The first look of Priyanka Chopra as Mandakini from Varanasi is out. Released on the actress’ birthday through an international exclusive, the poster presents Priyanka in a fierce new avatar and she is presented in a never-seen look. Mandakini is not a conventional female lead. According to the makers, she is a strong yet emotionally layered character who finds herself caught between Rudhra, played by Mahesh Babu, and Kumbha, portrayed by Prithviraj Sukumaran. While Rudhra also appears as Lord Rama in one portion of the film, Kumbha is the primary antagonist, making Mandakini a central force in the story.
Priyanka has been shooting for Varanasi for nearly 14 months. Speaking recently on a podcast, she described the film as an epic adventure that travels across time and continents. She also revealed that the role involves several demanding action sequences, joking that she performs “many slow-motion jumps” in the film. Varanasi marks Priyanka’s return to Indian cinema after The Sky Is Pink and also her first collaboration with Rajamouli. The current schedule is happening in Hyderabad.
Directed by SS Rajamouli and written by Vijayendra Prasad, Varanasi stars Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran in the lead roles. The action-adventure is scheduled for a worldwide release on April 7, 2027, with the makers planning one of the biggest global releases for an Indian film. KL Narayana is the producer and Keeravani is scoring the music.