Varanasi Budget at 1300 Crore: Rajamouli–Mahesh Babu’s Costliest Film Ever?

Anticipation is building rapidly around Varanasi, the upcoming magnum opus directed by S. S. Rajamouli. Every new update about the project is grabbing national and international attention, and the latest reports have only amplified the excitement.

According to reports, citing comments from Priyanka Chopra, the film is being mounted on an extraordinary scale, with an estimated budget of nearly $150 million (approximately ₹1,300 crore). If accurate, this would make it one of the most expensive films ever produced in Indian cinema.

The reported budget places Varanasi in a league comparable to — and possibly exceeding — the scale of RRR, which went on to become one of India’s biggest global blockbusters. The investment signals Rajamouli’s intent to once again push cinematic boundaries and deliver a spectacle designed for worldwide audiences.

Marking a major return to Indian cinema, Priyanka Chopra has spoken about the thrill of being part of such an ambitious venture. The sheer magnitude of the production — from cutting-edge visual technology to expansive international shooting schedules — has already turned the film into one of the most talked-about projects in development.

The adventure thriller features Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran in pivotal roles. With its blend of global scale, high-end production design, and Rajamouli’s trademark storytelling ambition, Varanasi is being positioned as a landmark moment for Indian cinema.

Currently under production, the film is slated for a worldwide release on April 7, 2027. Expectations are sky-high as audiences await whether Varanasi can redefine box office benchmarks and further elevate India’s presence on the global cinematic stage.