The highly anticipated cinematic behemoth, 'Varanasi', starring Superstar Mahesh Babu and directed by cinematic visionary S.S. Rajamouli, officially unveiled its title, first look poster, and a powerful teaser ("Varanasi to the World") at a spectacular "Globe Trotter" event.
The film is produced by K.L. Narayana and S.S. Kartikeya under the banners Sri Durga Arts and Showing Business. The event, which generated immense national and international buzz, was attended by the main cast, including Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra and Malayalam stalwart Prithviraj Sukumaran, along with the core team.
Superstar Mahesh Babu: "Varanasi is My Dream Project"
Superstar Mahesh Babu spoke emotionally about realizing a long-held family wish and expressed his commitment to the film's global vision:
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Fulfilling His Father's Wish: "I have listened to every word my father (Krishna garu) said, except one. I never listened to his suggestion to play mythological roles. With this film, that wish is also fulfilled. Wherever my father is, he will be happy hearing my words today. His blessings are always with us."
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A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity: "‘Varanasi’ is my dream project. An opportunity like this comes only once in a lifetime. I will make everyone proud, especially my director. When this film is released, all Indians will feel proud."
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Promise to Fans: "This is just the title announcement. I leave it to your (fans') imagination as to what is coming next. I want your love and support to be with me always. I can never repay the debt of your love. I just bow down to all of you, that’s all I know. We worked hard to arrange this event for you (fans). Please return home safely."
Director Rajamouli: "Got Goosebumps Seeing Mahesh as Lord Rama"
Ace Director S.S. Rajamouli shared his personal connection to the film and praised his lead actor's dedication:
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A Divine Subject: "I love the Ramayana and the Mahabharata very much. I have often said that making the Mahabharata is my dream. When I started this movie, I didn't think I would tackle an important chapter from the Ramayana. But as I wrote each scene, the dialogues came, and while visualizing the shots, I felt like I was floating in the air, not on the ground."
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Mahesh's Look: "I got goosebumps while doing the photoshoot with Mahesh Babu in the Lord Rama get-up. I kept that photo as my wallpaper, but later deleted it, worrying someone might see it."
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A Memorable Experience: "We have shot for 60 days so far. There is a sub-point in every point. We faced many challenges during this process. 'Varanasi' will stand as the most memorable film among all the films I have directed so far."
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Praising Mahesh's Dedication: "When Mahesh Babu comes to the set, he doesn't use his phone until he leaves. I will also try to follow Mahesh's example and avoid using my phone."
Prithviraj Sukumaran & Priyanka Chopra on Their Roles
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Malayalam Star Prithviraj Sukumaran (Villain Role): "One day, I got a message from Rajamouli garu saying, 'Hi, I'm Rajamouli. The villain's character in my next project is coming out wonderfully. Are you interested in doing it?' I immediately went to his office and met him. After five minutes of narration, my mind was blocked. I was shocked by the way he narrated the story, his delivery, and his vision. He narrated for three hours. This film is going to be phenomenal. You will see Mahesh Babu's Vishwaroopam (Universal Form) in this. I am happy to be acting alongside Priyanka Chopra."
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Global Star Priyanka Chopra (Indian Actress): "Thank you to Rajamouli garu for giving me this opportunity in ‘Varanasi,’ and to my producer K.L. Narayana garu for believing in me. Mahesh Babu is a very good person and a superb actor. Namrata and Sitara have made Hyderabad feel like home to me; they take very good care of me. Prithviraj will scare everyone with his character, but outside, he is a very nice person. I promise to learn Telugu completely and give my speech in Telugu by the time the film is finished."
Team Appraisals
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Star Writer V. Vijayendra Prasad: "I was speechless seeing Mahesh Babu's acting in 'Varanasi'. There is a scene that lasts about thirty minutes... it’s still revolving in my mind. There was no CG, no dubbing, no RR... no work done at all. But seeing Mahesh Babu's divine form in that, I was speechless. That scene mesmerized me, and the audience will feel the same after watching the film."
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Oscar Winning Music Director M. M. Keeravani: "I love the combination of Mahesh Babu and Mani Sharma in Pokiri. Some say I only give class tunes and can't give mass beats. But this time, you will see the beats in ‘Varanasi’. The class is mine, and the beats are mine. Those beats will win a permanent place in the hearts of Mahesh Babu's fans."
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Producer S.S. Kartikeya: "I am growing as a producer by making small films. I never thought I would produce a project of this scale. I thought it would take me another ten years to reach this level, but I got the opportunity very quickly with 'Varanasi.' This is my first time speaking as a producer on a global platform. We are making another attempt to take Indian cinema to the global level."
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Producer K.L. Narayana: "Fifteen years ago, I went to Mahesh Babu garu and asked if he would do a film with Rajamouli. He immediately said okay. Then I went to Rajamouli garu. Rajamouli garu promised to do the film after fulfilling his existing commitments. Now, after 15 years, we are coming before you. Rajamouli garu has grown immensely during these 15 years, but he is fulfilling his promise to me. He hasn't changed at all—his way of making films, his behavior, his vision for cinema, or his simplicity. I thank Prithviraj garu and Priyanka Chopra garu for immediately agreeing. Like his father, Mahesh Babu garu is a producers' hero. Keeravani, who composed music for my first film Kshana Kshanam, is now an Oscar winner. I am happy to be working with him again. We will try our best to bring this movie to the audience soon."
