New Delhi: Priyanka Chopra has made a grand comeback to Indian cinema, and her return is already making headlines. The global icon is set to play Mandakini in SS Rajamouli’s much-awaited mega project Varanasi, alongside Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran. What has stunned fans and industry insiders alike is her staggering remuneration — a reported ₹30 crore — making her the highest-paid actress in Bollywood, surpassing Deepika Padukone and Alia Bhatt, according to a report by Firstpost.
A Historic Event in Hyderabad
The buzz around Varanasi intensified after the Globetrotter event held on November 15, 2025, in Hyderabad. Organised for the official title reveal of the film (previously known as SSMB29), the event showcased some of the most celebrated names in Indian cinema.
While only the Hyderabad audience saw the first glimpses live, the team later shared the visuals globally. Rajamouli posted the teaser with the caption:
“Varanasi to the World.”
Mahesh Babu wrote a heartfelt message thanking fans:
“Taking in every bit of the love and energy… Here’s our #Varanasi to the world. Thank you to my fans, the media, and everyone who travelled from afar and showered the team with so much affection… See you all again very soon…”
Priyanka Chopra also expressed gratitude, saying:
“Just a glimpse… yet so much more. #Varanasi. Thank you for all the love towards our movie and towards us. With gratitude.”
First Glimpse of Varanasi
The teaser begins with a sweeping drone shot of Varanasi — one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, tracing back to 521 CE.
It transitions into a dramatic sequence showing the asteroid Sambhavi hurtling toward Earth, cutting across visuals of Antarctica, Africa, and other landscapes, before shifting to the iconic Manikarnika Ghat.
The teaser concludes with a powerful frame of Mahesh Babu as Rudhra — riding a bull, trishul in hand — setting the tone for an epic narrative.
Release Timeline
Although the official release date has not yet been announced, Varanasi is expected to arrive in cinemas sometime in 2027. With Rajamouli at the helm and a star-studded cast, the film is already being touted as one of the most ambitious Indian productions of the decade.