Chennai: Producer S S Karthikeya has revealed that post-production work on director S S Rajamouli’s much-awaited epic Varanasi, starring Mahesh Babu, is progressing at a brisk pace, with the team aiming to complete the film by January next year.
Karthikeya, one of the producers associated with the project, shared the update while speaking to IANS on the sidelines of a pre-release event for his upcoming film Don’t Trouble the Trouble, which features Fahadh Faasil in the lead.
Only four to five days of shooting left
Speaking about the progress of Varanasi, Karthikeya said the team has only a few days of filming remaining and that post-production is already being carried out simultaneously.
“We only have four to five days of shooting left to go to complete the film. Post-production work on Varanasi is happening simultaneously. It is progressing at a brisk pace and we should be done with everything by January next year,” he told IANS.
The update indicates that the film has entered its final stages of production, with the remaining shooting and extensive post-production work being handled alongside each other.
Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj lead
Varanasi stars Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran in the lead roles. The film is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on April 7 next year and is scheduled to arrive in IMAX.
The film has music by veteran composer M M Keeravani and is being produced by Sri Durga Arts and Showing Business.
The project has generated significant anticipation since its title and characters were unveiled, particularly because it marks Mahesh Babu’s collaboration with Rajamouli.
Mahesh Babu as Rudhra
The makers previously unveiled two exclusive stills featuring Mahesh Babu on the occasion of the actor’s birthday.
The images offered the first glimpse of his character Rudhra. In one still, Rudhra is seen resting on a bamboo raft amid a dense jungle, with a calm yet intense presence.
The second still takes the character to Kenya’s Maasai Mara, where Rudhra is seen standing amid giraffes and other wild animals against the expansive landscape.
The visuals have also highlighted the international scale of the film, which reportedly spans locations across India and Africa.
A globe-trotting, century-spanning epic
Varanasi is described as a globe-trotting, century-spanning epic centred on the extraordinary journey of one man, taking the story from the sacred waters of India to remote and wild corners of the world.
Rajamouli previously spoke about Mahesh Babu’s character after the launch of the film’s title teaser, describing Rudhra as someone born with a purpose larger than himself and carrying a destiny he did not seek.
The filmmaker also highlighted the contrasting qualities of the character, describing him as witty, vulnerable and fierce. Rajamouli said Mahesh Babu brought both fierceness and fragility to Rudhra.
The director also recalled shooting around Mount Kilimanjaro and in the Maasai Mara during the film’s Africa schedule. According to Rajamouli, the landscapes added an element to the visuals that could not have been recreated on a set.
Prithviraj and Priyanka Chopra’s characters
The makers have also revealed the looks and characters of the other principal cast members.
Prithviraj Sukumaran plays Kumbha, the antagonist, while Priyanka Chopra portrays Mandakini.
With the final days of shooting remaining and post-production underway, the team is working towards completing the film by January before its scheduled worldwide theatrical release in April.