Priyanka Chopra on navigating Telugu language barrier in Varanasi: 'Had to phonetically memorise; improvisation's really tough'

Priyanka Chopra Jonas has provided a detailed look at the production of her forthcoming film Varanasi, highlighting the technical, linguistic, and cultural challenges of working under S.S. Rajamouli. Although she is not a native Telugu speaker, the film signifies a triumphant comeback to regional Indian cinema for the actor.

How did Priyanka Chopra overcome the challenges of language barrier?

Chopra asserts that she adapted her on-set act to surmount the language barrier. She explained in an interview with Collider, "Coming back to do a Telugu film—like, I don't speak the language, I don't understand the language—so I had to phonetically memorise and understand each word to be able to banter in the movie. So improvisation's really tough. So I lean a lot on the director."

The actor has recently been navigating Western filmmaking conventions, but this linguistic preparation is a part of a bigger, more intense production cycle.

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How does Priyanka Chopra Jonas view the transition between Indian cinema and Hollywood?

Chopra reflected on her international career and the challenges of transitioning across the film industry. She stated, "When I pivoted and went and started working in the West... the culture of filmmaking is completely different... trying to navigate that. I feel very privileged to be challenged and picked on, to take on challenges."

According to Chopra, there are sometimes longer commitments involved in the logistical framework of Indian productions as opposed to Hollywood. The actor revealed, "Production schedules are different in Indian films than they are in America... we shoot for 25, 30, or 60 days. Say, for example, you shot that part, and then you’ll take a break for a little bit while the other one gets set up. So the commitment for actors is usually a long time, and this film is like times X of that just because of the vision of it."

What is the unique on-set atmosphere of an S.S. Rajamouli film?

The actor continued to describe the unique atmosphere that pervades a Rajamouli set, where the filmmaker maintains strict control over the technical vision while providing detailed criticism to boost morale. According to Chopra, the actors frequently observe the director's responses to their performances as a measure of their performance: "We count who gets more 'nices' and who gets more 'very nices' and who gets, like, an 'okay'."

Since the production crew is usually responsible for handling all of the technical aspects of the shots when working with a filmmaker of Rajamouli's ability, a high degree of confidence is necessary. "I have an elephant memory. I can remember everything," Chopra said, highlighting her dependence on her memory and the director's direction during the multi-year shooting process.

What makes the scope of Varanasi so ambitious?

The production of Varanasi spans enormous historical periods, from 2000 BC all the way up to 2027. This ambitious goal is the driving force behind the lengthy and disjointed filming schedule. In spite of the challenges posed by phonetic dialogue, industry shifts, and the script's physical and chronological demands, Chopra maintains a laser-like focus on the project's necessary perfection as its 2027 release date approaches.

Varanasi FAQs:

Q: Is Priyanka Chopra in the movie Varanasi?

A: Yes, Priyanka Chopra Jonas stars as the female lead, Mandakini, in S.S. Rajamouli’s upcoming film Varanasi. The role marks her significant return to Indian regional cinema and her first collaboration with both Rajamouli and Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu. She portrays a "mysterious thief" in this globetrotting action-adventure.

Q: Does Priyanka Chopra speak Telugu in Varanasi?

A: While Priyanka Chopra Jonas is not a native Telugu speaker, she performs her own dialogue in Varani.

Q: When is the release date for Varanasi?

A: Varanasi is officially scheduled for a global theatrical release on April 7, 2027. The date was chosen to align with the festive window of Ugadi and Gudi Padwa, providing a strong opening week in the Indian market. It will be released in standard and IMAX formats worldwide.