Filmmaker SS Rajamouli has officially clarified that his upcoming epic Varanasi starring Mahesh Babu Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran will not be split into multiple parts. The director who is widely associated with the two-part film trend following the massive success of Baahubali has confirmed that Varanasi will be released as one complete feature film.
Speaking during an interview recorded at the first glimpse launch of Varanasi in Hyderabad Rajamouli revealed that the idea of dividing the story into two parts was briefly explored but quickly discarded. He emphasized that the narrative works best as a single cinematic experience. Addressing speculation about the film’s length the director shared that Varanasi will run for close to three hours putting an end to rumours of an unusually long runtime.
Rajamouli rose to global prominence with Baahubali The Beginning and Baahubali 2 The Conclusion and later achieved international acclaim with RRR which won the Oscar for Best Original Song for Naatu Naatu. While the director has previously confirmed that RRR will eventually have a sequel Varanasi marks his first standalone film since the 2012 fantasy hit Eega.
Directed by SS Rajamouli and co-written by his father Vijayendra Prasad Varanasi is produced by Sri Durga Arts and Showing Business. Mahesh Babu plays the role of Rudhra and will also appear briefly as Lord Ram. Priyanka Chopra essays the character Mandakini while Prithviraj Sukumaran portrays the antagonist Kumbha. The film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on April 7 2027.