Filmmaker SS Rajamouli is spilling the beans about his upcoming film ‘Varanasi’ and all the creative decisions that went into making the film a big-screen spectacle. During the trailer launch fo the film last year, the director sat down for discussions on his film, which have now been posted online. During one sch discussion, he shared that his upcoming magnum opus was specifically filmed in IMAX format, simply to capture the scale and vision.
SS Rajamouli on shooting in IMAX
Explaining his choice of format, Rajamouli said, “The format is to encompass the scale. For example, the Antarctica portion, the Ramayana portion, you have seen how they’re tall and vertical. To encompass them is why we need the bigger format. That has been the main reason why we filmed in IMAX. All the technicalities will be taken care of by the DOP. I don’t get into the technicalities. I will be telling them ‘This is my vision, so which is the best way to fit my vision’.“
SS Rajamouli on his interaction with James Cameron
The acclaimed director also opened up about a memorable interaction with legendary filmmaker James Cameron during the last Hollywood awards season. Reflecting on the moment, Rajamouli shared, “I have seen his clips talking about ‘RRR’ again, and it made me happy once again. We had a long conversation, and his words that I remember most is, ‘You continue doing the films the way you do it’. That’s one thing I remember from him.“
About SS Rajamouli’s ‘Varanasi’
‘Varanasi’ stars Mahesh Babu in the lead role, alongside Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran, in lead roles. The film’s official title was unveiled in November 2025 at a grand event in Hyderabad.The first clip won hearts with fans sharing their excitement to watch the film’s sweeping narrative, which spans time periods and multiple locations, including Antarctica, Varanasi, Kenya, 512 CE, 2027 CE, and even the Threthayuga. In the film, Mahesh Babu plays the protagonist Rudhra, seen riding a bull and wielding a trident as he charges through the streets of Varanasi. Priyanka essays the role of Mandakini, while Prithviraj portrays the antagonist Kumbha.The film is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on April 7, 2027.
