Director S.S. Rajamouli released two character stills of Priyanka Chopra Jonas from his upcoming film Varanasi on Saturday to mark her birthday. The images offer an early look at her role as Mandakini, a character Rajamouli said demanded a very specific combination of qualities.
"She can be a really kick-ass girl, and she has to be really vulnerable. [There are] very few actors who can do both in the same character," Rajamouli told Variety. "She did a fantastic job, and I'm so happy that I have her on board."
Varanasi is a massive production in scope. The story spans thousands of years and moves across multiple continents, with shooting locations that include Antarctica, Africa, and the city of Varanasi itself. Mahesh Babu plays two roles: the protagonist Rudhra and the Hindu god Rama. Prithviraj Sukumaran plays the main antagonist, Kumbha.
For Chopra Jonas, the film represents a deliberate return to Indian cinema after a run of Hollywood projects that included Citadel and The Matrix Resurrections. She described the decision in clear terms. "If there was any way of coming back to Indian cinema, it would be with the biggest Indian movie being made, and that undertaking is this film," she says. "I think Sir's vision is unlike anyone in this country or abroad. His cohort, if I may say so, is the Spielbergs of the world, the Nolans of the world, the Finchers of the world."
Varanasi is Rajamouli's follow-up to RRR, which won the Academy Award for best original song. MM Keeravani, who took home that Oscar for the song Naatu Naatu, is returning to score the new film.
The film opens in theaters worldwide on April 7, 2027.
