S.S. Rajamouli Marks Priyanka Chopra Jonas’ Birthday With New ‘Varanasi’ Images

Two character stills of Priyanka Chopra Jonas from S.S. Rajamouli‘s “Varanasi” were released Saturday to mark the actor’s birthday.

“Varanasi” spans thousands of years and traverses multiple continents, with locations ranging from Antarctica to Africa to the titular Indian city. Mahesh Babu plays the dual roles of the protagonist Rudhra and Hindu God Rama, Priyanka Chopra Jonas plays a character named Mandakini and the main antagonist Kumbha is played by Prithviraj Sukumaran. 

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The character of Mandakini required specific qualities that Rajamouli believes Chopra Jonas uniquely possesses. “She can be a really kick-ass girl, and she has to be really vulnerable. [There are] very few actors who can do both in the same character,” he had told Variety. “She did a fantastic job, and I’m so happy that I have her on board.”

The film marks Chopra Jonas’ return to Indian cinema after a run of Hollywood projects including “Citadel” and “The Matrix Resurrections.” She has described the production as career-defining. “If there was any way of coming back to Indian cinema, it would be with the biggest Indian movie being made, and that undertaking is this film,” she says. “I think Sir’s vision is unlike anyone in this country or abroad. His cohort, if I may say so, is the Spielbergs of the world, the Nolans of the world, the Finchers of the world.”

“Varanasi” is Rajamouli’s follow-up to the Academy Award-winning “RRR”. MM Keeravani, who won the Oscar for “RRR’s” “Naatu Naatu,” is returning to score the new film.

“Varanasi” opens in theaters worldwide on April 7, 2027.