Prithviraj Sukumaran’s Cheat‑Meal Celebration Marks the End of SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi Shoot

First look poster of Prithviraj Sukumaran creates buzz

When I first saw the poster that came out in 2025, I was sitting on the couch with a cup of chai and scrolling through my phone. The image showed Prithviraj Sukumaran seated on an automated wheelchair, his face set in a hard, almost frightening expression. It felt like a glimpse into a whole new kind of villain – one that is both powerful and terrifying. The poster quickly went viral and people started guessing what role Prithviraj Sukumaran would play. The whole vibe of the poster reminded me of those classic Indian action heroes, but with a modern, tech‑savvy twist. It was clear that SS Rajamouli was planning something big, and the anticipation started building up across the country.

Prithviraj Sukumaran’s cheeky cheat‑meal post after wrapping schedule

Yesterday I was scrolling through Instagram and stumbled upon a story from Prithviraj Sukumaran. Prithviraj Sukumaran had just posted a picture of a giant plate of butter chicken and crispy fries, the kind you only indulge in after a long, exhausting shoot day. The caption read, “End of a schedule that I have worked immensely hard for. Cheat meal well earned. See you in theatres, 2027. #Varanasi.” I could almost hear the relief in Prithviraj Sukumaran’s voice as he mentioned the hard work. It felt genuine, like a friend sharing a small victory. The picture was taken right at the set, with the crew still around, and you could see the excitement on Prithviraj Sukumaran’s face amid the plates of food. It reminded me of the times when my own family celebrates after a big exam with samosas and jalebi – a simple yet satisfying reward.

What made the post more interesting was that it also served as a reminder of the film’s release date in 2027. Prithviraj Sukumaran’s note hinted that the audience should start marking their calendars, and I could feel the buzz growing among fans. The whole thing felt like a small celebration that turned into a massive talking point on social media.

SS Rajamouli’s heartfelt tribute to Prithviraj Sukumaran

After Prithviraj Sukumaran’s cheat‑meal post, I went back to SS Rajamouli’s Instagram page, and there I saw a heartfelt comment from SS Rajamouli himself. SS Rajamouli wrote, “After canning the first shot with Prithviraj Sukumaran, I walked up to Prithviraj Sukumaran and said you are one of the finest actors I’ve ever known. Bringing life to this sinister, ruthless, powerful antagonist KUMBHA was creatively very satisfying. Thank you Prithviraj Sukumaran for slipping into his chair… literally.” The comment was full of admiration, and it was nice to see a director openly praising an actor’s dedication. It made me think about how SS Rajamouli always values his actors, just like he did with the Baahubali team.

Reading SS Rajamouli’s words, I could sense the respect he has for Prithviraj Sukumaran’s craft. SS Rajamouli mentioned the “sinister, ruthless, powerful antagonist KUMBHA,” which gave us a sneak peek into the kind of character Prithviraj Sukumaran will portray. It felt personal, as if SS Rajamouli was talking directly to the fans about why he chose Prithviraj Sukumaran for such an intense role.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas shares her morning routine while shooting in Hyderabad

Just a few days after Prithviraj Sukumaran’s post, I noticed another story, this time from Priyanka Chopra Jonas. Priyanka Chopra Jonas posted a short video of herself applying a hydrating face mask in front of a bedroom mirror. In the video Priyanka Chopra Jonas said, “Good morning. On my way to work. Skin prep. It’s a beautiful day for a beautiful sheet mask. What’s your morning routine?” The video quickly gathered likes and comments from fans who were curious about how a global star like Priyanka Chopra Jonas manages her skin while shooting in Hyderabad’s heat.

What struck me was how down‑to‑earth Priyanka Chopra Jonas sounded. It reminded me of the morning rituals many of us follow at home – a quick cleanse, a mask, and then a cup of chai before heading out. Priyanka Chopra Jonas’s video felt like a little window into her daily life, making her seem more approachable despite the massive scale of the Varanasi project.

Rumours of a two‑part release for Varanasi

While scrolling through Bollywood Hungama, I came across a report suggesting that Varanasi might be split into two separate films. The report said, “Three hours‑plus would not be enough for Varanasi. They are looking at extending it into a two‑part format.” This reminded me of how SS Rajamouli handled Baahubali, which also turned into a two‑part saga. The idea of a two‑part Varanasi makes sense because the story seems to span multiple timelines and vast landscapes.

According to a source close to the production, the decision to possibly go for two parts is driven by the desire to give each storyline its own breathing space, without rushing through important moments. It feels like a bold move, but one that could pay off if the audience gets to experience the depth of the narrative fully. I think this could be a game‑changer for Indian cinema, much like what happened with Baahubali, where the two parts together became a cultural phenomenon.

Massive sets recreate Varanasi in Hyderabad

One of the most fascinating things I learned while reading about the production is that the entire city of Varanasi is being recreated in Hyderabad. The crew built a replica of the famous Ratneshwar Mahadev temple, complete with intricate carvings and a surrounding ghats set. Reports say that a full‑scale temple structure has even been constructed to be later submerged underwater for certain scenes that take place in the present timeline.

When I imagine the scale of those sets, I think of the massive construction projects we see on our streets during festivals, where temporary stages are built overnight. The effort put into making these sets look authentic for a film is truly massive. It also shows how much SS Rajamouli is willing to invest in visual storytelling, ensuring that the audience feels like they are truly in Varanasi, even though the shoot is actually taking place hundreds of kilometres away.

Filming locations spread across Hyderabad, Odisha and Kenya

The production didn’t limit itself to just Hyderabad. According to the behind‑the‑scenes reports, filming also took place in Odisha and even Kenya. I remember reading about Indian crews traveling abroad for shoots, and it always feels grand when a film goes international. The landscapes in Kenya provided a stark contrast to the Indian settings, adding a visual richness that will likely stand out on the big screen.

These varied locations also hint at the epic nature of Varanasi’s story, which apparently moves across different eras and continents. The team’s willingness to shoot in multiple places shows the ambition behind the project, and it reminds me of other big‑budget Indian movies that have travelled far and wide, like Lagaan or Rang De Basanti, to capture authentic backdrops.

Budget and scale – one of the most expensive Indian films ever

When I saw the numbers – a budget ranging between Rs 1,000 and 1,300 crore – I was stunned. It’s hard to imagine such a huge amount being spent on a single movie. This puts Varanasi in the same league as Baahubali and RRR in terms of financial scale. The huge budget is reflecting in everything: the massive sets, the international locations, the extensive VFX work required to blend multiple timelines and the planned underwater temple sequence.

For an Indian audience, such a large budget always builds certain expectations – we anticipate spectacular visuals, gripping storytelling, and a cinematic experience that feels larger than life. It also means that the film will be closely watched in terms of box‑office performance once it finally releases in 2027.

Time‑travel elements and storyline complexity

Priyanka Chopra Jonas gave a little insight into the narrative during an interview. Priyanka Chopra Jonas said, “It’s not like you’re sitting in a machine and going into… it’s not Back to the Future. But we do go from 7,200 BCE to 2027.” That line made me think of how sprawling Indian epics often jump across eras – much like the Mahabharata timelines. The description suggests that Varanasi will blend historical and contemporary storylines, creating a tapestry that moves from ancient times to the modern day.

This kind of time‑travel concept is relatively new for mainstream Indian cinema, and it could be a fresh angle for audiences who are used to linear narratives. It also explains why SS Rajamouli might be considering a two‑part release – there’s simply too much to cover in a single sitting if the story moves across thousands of years.

Mahesh Babu’s role and the star‑studded cast

Mahesh Babu, another big name in the film, is also part of the cast. While I haven’t seen any official picture of Mahesh Babu in Varanasi yet, the hype around his involvement adds another layer of excitement. Mahesh Babu’s fans are already speculating about his character, and combined with Prithviraj Sukumaran’s antagonist KUMBHA and Priyanka Chopra Jonas’s pivotal role, the trio promises a dynamic on‑screen chemistry.

The fact that SS Rajamouli managed to bring together Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran under one roof speaks volumes about the script’s pull. It also indicates that the film aims to cater to a pan‑Indian audience, not just a specific language market.

Fans’ expectations and the road ahead

Ever since the first look poster in 2025, fans have been eagerly waiting for more updates. The social media buzz after Prithviraj Sukumaran’s cheat‑meal post and Priyanka Chopra Jonas’s morning routine clip kept the excitement alive. Every new piece of information feels like a small clue that the final product will be something truly spectacular.

Personally, I am looking forward to seeing how SS Rajamouli weaves together the historical and modern timelines, how Prithviraj Sukumaran brings the villain KUMBHA to life, and how the massive sets will translate onto the screen. The anticipation is building up like the rush before a big cricket match – you just know something big is about to happen.

Conclusion – a blockbuster in the making

All things considered, Varanasi appears to be shaping up as a blockbuster that could redefine Indian cinema once again. With a star‑studded cast, a budget that tops most Indian productions, massive sets recreated in Hyderabad, and a storyline that spans centuries, the film has all the ingredients for a historic hit. The excitement generated by Prithviraj Sukumaran’s cheat‑meal celebration, SS Rajamouli’s praise, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas’s candid morning routine offers a personal glimpse into the making of this epic.

As the release draws nearer, I’ll keep my eyes glued to every update, and I imagine many other fans will do the same. When the film finally hits theatres in 2027, it’ll be interesting to see whether the two‑part format becomes a reality and how the audience reacts to the massive effort that has gone into creating Varanasi. Until then, we wait, we discuss, and we enjoy every little piece of behind‑the‑scenes news – just like sharing a chai with a friend.