Varanasi movie: Title reveal to Mahesh Babu’s Rudra and more about Rajamouli’s Globetrotter event | Highlights

In what could have been the climax of an eagerly awaited movie, the title of Rajamouli’s next with Telugu star Mahesh Babu was revealed in the much-anticipated Globetrotter event held in Hyderabad on November 15, 2025. The night, which lit up with fireworks, had some of the biggest stars across industries turning up for the event, which was livestreamed on JioHotstar (OTTplay Premium). From revealing the title to Mahesh Babu’s look as Rudra, here are the top 5 highlights of the Varanasi movie event!

Varanasi movie event | Highlights

Varanasi movie title

It is hard to pinpoint which would be the biggest moment of the star-studded event in Hyderabad. But the most anticipated one definitely was the title reveal of the Rajamouli movie, which, up until now, was mostly referred to as Globetrotter. Another name doing the rounds was Sanchari, while the working title was SSMB29 after the director and filmmaker. However, the RRR director ditching the English word for a rooted Indian name for his epic film has definitely upped the fans’ excitement.

Also read: SS Rajamouili's next titled Varanasi, Mahesh Babu's bulldozing entry leaves f ans stunned

Mahesh Babu as Rudra

Telugu star Mahesh Babu is the face of Rajamouli’s epic film, and his character name and first-look were also revealed during the big launch on Saturday. Mahesh Babu plays Rudra, it was revealed, along with a striking poster of the ‘Prince’ seated atop a charging ox which was just majestic. But the big reveal also saw an inadvertent glitch that left the Globetrotter team red-faced. 

Varanasi teaser

Fans also got a glimpse of the epic world of Varanasi in the teaser. The Varanasi movie teaser begins with asteroid Shambavi that crashes on to earth in 2027 CE, specifically on the Ross Ice Shelf in Antarctica, followed by animated visuals of African savanna teaming with wild animals. Then the teaser cuts to show the insides of Ugrabhatti cave in Vanaanchal as a woman, clad in red saree (probably Priyanka Chopra), is seen falling. We switch to Lanka Nagram in Trethaya Yuga and the Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi, before culminating in Mahesh Babu’s impressive look as the rugged Rudra.

Priyanka Chopra’s favourite desi girl

Not just south cinema, Priyanka Chopra, the global sensation, also landed in Hyderabad, announcing her return to Indian cinema after a hiatus. She was welcomed on stage with a desi girl song, and she said it was her favourite version of the Dostana track. Priyanka plays Mandakani in the Rajamouli film. The OG desi girl interacted with the Mahesh Babu fans who greeted her with rapturous applause. 

Varanasi movie release date

It was also revealed that the Varanasi movie would be released in 2027. The fans now would have to wait for more than a year to see the epic movie unfold on the silver screen. Given that the film is helmed by RRR and Baahubali director, the fans are sure that Mahesh Babu's upcoming film would be worth the wait. Prithviraj Sukumaran plays the antagonist Kumba in the much-anticipated film, and his first-look had already gone viral.

FAQs

Q. When will the first look of Mahesh Babu-Rajamouli be out?

A. The first look of the Mahesh Babu-Rajamouli film, Varanasi, was out on November 15, 2025

Q. Who is playing the female lead in Mahesh Babu's next?

A. Priyanka Chopra Jonas plays the female lead in Mahesh Babu's next, tentatively titled Globetrotter.