India’s major upcoming blockbuster, Varanasi, now has a title and a first look. The movie stars Priyanka Chopra Jonas, whose previous projects include Quantico, 7 Khoon Maaf, Dil Dhadakne Do, and Citadel. Varanasi is directed by S.S. Rajamouli, who previously helmed the critically acclaimed film RRR.
Directed and written by Rajamouli, his new project is in production and has been shot in numerous locations across the globe. While plot details have not been officially announced yet, the story and its global scale have drawn comparisons to the Indiana Jones and James Bond movies.
Now, the title of Varanasi has been unveiled, along with a first look at the film. The footage begins in the city of Varanasi in the year 512, before quickly transitioning to an asteroid descending to the Earth in 2027, and then to the Ross Ice Shelf in Antarctica. This is followed by more striking shots across time and space, before ending with a shot of actor Mahesh Babu riding a bull. Watch the first look below:
In addition to the footage, a poster was released of Chopra Jonas. Her character is named Mandakini and can be seen wearing a saree and firing a gun while standing atop a rock in an explosive setting. Check out ...er below:
Along with Babu and Chopra Jonas, the cast includes Prithviraj Sukumaran. The working title was Globe Trotter before the reveal of it being called Varanasi. It will be released worldwide in 2027 in both standard and IMAX theaters.
After RRR became one of the best action movies of 2022 and a worldwide hit, Varanasi has the chance to find global success as well. RRR has a 96% critical score and 94% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. It went on to gross an impressive $166 million worldwide and was re-released in theaters multiple times as a result of the film’s popularity.
Rajamouli has also gained widespread recognition for his work on the action franchise Baahubali: The Beginning and Baahubali 2: The Conclusion. The popular director looks to be bringing his trademark action, scale, and visually stunning set pieces in Varanasi, building on the successes he has had in the past.