SS Rajamouli has finally shared a significant update on his much-awaited global action spectacle Varanasi, starring Mahesh Babu, and it has instantly fueled excitement among movie lovers. Speaking during an international interaction at the Annecy International Animation Festival in France, the ace filmmaker revealed that the film's principal photography is on track to be wrapped up within the next four months, with filming expected to conclude by late September or the first week of October. According to Rajamouli, several of the film's grand action sequences have already been completed, along with crucial portions shot in the spiritual city of Varanasi. The production team is now focused on filming the remaining character-driven and connecting scenes that will seamlessly tie the narrative together.
Rajamouli also opened up about the film's ambitious visual presentation, confirming that Varanasi is being crafted for an immersive IMAX experience. He explained that the story was always envisioned on a grand scale, making IMAX the ideal format to enhance its cinematic impact. However, he clarified that the screenplay itself was never altered to suit the format. Instead, the team made technical adjustments to ensure the visuals work equally well in both IMAX and conventional theatrical screenings. To achieve this, the filmmakers adopted anamorphic framing techniques, balancing the wider cinematic scope while retaining the larger IMAX canvas. Although the process posed several technical challenges during the initial stages, Rajamouli said the crew soon mastered the workflow, allowing production to progress smoothly.
Mounted on a massive budget, Varanasi is shaping up to be one of Indian cinema's biggest action-adventure films, with Mahesh Babu leading the ambitious project. Industry insiders believe the film will feature breathtaking visuals, large-scale action episodes, and extensive international production values, making it a landmark release in Rajamouli's career after RRR. With filming entering its final stretch and post-production expected to begin shortly, anticipation continues to soar among fans worldwide. The film is currently scheduled for a grand worldwide theatrical release on April 7 next year, setting the stage for one of the most awaited cinematic events in recent times.
