Acclaimed filmmaker SS Rajamouli recently confirmed his upcoming film "Varanasi" directly draws from the ancient epic Ramayana. Rajamouli stated that all his cinematic works find inspiration in the stories of Lord Rama, a revelation made in interviews this week. The highly anticipated movie, starring Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra, is set for a global release on April 7, 2027.
Deep Roots in Ancient Epics
Rajamouli, known for blockbusters like "Baahubali" and "RRR," emphasized that the epics of Lord Rama serve as a constant source of inspiration for his storytelling. He told Polygon that "All my films are inspired by the epics of (Lord) Rama."For "Varanasi," the director has taken a more direct approach, explaining, "In this film, I have a chance to actually take an actual episode from the Ramayana itself and present it in this way."This marks a significant development for the filmmaker, who often incorporates mythological undertones into his narratives.[mid-day+3]
The director also addressed concerns about audience familiarity with the Ramayana. He believes viewers do not need extensive prior knowledge of the epic to connect with the film. "It is my job to make you not feel lost, to make the film in such a way that it's not taxing your mind," Rajamouli stated.He added, "You might not understand the whole story of Rama, but there is no need to. If you understand the emotions of the characters, you'll understand what is happening."This approach highlights his focus on universal emotions.[mid-day+3]
Father-Son Bond and Global Appeal
"Varanasi" centers on a profound father-son relationship, mirroring the bond between Lord Rama and King Dasharatha. Rajamouli revealed this emotional core, which he believes will resonate deeply with audiences.The film's protagonist, Rudra, played by Mahesh Babu, reportedly embodies aspects of Lord Rama.Mahesh Babu underwent rigorous training, including Kalaripayattu, an ancient martial art, to perfect Lord Rama's posture and movement for specific scenes.The actor shared that this six-month training transformed his physical demeanor.[mid-day+6]
The film also features Priyanka Chopra as Mandakini, a mysterious thief, and Prithviraj Sukumaran as the antagonist, Kumbha.Rajamouli described the evolving dynamic between Rudra and Mandakini as "endearing and relatable."He explained that even with a gigantic canvas, these human emotions are what people will connect with."Varanasi" promises a grand visual scale, reportedly shot for IMAX, aiming to captivate a global audience.[indulgexpress+5]
Mythology Debate and Production Scale
Rajamouli's remarks also sparked some discussion online, particularly his description of the Ramayana as "mythology." Some social media users questioned this categorization, with various netizens pointing to the director's self-proclaimed atheist stance.However, many fans defended Rajamouli, emphasizing his consistent use of epic themes.About 25 minutes of "Varanasi" are explicitly set in a mythological period.[newspointapp+4]
The film is one of Rajamouli's most ambitious projects to date, with reports suggesting a budget exceeding Rs 1,000 crore.The narrative involves an asteroid hitting Varanasi, leading to a quest across continents and timelines to save Earth.With its blend of ancient epic, modern storytelling, and a massive production scale, "Varanasi" aims to deliver a unique cinematic experience upon its release in April 2027.[indiatoday+3]
