Chopra had not made an Indian film for six or seven years and called Varanasi an exciting way to return. She said Rajamouli is one of the most gifted directors in India, and she was happy to work with him again on a large project. The release date, she also said, was timed to coincide with spring festivals, which could mean a longer run in cinemas – and more international attention – around the holidays.
Filming is still going on, and Chopra said they’ve been shooting for fourteen months, with another six to go. This long time shows how grand the film is, and how much the director wants to get the details right and make a big story.
Varanasi is being filmed in IMAX – meant for IMAX cinemas across the world.
Being filmed in IMAX suggests the filmmakers are planning really impressive camera work and large scenes to give a cinema experience beyond what’s usual.
The conversation between the actor and the host included a light-hearted comment about going all out, showing how ambitious the production is. The IMAX filming and the almost two-year schedule suggest complicated action, impressive sets, and a lot of work after the filming is done.
A schedule like this also points to a huge operation in terms of getting things sorted – from filming on location to making sure all the different parts of the team work together. People in the industry usually see long productions as a sign of a really important film, made for both Indian and world audiences.
Mahesh Babu will play Rudra in Varanasi, Priyanka Chopra will be Mandakini, and Prithviraj Sukumaran will be Kumbha. The cast brings together big names from different Indian film industries, which might help the film appeal to people in many different areas – and around the world.
Early adverts for the film showed Mahesh Babu’s character in a way that looked like mythology, which suggests the film will mix action with a bigger-than-life story. Chopra’s part as Mandakini is a major role in a film already described as an adventure epic.
Chopra was also there to talk about her latest action-adventure.
The Bluff, where she does tough sword and gun scenes with Karl Urban. That film showed she is happy to do physically demanding roles and made her better known as an action star before Varanasi.
At the moment, she is working on a mixture of Hollywood and Indian films, using her appeal both in the world and in India. This could help Varanasi get an audience internationally, as well as satisfying her fans at home.
With Rajamouli directing, an IMAX shoot, and a long time being spent on production, people who see the film can expect a visually strong, large-scale adventure. The release date being timed to festivals also shows the team wants a good start which can continue through the holidays.
For people who like Priyanka Chopra, the film is a long-awaited return to Indian cinema in a part that looks as though it’s been made to show off both her star quality and her ability in action. For people around the world, the IMAX format and the director’s good name suggest a cinema event meant to be seen on the biggest screens.
As production goes on over the next few months, we’ll probably get more details about the story, previews, and adverts. For now, Varanasi is looking like one of the most talked-about films coming up – mixing great actors, technical ambition and a release date which is good for festivals.
