Varanasi Shoot to Wrap by September-End, Says Rajamouli

SS Rajamouli has shared a major production update about Varanasi, his highly anticipated film starring Mahesh Babu. The director revealed that approximately 90 percent of principal photography has been completed and that the team is now filming the final portion. Rajamouli expects to complete the entire shoot by the end of September 2026. If the production proceeds according to schedule, the development will move one of Indian cinema’s most closely watched projects into its extensive post-production phase.

Interest in the film increased substantially following the release of its first glimpse. The promotional footage offered audiences an early look at the scale and visual style being planned for the project, which is being developed for viewers in India and international markets. The collaboration marks the first film featuring Mahesh Babu under Rajamouli’s direction. Expectations are high because of the filmmaker’s track record of combining emotional storytelling with elaborate action, ambitious worlds and large-scale visual effects.

Varanasi Post-Production to Begin After Filming

Once principal photography is completed, Rajamouli is expected to shift his attention to post-production from mid-October or November. The process will likely include editing, sound design, dubbing, colour grading, visual effects and the completion of the film’s background score.

Varanasi is reportedly being mounted as a global production, making post-production one of the most crucial stages of its creation. A project of this scale requires additional time to refine action sequences, environments and visual-effects-heavy scenes before the final version is locked.

Completing the shoot in September would provide the team with several months to work on the technical requirements ahead of its scheduled theatrical release. It could also allow the filmmakers to plan promotions and international distribution without an unfinished production schedule affecting the campaign. While Rajamouli has indicated a likely timeline, the team has not shared a detailed post-production calendar. The schedule may be adjusted depending on the volume of visual effects and any additional patchwork required during editing.

MM Keeravani to Begin Varanasi Background Score

Composer MM Keeravani is expected to begin work on the film’s background score later in September. His music has been a defining element of Rajamouli’s films, strengthening their emotional passages, dramatic confrontations and large-scale action sequences. Beginning the background score before post-production moves into its most intensive phase could help the director and composer shape the film’s rhythm together. Music is likely to play an especially important role in establishing the atmosphere and scale of Varanasi.

The technical team will also have to ensure that the film’s sound and visual presentation meet the requirements of multiple theatrical markets. As the movie is aimed at a worldwide audience, its post-production strategy could include versions prepared for different languages and premium cinema formats. More information about the soundtrack, songs and technical crew is expected through official promotional announcements as the production approaches completion.

Varanasi Cast and April 2027 Release Date

Mahesh Babu leads the film, while Priyanka Chopra plays the female lead. Prithviraj Sukumaran will reportedly be seen as the principal antagonist, adding further weight to the film’s ensemble. The combination of actors from different Indian film industries supports Rajamouli’s ambition to position Varanasi as a nationwide and global theatrical event. Priyanka’s international profile could also help the production reach audiences beyond its core Indian markets.

Varanasi is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on April 7, 2027. The confirmed date gives the team a defined window for completing post-production and launching the film’s full promotional campaign.

With 90 percent of filming reportedly finished, the production has entered its final stretch. Attention will now turn to the completion of photography, the next promotional material and the technical work required to deliver Rajamouli and Mahesh Babu’s ambitious collaboration on schedule.