Varanasi Smashes Records: ₹1,400 Crore Makes It Indian Cinema’s Most Expensive Film

Filmmaker S. S. Rajamouli’s ambitious action epic Varanasi, is a project mounted on a reported budget of ₹1,400 crore (approximately $150 million). Positioned as the most expensive Indian film ever made, the production marks a significant milestone not only for Priyanka Chopra but also for the scale and technical ambition of contemporary Indian cinema.

Priyanka , who has largely focused on international projects since 2019, will star alongside Mahesh Babu in what will also be her Telugu film debut. The film is scheduled for release in April 2027 and is being described as a globe-trotting action spectacle. According to the actor, the narrative spans multiple continents, with sequences reportedly set in extreme locations, underscoring Rajamouli’s reputation for mounting visually expansive stories.

In a recent interview with Variety, Priyanka described the project as unlike anything she has attempted before. She praised Rajamouli’s vision and scale, calling the cinematic worlds he creates “larger than life”. The actor also revealed that she presented an “ultimatum” to the filmmaker while signing the film, underscoring her active involvement in shaping aspects of her role, including performance elements that reflect her strengths.

Also Read: Priyanka Chopra Pens Emotional Note for Nick Jonas on Sunday Best Release

Technically, Varanasi aims to push industry boundaries as the first Indian film to be shot in the 1.43:1 IMAX format, signalling a major leap in production ambition. Rajamouli, known globally for blockbusters such as Baahubali and RRR, has built a reputation for combining scale with strong narrative arcs, and expectations around this project are correspondingly high. The unprecedented budget makes the film both a creative milestone and a significant financial gamble.

Industry analysts view the film as a litmus test for the global viability of Indian tentpole productions at Hollywood-scale budgets. For Priyanka, the project represents a high-profile homecoming; for Rajamouli and the industry at large, it is a bold bet on spectacle-driven storytelling and international box-office appeal. With its scale, star power, and technical ambition, Varanasi is poised to become one of the most closely watched Indian film releases in recent years.

Also Read: Shatrughan Sinha Meets Hema Malini in Delhi, Dharmendra Frame Steals Show