Rajamouli's 'Varanasi': Thousands of Years & Asteroid Threat

S.S. Rajamouli's next cinematic venture, 'Varanasi,' slated for an April 2027 release, promises an unprecedented scale, traversing millennia and exotic locales like Antarctica. The film's narrative centers on the titular city confronting an asteroid threat and will be partially shot in 70mm IMAX format.

Filmmaker Rajamouli revealed that principal photography for 'Varanasi' is largely complete, with major spectacle sequences finished. The team is now focused on interconnecting scenes, aiming to conclude shooting by October. Rajamouli noted that the IMAX format was integral to his creative vision from the outset, rather than an afterthought, though minor adjustments were made for dual CinemaScope and IMAX framing.

Alongside 'Varanasi,' the 'Baahubali' franchise is venturing into animation with 'The Eternal War,' directed by Irshan Shukla. Rajamouli expressed confidence in expanding the 'Baahubali' universe through animation, believing it can effectively capture the vibrant "color" of Indian stories—its characters and emotions—to a global audience.

Rajamouli also celebrated the return of IMAX 70mm projectors to Hyderabad, calling it a long-overdue development for a city with passionate film enthusiasts. He highlighted Hyderabad's love for cinema across languages and expressed joy at IMAX theaters finally being accessible to its audience.