Archive · 8 Aug 2026
Rajamouli's Varanasi: Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra battle asteroid Shambhavi
A famous movie director named SS Rajamouli is making a big new film called Varanasi.
The story takes place in the year 2027.
A giant space rock named Shambhavi is going to crash into the holy city of Varanasi.
Mahesh Babu plays Rudhra, a brave explorer who studies old ruins and artifacts.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas plays Mandakini, a smart historian who is also very good at shooting.
Together they need to find an ancient cosmic object that can save the city.
A clever villain named Kumbha, played by Prithviraj Sukumaran, chases after them.
Their adventure takes them to Africa, Antarctica and Europe, and even back in time to Ancient Rome.
The movie is already about 80 percent finished.
It will come out in theaters on April 7, 2027.
The film's brand partner Sky-Blu Cinematix unveiled a synopsis set in 2027, when the asteroid Shambhavi is on a direct collision course with the holy city of Varanasi.
Mahesh Babu stars as Rudhra, a rugged archaeologist and explorer, joined by Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Mandakini, a fierce historian and skilled marksman.
Prithviraj Sukumaran plays Kumbha, a tech-genius villain who pursues the duo across the jungles of Africa, the icy wastes of Antarctica and the landscapes of Europe.
Rajamouli told European magazine Tsounami the journey goes from Varanasi to Antarctica, then Africa, back in time to Ancient Rome and finally returns to Varanasi.
About 80 per cent of the film is shot with the biggest action scenes complete; the shoot is expected to wrap by October 2026 ahead of the April 7, 2027 theatrical release.
- Who
- Director SS Rajamouli; stars Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Prithviraj Sukumaran and Shruti Haasan; produced by KL Narayana under Sri Durga Arts with music by MM Keeravani.
- What
- A high-tech sci-fi saga in which the asteroid Shambhavi threatens Varanasi in 2027, and archaeologist Rudhra and historian Mandakini race to recover an ancient cosmic artifact while pursued by tech-genius villain Kumbha.
- When
- The story is set in 2027; the film is slated for a theatrical release on April 7, 2027, with the shoot expected to be completed by October 2026.
- Where
- The story unfolds across Varanasi, Africa, Antarctica, Europe and Ancient Rome; the film is shot entirely in IMAX.
- Why
- Sky-Blu Cinematix, the film's brand partner, unveiled the synopsis, giving audiences the first details of the closely guarded storyline.
- Director
- SS Rajamouli
- Lead Cast
- Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Prithviraj Sukumaran, Shruti Haasan
- Release Date
- April 7, 2027
- Story Setting
- Year 2027
- Central Threat
- Asteroid Shambhavi on a collision course with Varanasi
- Production
- Sri Durga Arts; produced by KL Narayana; music by MM Keeravani
- Production Status
- About 80% shot; biggest action scenes complete; shoot to wrap by October 2026
- Format
- First non-English film shot entirely in IMAX
Sources
Varanasi: Synopsis of Rajamouli and Mahesh Babu’s project revealed
Varanasi Synopsis: Mahesh Babu's Rudhra, Priyanka's Mandakini Take On Prithviraj's Kumbha
SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi story details out: Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra’s mission spans Africa, Antarctica and Europe