The first look at Priyanka Chopra as Mandakini in S.S. Rajamouli’s Varanasi reveals a fierce, all-black avatar unveiled on her birthday. The ambitious follow-up to RRR spans eras from 512 CE to 2027 CE and the Threthayuga, hinting at time travel. Co-starring Mahesh Babu as Rudhra and Prithviraj Sukumaran as Kumbha, the film releases worldwide on April 7, 2027.
The makers of S.S. Rajamouli's Varanasi have unveiled Priyanka Chopra's first look in the film on the occasion of her birthday. The images offer a glimpse of her fierce and feisty avatar Mandakini, styled in an all-black look.
A follow-up to Rajamouli's last feature film, the blockbuster hit RRR, this Telugu magnum opus has generated significant attention for its scale and ensemble cast ever since it was announced in November 2025.
Chopra is set to star alongside Mahesh Babu as Rudhra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran as Kumbha. The film is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on April 7, 2027.
Talking about a conversation with Rajamouli before accepting the role of Mandakini, Chopra told CinemaBlend, "I was like, ‘I have one request. Can you make me dance? Please? Because I haven’t danced for so long.’" She later revealed, in a conversation with Mahesh Babu, that they had already shot a song together, hinting that the track came about as a result of her request.
Last month, Chopra also opened up about working with Rajamouli at Cannes Lions 2026, sharing that "He has complete and utter control on set. You just come as an actor in with the weight of your character, which is also really freeing as you’re not thinking about the things you would as a producer."
Varanasi is set over a thousand years ago and in various places and spaces, such as Antarctica, Varanasi, and Kenya, across time periods, including 512 CE, 2027 CE and the Threthayuga, hinting at a possible time travel drama. Earlier this month, Rajamouli confirmed that the film's production is in its final stretch.
Chopra was last seen in season 2 of Citadel. She is next set to star in Mira Nair's upcoming biographical drama Amri, as well as Matt Smukler's survival thriller Reset, which is reported to begin production in August.