SS Rajamouli Prepares Massive Varanasi War Sequence in Hyderabad

Acclaimed filmmaker SS Rajamouli is set to film a massive, highly complex war sequence for his upcoming movie, Varanasi, starting July 7 in Hyderabad. The production will feature lead actor Mahesh Babu alongside 3,500 junior artists. This set-piece is designed to be one of the most demanding in the history of Indian cinema, serving as a cornerstone of the film’s grand mythological narrative.

While the physical filming involves thousands of performers, the final spectacle will be achieved through advanced visual effects. The production team plans to digitally expand the live-action crowd to create a battle involving 50,000 vanars on screen. This approach reflects Rajamouli’s commitment to combining practical scale with cutting-edge digital expansion, following his recent, well-received showcase of the film’s first glimpse at La Cinémathèque Française in Paris on June 27, 2026.

The movie centers on a father-son emotional core set against a grand mythological backdrop, blending elements of the Ramayana with an adventurous narrative that traverses different timelines and geographies, including the cold landscapes of Antarctica. With filming intensity peaking in Hyderabad, the project continues to generate high anticipation. Fans and industry analysts are keeping a close watch on the production, as the film is currently scheduled for a theatrical release in April 2027.