Mahesh Babu–SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi Is Another Epic, Says Writer Gopi Mohan

The much-awaited magnum opus starring Mahesh Babu and directed by SS Rajamouli has finally locked its release date, sending fans into a frenzy. After sparking curiosity by erecting massive hoardings in the holy city of Varanasi with just a date displayed, the makers have officially announced that the globe-trotting action adventure Varanasi will hit theatres on April 7, 2027.

“It is one of the most eagerly awaited films in Indian cinema,” says noted writer Gopi Mohan, adding that the combination of Mahesh Babu and Rajamouli has generated unprecedented interest. “Rajamouli raised the bar of Telugu cinema with Baahubali and RRR, and now he is coming up with yet another epic,” he says.

Gopi Mohan claims that Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu will be making his Hindi film debut with this sci-fi and mythological thriller. “Mahesh Babu will be seen in a never-before avatar and is bound to enthral North Indian and other non-Telugu-speaking audiences. He plays Lord Ram for the first time in his career and will breathe life into the role, alongside a modern forest adventurer character in this genre-bending supernatural thriller,” he explains.

Commenting on the film’s online buzz, Gopi Mohan says the response on social media has been extraordinary. “For the first time, netizens have almost become writers and directors themselves, coming up with imaginative stories and theories about Varanasi after the teaser was unveiled. No film before has inspired people to let their imagination run so wild. It’s a rare and welcome change from the usual clichéd trolling,” he notes.

Speaking further about Rajamouli, he adds, “Rajamouli’s visual imagination, epic storytelling, and his ability to present Telugu stars like Prabhas, Jr NTR, and Ram Charan in larger-than-life roles have expanded their fan base worldwide. Now, he has once again designed a fiery avatar for Mahesh Babu to break boundaries and dominate the box office.”

When asked whether Varanasi can surpass the collections of the Hindi blockbuster Dhurandhar, Gopi Mohan says comparisons are unfair. “Dhurandhar was a gripping spy drama, while Varanasi is a layered epic. Rajamouli has already delivered two films that crossed the Rs 1,000 crore mark, and he may well break his own record but we need to wait,” he concludes.