SS Rajamouli is truly taking things to another level with his upcoming film Varanasi. Mounted on a massive budget, the film is currently under production. Headlined by Priyanka Chopra, Mahesh Babu, and Prithviraj Sukumaran, the globe-trotting adventure drama will also feature time-travelling elements inspired by Indian mythology. Now, the team is set to shoot in Antarctica for the next schedule.
Team Varanasi to shoot in Antartica?
Antarctica is not a favoured shooting destination for commercial cinema. Fewer than 10 films have been shot on the continent. Filmmakers avoid the region due to extreme weather, logistical challenges, environmental regulations under the Antarctic Treaty, and high production costs. It will likely be the first Indian mainstream film to shoot on the continent.
Priyanka Chopra shared the update as she responded to a post by her co-star Mahesh Babu. In the post, he complimented Priyanka’s performance in her recently released film The Bluff. Thanking him, Priyanka wrote, “Thank you, my friend. See you soon in Antarctica.”
Thank you my friend 🙏🏽 🏴☠️
See you soon in Antarctica. ⭐️ @urstrulyMahesh https://t.co/HpBfRPbMEg— PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) March 1, 2026
Priyanka Chopra on Varanasi shoot update
In an interview during the promotions of The Bluff, Priyanka was asked about Varanasi, one of the most-awaited films. SS Rajamouli is one of India’s biggest filmmakers and has represented the country globally with films like RRR and Baahubali.
Talking about Varanasi, Priyanka said, “This movie is going to be one of India’s biggest ambitions. It’s positioned in an incredible way — we travel through time, we travel the world. It is an adventure; it is really cool. I am very excited for the world to see it. We have shot for over 14 months now, and there are six more months to go intermittently. He takes his time. From whatever little I am allowed to see, I think it is going to be very cool and defining for Indian cinema.”
More about Varanasi
Priyanka has been roped in as the leading lady, Mandakini, in the much-awaited drama. The first-look poster featured her holding a pistol while wearing a yellow saree. Apart from her, the project will also see Mahesh Babu playing Rudhra and Prithviraj Sukumaran as Kumbha. The SS Rajamouli directorial is slated to release on April 7, 2027.
