Mahesh Babu Priyanka Chopra Jonas Interview Varanasi: SS Rajamouli's Epic Action Adventure

Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra Jonas Open Up on SS Rajamouli's Epic 'Varanasi' in New Interview: Time Travel, Global Ambition, and Unmatched Scale

Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj at Varanasi interview

In a landmark interview with Screen Rant, the lead cast of the highly anticipated film "Varanasi"—Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Prithviraj Sukumaran offered an inside look at what is being hailed as Indian cinema’s most ambitious project to date. Directed by the visionary S.S. Rajamouli, the film promises to be a global spectacle spanning continents and eras.

Introduction to the Interview

In a recent high-profile interview with Screen Rant Plus, uploaded on February 3, 2026, stars Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Prithviraj Sukumaran sat down with host Liam Crowley to preview the monumental scale of Varanasi, the upcoming action-adventure epic directed by S.S. Rajamouli. Fresh off the electrifying title reveal event, the trio shared behind-the-scenes insights, reflecting on fan reactions, intense preparations, and the film's bold ambition to captivate global audiences. The conversation highlights Varanasi as Rajamouli's most ambitious project yet, blending mythology, action, adventure, and time travel in a story that spans continents and eras.

The interview captures the excitement following the film's grand announcement, where thousands of fans created an "electrifying" atmosphere. Mahesh Babu described the moment as "gratifying," especially noting the unique love from Telugu audiences after his long-awaited return to Telugu cinema.

A 15-Year Wait and a Divine Role for Mahesh Babu

For Mahesh Babu, the film marks the culmination of a 15-year conversation with Rajamouli. The superstar described the project as a unique blend of action, adventure, mythology, and time travel. 

Mahesh Babu also confirmed that his character is inspired by Lord Ram, requiring a year of rigorous physical preparation. His training included:

• Kalaripayattu: A traditional Indian martial art to help with posture and flexibility.

• Running Technique: Six months of training with a track and field team for just two specific shots in the film.

Sculptural Precision: Studying European sculptures to master specific standing postures, which even led to him subconsciously striking poses during a family holiday in Germany.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas’ Homecoming and Dancing Roots

Marking her return to Indian cinema after nearly six years, Priyanka Chopra Jonas expressed her excitement about the "vibrant culture" of the production. Known for her global career, she specifically requested Rajamouli to include a dance sequence, a staple of Indian cinema she missed while working in Hollywood.

She noted that the scale of "Varanasi" is designed for a global audience, hence the popular hashtag #GlobeTrotter. "The movie moves around lots of not just time zones, but also time travel," she revealed, highlighting the film's massive scope.

The Unpredictable "Kumbha" Played by Prithviraj Sukumaran

Prithviraj Sukumaran takes on the role of the antagonist, a character named Kumbha [09:45]. He described the character as "one of the most unpredictable" he has ever played, emphasizing that the film avoids "black and white" morality.

Prithviraj praised Rajamouli’s ability to maintain focus on the actors despite the "giant canvas" of the film, calling the director’s imagination the "true scale" of the project.

The Rajamouli Method: Rehearsals and Pre-Visualization

The cast shared insights into Rajamouli's unique filmmaking process, which they joked has "spoiled" them for future projects. Production has spanned over a year and a half, including 10 months of filming by early 2026, with strict secrecy measures like NDAs and no phones on set.

• Full Scene Rehearsals: Before the actual shoot, Rajamouli shoots and edits entire scenes with the actors in casual clothes to lock in the cinematography and performances.
• Precision Execution: By the time the actors reach the actual set, every wide shot and close-up is already mapped out, significantly reducing the risk of injury during complex action sequences.

   You can watch the full interview and see the cast's excitement here:

Why 'Varanasi' Stands Out in 2027

Set for a theatrical release in 2027 (with some mentions of April 7 in Dolby Cinema promotions), Varanasi promises a simultaneous multi-language global rollout. The cast's enthusiasm underscores its potential to elevate Indian cinema worldwide, much like RRR.

As Mahesh Babu noted, the film will "travel around the world," mirroring its globe-trotting narrative. With Rajamouli at the helm, this epic isn't just about spectacle it's about belief, courage, and pushing cinematic boundaries.

Stay tuned for more on Varanasi, starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Prithviraj Sukumaran. This 2027 release is poised to be a landmark in action-mythology storytelling.