2 minutes of readingNew DelhiUpdated: Jan 30, 2026 03:48 pm IST
Filmmaker SS Rajamouli’s much-awaited film Varanasi starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran in pivotal roles, finally has a release date. The film will hit the big screen worldwide on April 7, 2027.
Before the release date hassle, the creators set up cryptic billboards in the titular Indian city, hinting at the release date.
#LatestNews… SS RAJAMOULI’S ANTICIPATED BIGGIE ‘VARANASI’ WILL RELEASE ON APRIL 7, 2027?… There is tremendous speculation that the master storyteller #SSRajamouliThe long-awaited big problem #Varanasi is preparing for a global release on (Wednesday) April 7, 2027.
The fences have… pic.twitter.com/ZW232tPXIH
— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) January 29, 2026
Speaking to Variety about the billboards, Varanasi producer Karthikeya said: “Varanasi is at the heart of this film, so starting the conversation about the release from the city itself was instinctive. The cryptic installation on the ground was meant to spark curiosity, and the audience connected the dots organically.”
He added: “April 7, 2027 falls within the festive period of Ugadi and Gudi Padwa, flows into the weekend and is followed by Ambedkar Jayanti and Rama Navami, creating a strong extended theatrical window. It is a date that aligns perfectly with us and all our stakeholders.”
Following the release date announcement, fans flooded social media with excitement for the upcoming Telugu film. “It will be bigger than Baahubali,” one person wrote on X. “Can’t wait!! Come soon,” another commented. “Mahesh Babu X Priyanka Chopra wowww. April 7, 2027,” read a third comment.
For those who don’t know, SS Rajamouli unveiled the first image of Varanasi at a grand event in Hyderabad last year. They showed various locations such as Antarctica, Varanasi, and Kenya in different time periods, including 512 CE, 2027 CE, and Treta Yuga, hinting at a possible time travel theme. The teaser ends with Mahesh Babu charging forward on a bull, against the backdrop of the pilgrimage city of Varanasi.
Varanasi is produced under the banner of Sri Durga Arts and Showing Business. It will mark Priyanka Chopra’s official entry into Telugu cinema. It will also reunite Rajamouli with RRR composer MM Keeravani.
