Priyanka Chopra Varanasi first look unveiled by SSRajamouli, actor appears as Mandakini
The first official images shared by Rajamouli showcased the 44-year-old global icon in a bold all-black look, featuring wild curls and a sheer ensemble, hinting at a grand sequence from the film. Mandakini has been described as a "fierce, globetrotting character who is strong, vulnerable and unforgettable in equal measure."Grace when she smiles.Fire when she doesn’t.Mandakini @PriyankaChopra in #Varanasi pic.twitter.com/4lYerYbm4Q— rajamouli ss (@ssrajamouli) July 18, 2026
The newly released look has also sparked speculation that it could be from the much-anticipated dance sequence Chopra had previously spoken about. The actor had revealed that she requested Rajamouli for a dance number and shot a massive, high-energy sequence with co-star Mahesh Babu.
Varanasi marks Chopra's first Indian theatrical release since The Sky Is Pink (2019). The film stars her alongside Mahesh Babu, who plays the lead character Rudhra and is also rumoured to portray Lord Rama in a pivotal 20-minute sequence depicting the Ramayana battle.
Malayalam star Prithviraj Sukumaran essays the role of the antagonist Kumbha, described as a character with a "dangerously unlimited" mindset. According to the makers, Mandakini's journey unfolds between the two central characters as the epic narrative progresses.Priyanka Chopra on Varanasi
Earlier, during an appearance on the 'Hey Jonas' podcast, hosted by husband Nick Jonas and his brothers Kevin and Joe, Chopra shared, “I have been working on it for about 14 months now. But SS Rajamouli is known to take that kind of time to make movies. He called me for this movie, and it’s this epic adventure around the world and in time. It has taken a minute, but I’m so excited about it. I do many amazing slow-motion jumps in it, and that’s all I can say about it."
Written by Vijayendra Prasad and directed by Rajamouli, Varanasi stars Mahesh Babu, Prithviraj Sukumaran and Priyanka Chopra. The film blends Indian mythology and folklore with science-fiction elements, including time travel, and is being mounted as a globe-spanning adventure. Rajamouli has also said that the film has an emotional father-son thread at its core.
Varanasi is currently set for a theatrical release in April 2027.- EndsPublished By: Prachi aryaPublished On: Jul 18, 2026 12:18 ISTALSO READ | Priyanka Chopra hypes up SS Rajamouli's Varanasi, teases slow-motion action
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