SS Rajamouli wants to present Ramayana differently in ‘Varanasi’

SS Rajamouli has spoken about how Indian epics have been made into films until now, and how the director wishes to give a different twist to his next project, 'Varanasi.' Renowned for making huge visual spectacles like Baahubali and RRR, the filmmaker thinks the epics deserve far more treatment than they have received.

His latest comments have attracted attention as audiences await the Mahesh Babu-starrer, which features a significant episode inspired by the Ramayana. Now, SS Rajamouli discussed his vision and creative ambitions in a recent podcast interview.

Rajamouli says he was never satisfied with Ramayana adaptations

Speaking on the Empire Film Podcast, SS Rajamouli opened up about his views on previous adaptations of the Ramayana and Mahabharata. “I was never fully satisfied with how these epics were presented on screen,” the director mentioned, hoping to present the legendary tales of India in an even grander manner to the audience.

In 'Varanasi,' SS Rajamouli hopes to fulfil his vision through a pivotal scene based on the Ramayana.

It will be both visually grandiose and very emotional at the same time. His comments have raised expectations for how the Mahesh Babu-starrer will combine visual grandeur, character development, and emotional depth.

SS Rajamouli reveals Mahesh Babu’s transformation as Lord Rama

One of the most talked-about aspects of 'Varanasi' is Mahesh Babu’s appearance as Lord Rama in the film’s Ramayana-inspired sequence.

Rajamouli previously revealed that seeing the actor in the character’s look gave him goosebumps. The director has also spoken about the challenges involved in filming the extended sequence, which reportedly took 60 days to complete. The scene is expected to be an important part of the narrative, although 'Varanasi' is not a straightforward adaptation of the entire epic.

Rajamouli wants audiences to understand the emotions and events without needing detailed prior knowledge of the original story.

Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra film targets April 2027

Apart from Mahesh Babu, 'Varanasi' stars Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran in key roles. The film combines adventure, large-scale action, and elements inspired by Indian mythology. The makers have announced April 7, 2027, as its worldwide theatrical release date. With Rajamouli aiming to present the epic sequence through his distinctive filmmaking style, expectations are growing around the film’s visual scale and emotional impact.

Whether this is a new standard for mythological storytelling will be known once 'Varanasi' releases in theatres.