will be proud of us.”
Joining him is Priyanka Chopra Jonas, returning to Indian cinema after several Hollywood ventures. A striking poster shows her as Mandakini, dressed in a mustard sari and balancing on a cliff’s edge with a pistol in hand. Malayalam star Prithviraj Sukumaran also plays a key role, making the lineup one of the most dynamic Rajamouli has assembled.
A Mega Celebration for the First Glimpse
The teaser launch turned into a massive celebration. Fans watched the preview on a gigantic 110-by-130-foot screen framed by life-sized recreations of Varanasi’s ghats and alleyways. Fireworks lit up the sky. Vibrant lights pulsed over the crowd. Telugu songs—both nostalgic hits and energetic new tracks—filled the air as people danced through the night.
For the audience, this was more than a film launch. It was a cultural spectacle.
Tollywood’s Global Rise Under Rajamouli
The Telugu film industry, often referred to as Tollywood, has steadily expanded its identity beyond Bollywood’s shadow. It is now known for high-octane action, bold visual storytelling, and mythic narratives. Rajamouli’s work has been central to this transformation.
His 2022 epic RRR won international acclaim, becoming a global streaming sensation and securing an Oscar for Best Original Song. The two-part Baahubali franchise reshaped Indian box-office history and introduced worldwide audiences to Telugu cinema’s visual grandeur. A reedited global version, Baahubali: The Epic, hit international theatres just last month.
Fans Hail Mahesh Babu’s Global Stardom
Many fans traveled long distances to attend the event, especially Mahesh Babu’s devoted followers. Their excitement underscored the actor’s immense star power.
“It’s not actually Tollywood now, it’s global now,” said attendee Manideep Rayudu. “Mahesh Babu is not a regional star anymore. He is a global star.”
