Image Source: Instagram | ssrajamouli
Introduction
The gates to S.S. Rajamouli’s next epic are officially open. On November 15, 2025, the grand “GlobeTrotter” event unveiled the title of the Mahesh Babu starrer as Varanasi, confirmed its colossal ₹1300 Cr budget, and dropped a mind-bending teaser. The clip—showcasing Mahesh Babu as Rudhra, riding a bull, trident in hand, and glimpses of the Ramayana—has sent varanasi movie teaser views soaring past 20 million in 48 hours.
However, Rajamouli’s ambition is already facing two massive hurdles: a legal dispute over the title and a major police complaint regarding the director’s personal comments on faith. Here is a frame-by-frame breakdown of the epic scale and a verified look at the varanasi movie title dispute controversy 2025 that is currently dominating headlines.
The Grand Reveal: Hyderabad Lights Up for Varanasi
Event Scoop – November 15, 2025, at Ramoji Film City
The “GlobeTrotter” event at Hyderabad’s Ramoji Film City was a high-octane spectacle attended by over 50,000 fans and international media. The high anticipation led to technical glitches and temporary halts in the presentation—a frustration that ironically fueled the subsequent controversy.
Title Drop – From SSMB29 to Varanasi: “Where Time Bends” Tagline
The official title was unveiled, confirming the film as Varanasi, moving past its working title, SSMB29. The confirmed tagline, “Where Time Bends,” perfectly reflects the film’s core concept of traversing different eras.
Guest Glory – Chiranjeevi, Rana Daggubati, Prithviraj Grace Stage
The event saw cinematic royalty, with stars like Chiranjeevi and Rana Daggubati gracing the stage. The lead trio—Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Prithviraj Sukumaran—received a roaring welcome from the crowd.
Teaser Breakdown: 3:48 Mins of Epic Scale
Opening Roar – Mahesh as Rudhra: Trident, Bull Ride, Threthayuga Flash
The varanasi movie teaser breakdown ss rajamouli mahesh babu confirms a blend of action, mythology, and sci-fi. The opening frames feature Mahesh Babu as Rudhra, a fierce warrior in a blood-soaked shirt and a Nandi pendant, charging through Kashi while wielding a trident on a charging bull. The moment is juxtaposed with visuals of the Treta Yuga (the era of Ramayana).
Era Jumps – Ancient Battles → Modern Varanasi Ghats → Futuristic 2027
The visuals confirm the film’s globetrotting, time-bending scope. The teaser showcases breathtaking shots spanning millennia and continents:
- 512 CE: Ancient rituals and battles, including Ramayana-inspired sequences (like the Vanara Sena).
- 2025 CE: Modern-day Varanasi ghats and Kenya jungles.
- 2027 CE: Antarctic icebergs and a futuristic threat symbolized by the Shambhavi Asteroid.
Embed: Teaser Timestamp Table (Conceptual)
| Time | Scene | Mythic Tie |
| 0:45 | Rudhra on Bull/Trident | Shiva Connection/Fierce Avatar |
| 1:30 | Mahesh Babu as Lord Ram | Ramayana / Treta Yuga |
| 2:10 | Priyanka Chopra (Mandakini) Saree-Gun Look | Modern Day Action/Goddess Chhinnamasta |
| 3:15 | Antarctica Iceberg / Asteroid | Cosmic/Apocalyptic Threat |
Plot Tease: Time-Travel Mythology on ₹1300 Cr Canvas
Core Concept – Rudhra’s Journey Across Yugas vs. Kumbha’s Chaos
The varanasi mythology ramayana theory is validated by the teaser. The plot revolves around Rudhra’s journey—a quest for ancient relics or knowledge that spans various eras. The central conflict is his face-off with Kumbha (Prithviraj Sukumaran), a scientific-minded antagonist plotting something catastrophic enough to threaten humanity across all timelines.
Global Adventure – Varanasi Hub Links Eras
Varanasi serves as the spiritual nexus, the anchor where all timelines and dimensions converge. Priyanka Chopra’s character, Mandakini, is confirmed to play a key role, possibly holding the knowledge or power needed to prevent the looming catastrophe linked to the Shambhavi Asteroid
The Controversies: Title Row & “Non-Believer” Remark
Title Dispute – Producer Claims Rights Till 2026
Just days after the title reveal, the film faced a legal hurdle. A different production house, led by C.H. Subba Reddy, lodged a formal complaint with the Telugu Film Producers Council (TFPC). They claimed to have registered the title ‘Vaaranasi’ in 2023 and renewed it until July 2026, creating a legal issue over the Telugu title rights.
Remark Backlash – Rajamouli’s “Non-Believer” Quote Sparks Police Complaint
The controversy intensified after technical glitches at the event prompted an emotional Rajamouli to share a personal reflection that quickly drew backlash. Referencing his family’s devotion to Lord Hanuman, Rajamouli stated, “I don’t believe in God,” and expressed frustration by adding: “Is this how he takes care?”
Fan Divide – Mythology Fans Defend vs. Critics Call Insensitive
Organizations like Vanarasena and Gow Rakshak Sangh immediately filed a police complaint, accusing the director of “intentionally insulting Hindu deities.” This has led to a massive rajamouli non believer controversy online, with fans defending Rajamouli’s right to personal belief, while critics point to the irony of an atheist making comments about faith at the launch of a mythology-themed epic.
Star Cast: Babu Leads a Pan-India Powerhouse
- Mahesh Babu as Rudhra: Confirmed as the lead, playing a character described as a “fierce warrior” and adventurer.
- Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Mandakini: The global star plays a strong, action-oriented character who seems to be an ally to Rudhra.
- Prithviraj Sukumaran as Kumbha: The confirmed antagonist, described as sinister, powerful, and scientifically minded.
- Key Crew: Music is confirmed by MM Keeravani (Oscar-winner for RRR), and the film is produced by KL Narayana.
Conclusion: Varanasi – Rajamouli’s Next Eternal Epic?
Rajamouli Mahesh Babu Varanasi is an epic of unmatched scale, blending the spiritual depth of ancient India with futuristic chaos. Despite the early controversies surrounding the varanasi title reveal 2025 and the director’s remarks, the hype remains colossal. The film’s intricate plot and groundbreaking visuals confirm that Rajamouli is aiming to redefine global cinema once more.30
Have you rewatched the teaser yet? Share your Rudhra theory below—which mythological figure do you think he is reincarnated from? The 2027 countdown has begun!
FAQs
Q: What is the Varanasi movie release date?
A: The film is slated for a worldwide theatrical release in 2027, expected to coincide with the Sankranti or Summer window.31
Q: What is Mahesh Babu’s role in Varanasi?
A: Mahesh Babu plays the lead character Rudhra, a time-traveling warrior/adventurer.32 Teaser visuals also hint at him portraying Lord Ram in a Ramayana-inspired segment.33
Q: What are the main highlights of the Varanasi teaser breakdown?
A: The teaser highlights include Mahesh Babu riding a bull with a trident; visuals of the Treta Yuga and Ramayana; shots of Antarctica, Kenya, and ancient Kashi; and the Shambhavi Asteroid linked to the 2027 apocalypse theory.34
Q: What is the Varanasi title controversy about?
A: The controversy involves a dispute over the title ‘Varanasi’ (or Vaaranasi), which was previously registered by another producer, C.H. Subba Reddy, raising legal questions over the title rights with the Telugu Film Producers Council.35
Q: Who is the full cast of Rajamouli’s Varanasi?
A: The lead cast is Mahesh Babu (Rudhra), Priyanka Chopra Jonas (Mandakini), and Prithviraj Sukumaran (Kumbha).36 The film is scored by MM Keeravani.
