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Telugu Cinema News Updated Dec 24, 2025

Prakash Raj Wraps Varanasi Schedule: Why This Rajamouli Epic Is Making History

Actor Prakash Raj has just finished shooting a schedule for the highly anticipated film "Varanasi." The movie, directed by SS Rajamouli, stars Mahesh Babu in the lead role alongside a stellar cast. Rajamouli revealed that a major sequence inspired by the Ramayana was shot over 60 challenging days. The project has already generated massive fan excitement, especially after its grand title reveal event in Hyderabad.

Prakash Raj wraps up a schedule of director S S Rajamouli's 'Varanasi'

Hyderabad, Dec 23

Well known south Indian star Prakash Raj, who plays a pivotal role in director S S Rajamouli's eagerly awaited magnum opus 'Varanasi', featuring actor Mahesh Babu in the lead, has now announced that he has just wrapped a schedule of the film and that he can't wait to resume the next schedule.

Taking to his X timeline to express his joy at the kind of work he was able to deliver in this schedule of the film, the versatile actor wrote, "Wrapped up a wonderful schedule of #Varanasi .. a joy to the hungry actor within me .. thank you @ssrajamouli @urstrulyMahesh @PrithviOfficial @priyankachopra. It was exhilarating to work with you all .. can’t wait to resume the next schedule."

The film has triggered huge interest in fans and film buffs. The interest levels shot up even more after the title announcement event of 'Varanasi'.

The title of the film, which was until then being referred to as 'GlobeTrotter', was revealed at a grand event organised at the Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad in the presence of several thousand of excited fans in November this year.

The event, being hailed as a once-in-a-generation spectacle, saw fans in the thousands turning up for the event, making it one of the largest live fan congregations ever seen in the Indian entertainment space.

The event featured one of the biggest stages ever erected for a film event, with a 100 ft height and a 130 ft wide screen to supplement it.

At the event, Rajamouli disclosed details of a sequence they had shot for the film. The ace director went on to claim that the sequence would be among the most memorable sequences of all his films.

"From my childhood, I have told several times that I like the Ramayana and the Mahabharatha a lot. That making Mahabharatha was my dream project. Even when I began working on this film, I did not realise that I would be shooting an important sequence from the Ramayana for this film. But while writing every scene, I felt like I was walking on air. On the first day, when I saw Mahesh dressed as Rama and doing a photoshoot, I had goosebumps," Rajamouli had said.

"We had a great time shooting for this episode. We shot for 60 days. It got completed only recently. Every day was a challenge as every sub episode in the huge episode was like a cinema in itself. It needed fresh planning. We overcame all of it and completed that sequence. It will be one of the most memorable sequences of my films," the director informed.

The makers of the film have already revealed the character and looks of actors Mahesh Babu, Prithviraj and Priyanka Chopra in the film. While Mahesh Babu plays Rudhra, Prithviraj plays the antagonist Kumbha and Priyanka Chopra plays Mandakini in the film.

Another interesting aspect of the film is that 95 per cent of all the African scenes that will be seen in the film have been shot in Kenya. This was disclosed by Kenya's Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign & Diaspora Affairs Musalia W Mudavadi.

— IANS

Reader Comments

Sarah B

The scale of this project is mind-blowing. A 100 ft stage? Shooting in Kenya? This is Indian cinema going truly global. Prakash Raj is such a powerhouse actor, his excitement is contagious. 2025 can't come soon enough!

Ananya R

While the ambition is impressive, I hope the story doesn't get lost in the spectacle. Rajamouli's strength is emotional storytelling (like in Baahubali), not just VFX. Fingers crossed Varanasi has a soul and isn't just a technical marvel.

Rohit P

The title reveal event itself was a blockbuster! Shows the crazy fan power of Mahesh Babu and Rajamouli. Investing 60 days on just one sequence... that's the dedication we need. This will set new benchmarks for Indian cinema on the world stage. 🔥

Priyanka N

So happy to see Priyanka Chopra back in a major Indian film! And with such a stellar cast. Mandakini is such an interesting character name. The collaboration with Kenya is also great for promoting Indian filmmaking abroad. Jai Ho!

Karthik V

Prakash Raj sir's tweet says it all - "a joy to the hungry actor within me". When legends like him get excited, you know the project is special. Prithviraj as the villain Kumbha is perfect casting. The wait is going to be tough!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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