‘Varanasi’ movie release date and cast: Rajamouli unveils star-studded lineup and first teaser

‘Varanasi’ movie cast and release date: The wait is finally over. Director SS Rajamouli has officially revealed the title of his much-anticipated film ‘SSMB29’. The action-adventure movie starring Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra will now be known as ‘Varanasi’. Along with the title, fans also got their first look through a special teaser released during a massive event at Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad.

The announcement happened at the GlobeTrotter event on Saturday evening, where thousands of fans gathered to witness the big moment. The film’s teaser and first look were launched in a digital-first premiere streamed live on JioHotstar.

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Nearly 50,000 fans cheered loudly as the giant LED screen lit up with the teaser. Though it took a couple of tries to start, the crowd waited patiently. The event also featured a live performance by Shruti Haasan, who sang the already trending song “Sanchaari” composed by Oscar-winner MM Keeravani. Keeravani also presented a musical introduction to the main antagonist of the film, Kumbha.

Mahesh Babu as RUDHRA in #VARANASI. pic.x.com/YMUjnnytWX

— rajamouli ss (@ssrajamouli) November 15, 2025

Rajamouli also shared that the story of ‘Varanasi’ stretches across thousands of years moving from ancient eras to the present day. One important sequence in the film has been inspired by a chapter from the ‘Ramayana’. He spoke lovingly about the scale of the project saying every sequence and sub-episode required fresh ideas and new plans. He believes the film will become one of the most memorable works of his career and a landmark in Mahesh Babu’s filmography.

‘Varanasi’ movie teaser:

In the teaser, fans got their first glimpse of Mahesh Babu as Rudhra, seen riding an ox and holding a trishul. Priyanka Chopra meanwhile will appear as Mandakini. Prithviraj Sukumaran takes on the intense role of Kumbha.

Mahesh Babu’s wife Namrata Shirodkar and daughter Sitara attended the event to support him. Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj were also present.

‘Varanasi’ movie cast

– Mahesh Babu as Rudhra
– Priyanka Chopra as Mandakini
– Prithviraj Sukumaran as Kumbha

‘Varanasi’ movie release date

‘Varanasi’ is scheduled to hit theatres during Sankranti 2027.