Is Rajamouli’s ‘Varanasi’ Being Made on a ₹1,300 Crore Budget? Priyanka Chopra’s Revelation Sparks Buzz

SS Rajamouli’s upcoming magnum opus ‘Varanasi’ has already become one of the most talked-about projects in Indian cinema, even before its release. Scheduled to hit theatres in March 2027, the film has generated massive curiosity—this time not just for its star cast or scale, but for its jaw-dropping reported budget of ₹1,300 crore.

Known worldwide for delivering larger-than-life cinematic spectacles like Baahubali and RRR, Rajamouli is once again aiming to redefine scale and storytelling. Varanasi stars Mahesh Babu in the lead, with Priyanka Chopra Jonas playing a pivotal role, marking her grand return to Indian cinema in a full-fledged pan-India project.

Grand Title Launch and Growing Anticipation

The film’s title was recently unveiled at a grand event in Hyderabad, attended by the entire star cast and thousands of fans. Visual glimpses of characters showcased during the event further fueled excitement, with social media abuzz over the film’s ambitious vision.

₹1,300 Crore Budget? Priyanka Reacts

While the makers have not officially confirmed the film’s budget, the figure gained momentum after Priyanka Chopra’s candid reaction on The Great Indian Kapil Show. During a humorous exchange, host Kapil Sharma mentioned industry buzz suggesting that Varanasi carries a staggering ₹1,300 crore budget.

Priyanka responded with a knowing smile, neither denying nor firmly confirming the figure, which only added fuel to speculation. The playful banter that followed—joking about whether the budget went into her bank account—kept audiences entertained, but also subtly hinted that the number may not be far from reality.

Among the Costliest Films Ever Made

According to reports, Priyanka Chopra is being paid around ₹30 crore for the film, potentially making her one of the highest-paid actresses in Indian cinema. If the ₹1,300 crore estimate holds true, Varanasi would become the second most expensive Indian film ever, surpassed only by Ranbir Kapoor’s upcoming epic Ramayanam, reportedly made on a combined budget of ₹4,000 crore for two parts.

A New Benchmark in Indian Cinema

With Varanasi, SS Rajamouli appears set to push cinematic boundaries once again—technically, visually, and financially. If expectations translate to the big screen, the film could redefine global perceptions of Indian filmmaking and set a new benchmark for pan-India and international cinema.

As anticipation builds, one thing is certain: ‘Varanasi’ is not just a film—it’s an event in the making.