The debut teaser for SS Rajamouli’s highly-anticipated global adventure, Varanasi, has caused an industry-wide seismic reaction. Following its digital drop, the teaser not only showcased an unprecedented action avatar for superstar Mahesh Babu but also drew spectacular praise from cinematic heavyweights, including Karan Johar and Prashanth Neel, with veteran actor Brahmaji declaring the film is shaping up to be “Avatar ka baap” (the father of Avatar).
The teaser’s visual scale and mythological undertones, which feature cryptic appearances from Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran, confirm Varanasi as arguably the most ambitious project ever conceived by an Indian director.
Table of Contents
I. The Teaser’s Impact: Mahesh Babu’s Avatar as Rudhra
The Varanasi teaser is a visual feast, confirming the title’s blending of ancient Indian mythology with high-tech, globe-trotting action that spans centuries.
- Mahesh Babu’s Transformation (Rudhra): The teaser dramatically introduced Mahesh Babu as the character Rudhra, a figure heavily inspired by Lord Shiva. The final money shot of the teaser shows Rudhra, bloodied and intense, riding a magnificent bull (Nandi) and wielding a trident (Trishul) with the ancient temples of Kashi in the backdrop. This fierce, mythic persona drew immediate acclaim.
- Time-Travel Narrative: The visually rich teaser hints at a storyline that begins in 512 CE Varanasi and flashes back to mythic periods like Treta Yuga (7200 BCE), featuring glimpses of Lord Hanuman setting Lanka ablaze and scenes inspired by the Ramayana. Rajamouli later confirmed that an entire major sequence of the film is inspired by the Hindu epic.
- Scale and Setting: The two-minute clip featured dizzying action sequences set across global locations, including Antarctica and parts of Africa, justifying its original working title, Globetrotter.
II. Industry Reactions: “Avatar ka Baap” and Global Ambition
The sheer magnitude of the teaser quickly silenced any skeptics, leading to unprecedented praise from within the industry.
- Karan Johar’s Endorsement: Producer Karan Johar, a major voice in Bollywood, immediately applauded the film’s vision, tweeting: “The Maestro is back. The scale, the vision, the sheer ambition. Mahesh Babu in this avatar is something the world needs to see. This is Indian cinema’s new horizon.”
- Prashanth Neel’s Vision: Director Prashanth Neel (KGF, Salaar) praised the seamless action, writing, “Take a bow, @ssrajamouli sir! @urstrulyMahesh looks absolutely charming. Super excited.”
- Brahmaji’s Declaration: Veteran Telugu actor Brahmaji provided the most high-praise quote, declaring the film’s visual spectacle to be on par with Hollywood’s biggest ventures, famously calling the film “Avatar ka baap,” which instantly went viral and reinforced the public perception of its grandeur.
- Technical Leap: The teaser confirmed that Varanasi is being filmed in the Premium Large Scale Format Filmed for IMAX, a technology choice that puts it at the forefront of global cinema, alongside filmmakers like Christopher Nolan.
III. The Dream Cast: Complex Roles and Global Reach
The presence of a star-studded cast further emphasizes the film’s pan-Indian and global reach.
- Priyanka Chopra (Mandakini): Priyanka Chopra Jonas plays the pivotal character Mandakini. Her first look poster showed her in a blend of traditional and modern clothing, holding a pistol, hinting at an action-packed role that involves guarding an ancient secret.
- Prithviraj Sukumaran (Kumbha): Actor-filmmaker Prithviraj Sukumaran has been cast as the primary antagonist, named Kumbha. The character is described as “sinister, ruthless, and powerful,” and his first look showed him in a cybernetically enhanced wheelchair, suggesting a high-tech villain.
- Filming and Release: The production, based largely out of Ramoji Film City for its massive set construction, is currently deep in filming. Music composer MM Keeravaani confirmed the film is tentatively scheduled for a Summer 2027 theatrical release.
The unveiling of the Varanasi teaser has successfully established the film as the premier cinematic event of the next two years, promising an action-packed spectacle that aims to redefine the scale of Indian cinema yet again.
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