Varanasi First Look: Priyanka Chopra as Mandakini
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- S.S. Rajamouli's "Varanasi" released two first-look stills of Priyanka Chopra as Mandakini on July 18, timed to the actress's birthday.
- "Varanasi" is set to open in theatres worldwide on April 7, 2027.
- The action-adventure film spans thousands of years and locations including Antarctica, Africa, and the titular Indian city.
- "Varanasi" stars Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran and is Rajamouli's follow-up to his Oscar-winning "RRR."
- MM Keeravani, composer of the Oscar-winning "Naatu Naatu" from RRR, is returning to score "Varanasi."
- Priyanka Chopra told Cannes Lions that Rajamouli has "complete and utter control on set," a dynamic she described as freeing for actors.
Why it matters: The April 7, 2027 worldwide theatrical slot, paired with Keeravani's return and a scope spanning Antarctica to Varanasi, signals Rajamouli scaling up rather than coasting on RRR's Oscar halo. Chopra's casting gives the production a global promotional foothold that few Indian-directorial features secure at the first-look stage.
