Oscar-winning music composer MM Keeravani has shared a major update regarding director SS Rajamouli's highly anticipated upcoming film, Varanasi. Speaking at a recent event, the legendary maestro revealed that the action-adventure movie will feature a total of six songs. Keeravani has already composed the tracks and outlined a detailed timeline for completing the film's background score well ahead of its theatrical release.
Background Score Timeline and Rajamouli Collaboration
Keeravani explained that he will begin working on the film's background score in September 2026. The composer aims to finish the scoring process by January 2027, ensuring the creative team has plenty of time for final audio refinements before the grand premiere. This project marks another high-profile collaboration between SS Rajamouli and MM Keeravani, who have previously delivered global blockbusters like Baahubali: The Beginning, Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, and RRR. Their musical partnership is expected to play a central role in setting the emotional and heroic scale of this cinematic spectacle.
Mahesh Babu Leads a Futuristic Sci-Fi Adventure
Varanasi is designed as a high-concept science-fiction adventure set against the backdrop of the year 2027. Mahesh Babu stars in the lead role of Rudra, an intrepid archaeologist and explorer who finds himself thrust into a race against time to avert an impending planetary disaster. The central conflict revolves around an asteroid named Shambhavi, which is on a catastrophic collision course with the holy city of Varanasi. To prevent total annihilation, Rudra must embark on a dangerous global quest to locate an ancient celestial relic capable of stopping the asteroid.
Star-Studded Cast and International Filming Locations
Joining Mahesh Babu in the core ensemble is Priyanka Chopra, who plays Mandakini, a skilled historian who also possesses formidable combat skills with weapons. Her inclusion marks a grand return to Indian cinema after spending several years working extensively on international and Hollywood projects. Meanwhile, Prithviraj Sukumaran steps into the antagonist's shoes as Kumbh, a formidable high-tech villain who poses a formidable threat to Rudra's mission. The narrative will not be confined to Varanasi alone; the visual extravaganza will take audiences across global destinations including Africa, Antarctica, and Europe. Production for this heavily visual-effects-driven film is slated to wrap up shooting by October 2026.
The Ramayana Connection and Epic Battle Sequence
Considerable excitement surrounds the narrative elements inspired by Indian mythology, specifically its reported connection to the Ramayana. According to details shared about the project, the movie will feature a dedicated sequence inspired by the legendary battle between Lord Ram and Kumbhakarna. Mahesh Babu is expected to appear in an avatar reflecting Lord Ram during this specific confrontation, accompanied by glimpses of Lord Hanuman and the Vanar Sena. Rather than adapting the entire Ramayana epic, the film focuses tightly on the high-stakes clash between Ram and Kumbhakarna. However, official confirmation from the producers regarding these specific mythological details remains awaited.
Unprecedented Partnership and Release Date
The film represents the maiden collaboration between master storyteller SS Rajamouli and superstar Mahesh Babu, making it one of the most anticipated pan-India projects in recent history. Backed by large-scale visual effects and sprawling global scope, Varanasi is officially scheduled to arrive in theaters worldwide on April 7, 2027.
