Priyanka Chopra Resumes Varanasi Shoot With Mahesh Babu 

Priyanka Chopra returns to Hyderabad to film SS Rajamouli’s epic drama alongside Mahesh Babu.

Priyanka Chopra Resumes Shoot

Can a single Instagram story reignite the excitement of two different hemispheres?

When Priyanka Chopra posted a makeup-free selfie with the caption, “And she’s off..I’ll see you soon, Hyderabad,” it wasn’t just another travel update. It was the signal that one of the most ambitious projects in Indian cinematic history was back in high gear.

After a whirlwind start to 2026—marked by a quiet island vacation and a striking appearance at the Golden Globes—the global star has traded the glitz of Hollywood for the bustling film sets of Telangana.

Priyanka is returning to resume work on “Varanasi,” a project that feels like a fever dream for fans of pan-Indian cinema. For the first time, she will share the screen with Mahesh Babu, the “Prince” of Tollywood, under the direction of the legendary SS Rajamouli. The film also features Malayalam powerhouse Prithviraj Sukumaran, creating a trifecta of talent that spans the breadth of Indian storytelling.

The mutual admiration between the leads is already palpable. Before her arrival, Mahesh Babu took to social media to praise the trailer of Priyanka’s upcoming thriller, The Bluff.

He described her performance as “uncompromising and formidable,” a testament to her ability to pivot between high-octane Western action and grounded Indian drama.

Priyanka responded by calling him “Dost,” signaling a professional bond that bodes well for their on-screen chemistry in Varanasi.

The Rajamouli Blueprint

While the world knows Rajamouli for his sweeping action sequences, Varanasi appears to be leaning into a deeply textured drama. Priyanka will portray a character named Mandakini, a role she has described as a “privilege” to inhabit.

• A Convergence of Industries: By casting legends from the Telugu and Malayalam industries, Rajamouli is ensuring Varanasi isn’t just a “Telugu film” but a continental event.
• The Long Game: With a planned release for Sankranti 2027, the production is taking its time. This isn’t a rushed commercial project; it is being crafted with the meticulous precision Rajamouli is famous for.
• Strategic Overlap: Priyanka’s return to Hyderabad coincides with her gearing up for the February 25 release of The Bluff, allowing her to bridge the gap between her global and domestic audiences simultaneously.

Navigating the Mega-Film Myth

It is easy to get lost in the sea of headlines, but there are things people usually get wrong about projects of this magnitude:

First, don’t mistake “epic” for “action-only.” While Rajamouli is a master of scale, the most successful parts of his films are the emotional cores. Fans expecting RRR 2.0 might be surprised by the dramatic depth of Varanasi.

Second, star power alone is a liability. The real challenge for this film isn’t getting people into seats—it’s ensuring the three distinct acting styles of Priyanka, Mahesh, and Prithviraj blend into a cohesive narrative.

Finally, the Sankranti release isn’t just about the holiday. It’s a tactical move to dominate the box office for a full month. However, this also means the film must be “flawless” to survive the inevitable scrutiny of the most competitive window in Indian cinema.

Key Takeaways for the Fans:

• Priyanka Chopra has landed in Hyderabad to resume filming for Varanasi.
• The film marks her first collaboration with Mahesh Babu and SS Rajamouli.
• Mahesh Babu has publicly praised Priyanka’s “formidable” talent ahead of her next release, The Bluff.
• A Sankranti 2027 release date is the current target for this pan-Indian epic.

Priyanka’s return to the “City of Pearls” confirms that Varanasi is more than just a movie; it is the next chapter in the evolution of Indian cinema as a global force.