Global icon Priyanka Chopra Jonas has landed in India, arriving in Hyderabad to resume work on her major upcoming collaboration with blockbuster director SS Rajamouli and Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu. The actress, who will star alongside Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran in the film tentatively known as SSMB29 (and reportedly titled Varanasi), documented her journey on social media, sparking renewed excitement among fans.
From Flight Mode to Hyderabad Streets
The star first updated her fans with a selfie taken from her flight seat before takeoff, sharing her enthusiasm for her latest work trip. A smiling Priyanka captioned the picture, “And we’re off again, destination exciting,” hinting at her return to the Indian film set. She also gave a stylish nod to music legend Celine Dion, pointing out her outfit with the text, “Queen always and forever @celinedion.”
Upon arriving in Hyderabad on Wednesday, Priyanka shared a video clip from the streets as she travelled, officially confirming her location. The actor posted the video with the caption, “Streets of Hyderabad,” and playfully tagged her co-star Mahesh Babu, adding a laughing emoji. She was later spotted by the media interacting with a few people at the Hyderabad airport before exiting with her team. Priyanka has been travelling frequently to India to participate in the shoot for the highly anticipated project.
The Viral Banter that Ruined the ‘Surprise’
Priyanka’s latest tag to Mahesh Babu follows a widely circulated and humorous social media exchange that took place between the three principal figures of the film—Priyanka, Mahesh Babu, and SS Rajamouli—just days prior.
The friendly banter began when Mahesh Babu took to X (formerly Twitter) to playfully remind Rajamouli about his promise to reveal an update about their film in November. “It’s November already @ssrajamouli (eyes emoji),” Mahesh posted, adding, “First things first, you promised us something in November. Please keep up your word.”
Rajamouli responded by teasing his star, saying, “It has just started, Mahesh. We’ll slowly reveal one by one.” Mahesh then jokingly brought Priyanka into the conversation, suggesting she was unintentionally giving away glimpses from the set. Priyanka jumped in with a witty reply of her own: “Helloooo!! hero!!! You want me to leak all the stories you share with me on set? (punch emoji).” Rajamouli subsequently ended the exchange in good humor, blaming Mahesh, “Why did you reveal PC @urstrulyMahesh… You ruined the surprise.. (angry emoji).”
A Project of Global Scope
Tentatively titled SSMB29 or Globetrotter, the film is now widely reported to be titled Varanasi. It marks the first professional collaboration between SS Rajamouli, known globally for the Baahubali franchise and RRR, and superstar Mahesh Babu, with Priyanka Chopra Jonas joining the principal cast.
While details are being kept tightly under wraps, the team is expected to unveil the official title, first-look poster, and other key details at a major digital release event scheduled for November 15, 2025, in Hyderabad.
Priyanka’s upcoming international slate is also packed, with the actress set to reprise her role as Nadia Sinh in the delayed second season of the spy series Citadel and starring as a 19th-century Caribbean pirate in the Amazon film The Bluff alongside Karl Urban.