Filmmaker SS Rajamouli has officially unveiled a striking first look of Priyanka Chopra from his much-awaited epic Varanasi, giving fans a glimpse of her mysterious character, Mandakini. Shared on the occasion of the actress’s birthday, the newly released posters have quickly become one of the most talked-about entertainment moments online.
Rajmouli posted two contrasting images of Priyanka on social media with the caption, “Grace when she smiles. Fire when she doesn’t.” The photographs capture two distinct shades of Mandakini’s personality, one showcasing elegance and warmth, while the other one highlighting a fierce, determined expression,m hinting at a character with depth and strength
The reveal has sparked excitement among fans, who flooded social media with praise for the commanding screen presence and her dramatic transformation. Many described the posters as both impressive and intense, building up anticipation for what promises to be one of the biggest Indian films in production.
Varanasi stars Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran in lead roles and marks the return of Priyanka to Indian cinema after her 2019 film The Sky Is Pink. The ambitious project is written by V. Vijayendra Prasad and is being directed by SS Rajamouli, whose previous blockbuster RRR earned worldwide acclaim.
Described as a globe-spanning action-adventure, Varanasi combines Indian mythology, history, and science fiction. Reports suggest the film has been shot across multiple locations, including Kenya and Andhra Pradesh’s Borra Caves, while large-scale sets have also been created for key sequences. The project has already generated significant buzz following its international showcase at CCXP Mexico earlier this year.
With Priyanka’s powerful first look now unveiled, anticipation surrounding Varanasi has reached a new high. Scheduled to hit theatres in April 2027, the film is expected to be one of Indian cinema’s biggest releases, bringing together the grand storytelling of Rajamouli with a star-studded cast in an epic adventure spanning continents and time.
