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Rajamouli Recreates Ancient India for Epic Film
24 Mar
Summary
- A famous Indian temple was recreated on nine acres in Hyderabad.
- The massive temple set cost $2.5 million and took months to build.
- Filming occurred in Kenya and India, with scenes in multiple time periods.
Filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli, acclaimed for RRR, is developing a new epic titled Varanasi, starring Priyanka Chopra Jonas. A significant portion of the film, considered one of India's most expensive, centers on a sprawling set in Hyderabad. This set meticulously recreates the famed Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple, occupying nine acres and costing an estimated $2.5 million to construct over three to four months. The robust concrete structure is designed to endure for three years.
The Varanasi set is engineered for versatility, accommodating scenes across multiple time periods. While filmed in a present-day configuration, the temple structure can be elevated 12.5 feet to represent its original appearance. This innovative approach allows for seamless transitions between past and present narratives within the film. Production also involved filming in Kenya, where Priyanka Chopra Jonas described the experience as akin to shooting The Lion King, with cast members working alongside wild animals.
Varanasi is slated for release on April 7, 2027, and was shot for IMAX, promising a grand cinematic experience. The film combines extensive practical sets with green and blue screen technology. Key stars like Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Mahesh Babu are featured, with Varanasi marking Chopra Jonas's return to Indian cinema after several years. Measures were taken to keep the elaborate set production under wraps from the public.
