Prithviraj Shares Behind-The-Scenes Story Of Rajamouli's Exhaustive 100-Take Varanasi Scene Shoot

Filmmaker SS Rajamouli's reputation for meticulous filmmaking has once again come into focus, with actor Prithviraj Sukumaran revealing the extraordinary lengths the director goes to achieve the perfect shot on the sets of his upcoming film Varanasi. Starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran, the highly anticipated project is already one of Indian cinema's biggest productions. Speaking about his experience working with Rajamouli, Prithviraj recounted an intense day of filming during which the director insisted on nearly 100 takes for a single scene, underscoring his uncompromising pursuit of perfection.

Recalling the incident, Prithviraj described it as a genuine experience from the film's shoot rather than an exaggerated anecdote. He said he and Mahesh Babu began filming a particular sequence in the morning, but despite repeated attempts, Rajamouli remained unconvinced with the outcome. "It's not an exaggeration. A particular shot in the film, Mahesh and I started shooting it in the morning, and I don't remember if it was take 94 or 97," Prithviraj said. He added that the two actors even joked about the unusually high number of takes as the day progressed without the scene being completed.

According to Prithviraj, the cast broke briefly for lunch after hours of filming, but the break was short-lived. He recalled that Rajamouli urged the team to return to the set almost immediately, believing the shot was finally ready to be executed. Filming resumed after lunch and continued into the evening, with the director repeatedly refining the scene in search of the desired result. Even as the clock approached 6.37 pm, the production team was still attempting to capture the sequence. Eventually, the film's executive producer reportedly signalled that it was time to conclude the day's schedule, prompting Rajamouli to postpone the scene until the following morning. Prithviraj emphasised that the incident actually happened during production and reflected the director's relentless work ethic.

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SS Rajamouli has long been recognised for his attention to detail and commitment to delivering technically accomplished films. Throughout his career, he has earned acclaim for directing large-scale blockbusters such as Baahubali and RRR, both of which were praised for their visual storytelling, elaborate action sequences and high production standards. Industry colleagues have frequently spoken about Rajamouli's patience and willingness to spend extended periods perfecting individual scenes if he believes it will enhance the final product. His latest film, Varanasi, is expected to continue that tradition with its ambitious scale and star-studded cast.

The anecdote shared by Prithviraj offers a glimpse into the demanding filmmaking process behind one of the most eagerly awaited Indian films in production. While repeated takes can be physically and mentally exhausting for actors and crew members, the director's insistence on precision has often been credited as a key factor behind the critical and commercial success of his previous projects. With Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran leading the cast, Varanasi has already generated significant anticipation among audiences, and Prithviraj's behind-the-scenes account is likely to further heighten curiosity about the film and Rajamouli's distinctive approach to filmmaking.

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