Hollywood

11 days ago

1K views

Priyanka Chopra To Present At Oscars 2026; Academy Announces Star-Studded Presenter Lineup

Mumbai, March 6 - Global icon Priyanka Chopra is set to take the stage at the 98th Academy Awards as one of the presenters. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recently unveiled the list of celebrities who will present awards at the prestigious ceremony, scheduled to take place on March 15, 2026 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Priyanka joins a star-studded lineup of presenters that includes Hollywood names such as Robert Downey Jr., Anne Hathaway, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Paul Mescal, among others. The announcement was made by the Academy through its official social media channels, generating excitement among fans worldwide. This will mark Priyanka Chopra's return to the Oscars stage as a presenter. The actress had previously presented an award at the 2016 Academy Awards, becoming one of the few Indian actors to be featured on the global platform. Over the years, Priyanka has continued to strengthen her presence in international entertainment through Hollywood films, series, and global brand collaborations. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The upcoming Oscars ceremony is expected to be a grand affair, celebrating the best achievements in global cinema. With Priyanka Chopra among the presenters, Indian audiences will once again have a strong presence to look forward to on one of the world’s biggest entertainment stages. On the professional front, Priyanka Chopra has recently been seen in Amazon Prime Video's The Bluff, which has been trending at number 1 worldwide on the platform. The actress will next be seen in SS Rajamouli's global adventure film, Varanasi, co-starring with Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran. Stay tuned...

Tollywood

17 days ago

3.7K views

Varanasi: R. Madhavan Reveals SS Rajamouli's Magnum Opus is a Masterful Blend of High Technology and Mythology

During an appearance on the Zero1 Network podcast, R. Madhavan shared his observations on the scale and conceptual framework of the film. Madhavan, who is reportedly part of the project’s ensemble cast, described the movie as an amalgamation of high technology and mythology. This insight aligns with earlier reports suggesting that the film will be a large-scale action adventure utilizing extensive visual effects and global production standards. Directed by SS Rajamouli and starring Mahesh Babu, the film is described as a large-scale action-adventure that reportedly centers on themes of time travel and global exploration.According to reports and early teaser breakdowns, the narrative is expected to be a globe-trotting epic spanning multiple continents—including Africa and Antarctica—while traversing different historical eras and mythological timelines.The story reportedly follows a protagonist who must navigate these various locations and periods to prevent a global catastrophe, effectively bridging futuristic science fiction with ancient Indian roots. According to Madhavan, the film represents a bold new frontier for Indian cinema. He emphasized that Rajamouli's vision for Varanasi involves using world-class VFX and state-of-the-art technical tools to tell a story deeply rooted in Indian spiritual heritage. The actor noted that the project manages to bridge the gap between ancient storytelling traditions and a futuristic technical execution, something he believes only a visionary like Rajamouli can achieve at this scale. This blend is expected to offer a visual experience that rivals the highest-budget Hollywood productions. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   The production of Varanasi is currently being hailed as one of the most ambitious undertakings in film history, with a reported budget exceeding ₹1300 crore. The film features a massive ensemble cast, led by Mahesh Babu in a role that involves high-octane sequences across various international terrains, including the African wilderness and the spiritual landscape of the city of Varanasi. Global star Priyanka Chopra Jonas is set to make her return to Indian cinema with this project, while Prithviraj Sukumaran is slated to play a powerful antagonist that challenges Mahesh Babu’s character throughout the journey. As the film continues its intensive production schedule, which has already spanned over 14 months, industry insiders suggest that Varanasi is being shot entirely in the IMAX format to ensure a truly immersive global release. With MM Keeravaani composing a score that mirrors the film's blend of modern and traditional sounds, the project is positioning itself as a major contender for international box office records. Currently, the film is locked for a grand worldwide release on April 7, 2027, a date that is already being circled by trade analysts as the next major milestone for Indian cinema on the world stage.

Tollywood

18 days ago

722 views

Priyanka Chopra Confirms Six Months of Shoot Pending For SS Rajamouli's Varanasi

Mumbai, February 27 - Priyanka Chopra has confirmed that a significant portion of shooting is still pending for her upcoming Indian project Varanasi, directed by S. S. Rajamouli. The actress revealed that the film's production has already been underway for nearly 14 months, with another six months of shooting remaining before it finally wraps up. The update came during Priyanka Chopra's recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where she spoke about the scale and ambition of the project. When asked about the status of the film, the global star candidly shared that the team is still deep into production, highlighting the exhaustive timelines involved in Rajamouli's films. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Varanasi is touted to be one of the most ambitious Indian films currently in production, mounted on a massive scale and involving extensive schedules across multiple locations. The prolonged shoot further underlines Rajamouli's reputation for meticulous planning, large action set pieces, and high technical standards, all of which demand extended filming timelines. Headlined by Mahesh Babu and also starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, Varanasi continues to generate immense buzz, especially with Priyanka Chopra making her much-anticipated return to a major Indian cinematic spectacle. It is scheduled to be released in April 2027. Stay tuned...

Tollywood

24 days ago

877 views

Mahesh Babu's Lord Ram Look From Varanasi Revealed?

Hyderabad, February 21 - Speculation surrounding Mahesh Babu portraying Lord Ram in Varanasi has gained massive traction after a striking image went viral on social media. The visual, which shows the superstar in a calm, divine avatar holding a bow, was widely circulated as Lord Ram from the film. Mythri Cinemas in Andhra Pradesh's Guntur displayed a Varanasi poster digitally, and it has gone viral. The digital hoarding features Mahesh Babu as Lord Ram, holding the bow and overlooking the sea as the poster reads, Mahesh Babu as Sri Ram, with Varanasi written on it. However, it is not yet clear if it the official look as neither the production house nor the film's team has released or endorsed the image. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) #MaheshBabu as Lord Ram #Varanasi pic.twitter.com/wIqirG370G— Unni Rajendran (@unnirajendran_) February 21, 2026 What is officially confirmed is that director S. S. Rajamouli has acknowledged the presence of a Ramayana-inspired narrative element in Varanasi, with Mahesh Babu appearing in a role linked to Lord Ram. Whether this avatar spans the entire film or appears in a key portion remains under wraps, but the confirmation alone has significantly heightened expectations. Produced by Sri Durga Arts and Showing Business, Varanasi is one of the most expensive Indian films ever made, with a reported budget of over 1300 crores. The movie, also starring Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran, is a globetrotting adventure film that spans different timelines and continents. It is scheduled to release on April 7, 2027, in multiple languages. Stay tuned...

Tollywood

32 days ago

847 views

SS Rajamouli's Varanasi To Be Shorter Than RRR?

Hyderabad, February 13 - Director SS Rajamouli's Varanasi is his most ambitious film yet, and everyone got a glimpse of it when the makers released the first-look teaser in November last year. The nearly 4-minute-long promo showcased Rajamouli's massive vision for the global action-adventure. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Ever since the teaser of Mahesh Babu's starrer dropped, social media has been buzzing with speculation about how long the film would be. Seeing the massive scale, fans believe that it can't be fit into one film, and that Rajamouli might have to split it into two parts or keep it as a super lenghty one part epic. While everyone is speculating multiple parts or a high runtime, Rajamouli seems to have a clear-cut plan to complete the story in one part. What is interesting is that the legendary filmmaker intends to keep the film's theatrical runtime under 3 hours. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) “At this point, I’m assuming @VaranasiMovie run time will be less than 3hour” - @ssrajamouli ▶️ https://t.co/SeOUk2PDRn #MaheshBabu | #Varanasi pic.twitter.com/1tpLtlRQli— VardhanDHFM (@_VardhanDHFM_) February 13, 2026 During an interview with Collider, the Baabubali director said that as things are proceeding, he believes that the final runtime of Varanasi will be less than 3 hours, which will be less than his last film, RRR. Released in 2022, RRR was huge in scale with the official runtime of 3 hours and 2 minutes, and to have a shorter runtime than the last film for the upcoming film, which is bigger than RRR in terms of everything, is insane. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Of course, a lot of shooting is still pending, and the final runtime might vary, but it is clear that Rajamouli is not looking to expand the film in multiple parts (as of now). When it comes to filmmaking, no one does things better than Rajamouli, but it will be interesting to see how he fits such a massive scale in a film with under 3 hours, while keeping it engaging and the spectacle he is known for. Also starring Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran, Varanasi is scheduled to release on April 7, 2027. Stay tuned...

Tollywood

32 days ago

944 views

SS Rajamouli Picks One of The Greatest Cinematic Moments In Varanasi

Hyderabad, February 13 - Director SS Rajamouli has often spoken about cinema transcending realism, and the scene he associates with one of the greatest cinematic moments in Varanasi perfectly reflects that philosophy. During an interview with Collider, the maverick filmmaker picked the moment in the film which he feels is going to be a peak cinematic moment. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The filmmaker was asked at what point he thought of making Varanasi. While he didn't pinpoint an instance which led him to make this global action adventure, he did point out the scene featuring the titular character, Rudra, played by Mahesh Babu. The visual captures a ferocious warrior charging through the ancient city atop a raging bull, with dust, chaos, and towering temples framing the spectacle. It is not designed to depict everyday Varanasi, but its eternal spirit—raw, powerful, and deeply spiritual. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) What elevates this moment into cinematic greatness is its symbolism. The bull instantly evokes Nandi, the sacred mount of Lord Shiva, who is intrinsically linked to Varanasi. By placing his protagonist on the bull, Rajamouli fuses man and epicness into a single visual idea. For Rajamouli, this moment represents cinema at its most elemental—where culture, history, movement, and emotion collide in a single frame. It is the kind of shot that, Rajamouli feel, will remain etched in the audience's memory long after the film ends. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Also starring Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran, Varanasi is being filmed for IMAX and is scheduled to release on April 7, 2027, in multiple languages. Stay tuned...

Hollywood

33 days ago

937 views

Priyanka Chopra To Star In Next James Bond Film?

Mumbai, February 12 - Priyanka Chopra is taking giant steps in her career. Having built a successful career both in Indian cinema and Hollywood, the actress might be in line to feature in the next James Bond film, which is in the early stages of development. Over the past few years, Amazon MGM Studio has solidified its relationship with the Indian star, collaborating with her on last year's action thriller Heads of State opposite John Cena and Idris Elba. An internal report of Amazon found that twice as much buzz as her co-stars based on volume, headlines and quoting intensity for Heads of State, which was a big hit on the platform. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Amazon MGM acquired the James Bond franchise a couple of years back, and the next Bond movie will be the first in the franchise to be made under Amazon. According to the report by Variety, the studio is so bullish on the Jamshedpur-born actress, so much so that rumours continue to swirl that she will land somewhere in Bond 26, the tech giant's first foray into the 007 franchise. While Priyanka didn't reveal anything, the actress acknowledged that the James Bond franchise could be truly global now with Amazon having storng distribution network worldwide, be it theatrical or streaming. The actress is curious to see which lane the studi pick for the widely popular franchise. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) At present, the next James Bond film is still in the early stages of development. With Daniel Craig having exited the role after No Time To Die, the makers are yet to officially announce the next actor to play 007, let alone the supporting cast. Casting decisions are being closely guarded by the studio, and no names have been confirmed so far. Meanwhile, Priyanka Chopra Jonas returns to Indian cinema with possibly the biggest film of her career, director SS Rajamouli's Varanasi. The global action adventure, headed by Mahesh Babu and also starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, is currently in production for an April 7, 2027, release. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Stay tuned...

Tollywood

38 days ago

895 views

SS Rajamouli's Mega Blockbuster RRR To Be Made In Animation

Hyderabad, February 7 - Director SS Rajamouli is currently working on his next, titled Varanasi, starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran. Touted as a global adventure rooted in Indian culture, Varanasi has been announced for a worldwide release on April 7, 2027, in multiple formats and languages. As the maverick filmmaker is busy making the next Indian phenomenon, his last film, RRR, could also return to the big screens in a new form. Released in 2022, the period action drama opened new markets for Rajamouli and team by becoming one of the biggest Indian grossers ever. Now, the Baahubali director is working to bring the film as an animation. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) During a recent Varanasi promotional interview with Polygon, SS Rajamouli revealed, "We have been in talks with a few studios in Japan to make RRR in anime. So I'm waiting for things to get through. Hopefully it happens, and hopefully we can announce a cool continuation of RRR anime". Rajamouli has become a fan of anime lately, after expressing admiration for animated films like Demon Slayer and Attack on Titan. While work to bring RRR as an anime is ongoing, the director's Baahubali is already in development as an animation for a 2027 release. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Recently, the filmmaker's Baahubali (both parts) re-released as a single part epic, and with this, an animated film, titled Baahubali: The Eternal War, was announced with the epic first look teaser. Directed by Ishan Shukla, the animated film will be released in two parts, with the first part confirmed to hit the big screens in 2027. In the animated movie, the murdered Prince Baahubali enters the afterlife and joins an eternal war between gods and demons across 14 realms. Released in March 2022, RRR stars Jr. NTR and Ram Charan, along with Alia Bhatt, Ajay Devgn, Ray Stevenson, Alison Doody, Olivia Morris, Shriya Saran, and Samuthirakani in key roles. The film was a massive hit at the box office, grossing over 1200 crores worldwide. Stay tuned...

Tollywood

38 days ago

776 views

SS Rajamouli's Dharna for IMAX: How Mahesh Babu's Varanasi Could Finally Bring True 1.43:1 Screens to India

In the world of global cinema, S.S. Rajamouli is no longer just a filmmaker; he is a visionary architect of spectacle. Following the historic global success of RRR, Rajamouli is now setting his sights on a new frontier—one that isn't just about the story on screen, but the screen itself.His upcoming globe-trotting adventure, officially titled Varanasi (formerly #SSMB29), starring Superstar Mahesh Babu, is being positioned as a cultural and technological inflection point for India. During a high-profile interaction, Rajamouli issued a playful yet pointed ultimatum to the tech giants in Los Angeles, sparking a viral conversation about India's theatrical infrastructure. The filmmaker's frustration centers on the lack of True IMAX screens in India—specifically those capable of the immersive 1.43:1 aspect ratio. To emphasize his point, Rajamouli shared a sentiment that has now become the rallying cry for Indian cinephiles: In India, we call something like Dharna that says like if you are not happy with someone we pitch tents outside their office and say we demand some theatre. So I am going to pitch tent outside IMAX in LA and demand them... we need big screens here in India. This isn't just a joke; it is a signal of intent from a director who refuses to let his 1,300-crore vision be compressed into standard formats. The irony of the current situation is hard to ignore. India is already IMAX's 7th largest market, with a staggering footprint growth of nearly 60% since 2020. The audience's appetite for premium large-format experiences is undeniable, yet the infrastructure lags behind the ambition. While most Indian IMAX screens are digital versions on smaller 1.90:1 displays, Rajamouli's Varanasi is being filmed specifically for the towering 1.43:1 format. For a story that spans multiple worlds—from the spiritual ghats of Varanasi to the frozen wastes of Antarctica and even the mythic Treta Yuga—the director insists that only the vertical scale of a True IMAX can do justice to the magnificent visuals. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   Perhaps the most stinging irony lies in Hyderabad, the heart of Telugu cinema. Despite producing the country's biggest blockbusters and housing a massive fan base, the city currently lacks a confirmed, top-tier IMAX screen. This gap between the industry's creative ambition and its technical infrastructure is precisely what Varanasi hopes to bridge. With a star-studded cast including Mahesh Babu as the protagonist Rudhra, Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Mandakini, and Prithviraj Sukumaran as the antagonist Kumbha, the film is designed for scale, myth, and immersion. Rajamouli has even noted that for the film's teaser launch, they audaciously built a custom 100-foot by 130-foot screen just to show the footage as intended. The ball is now firmly in the court of Indian exhibitors. IMAX has already responded to Rajamouli's Dharna comment with a clear we're ready, signaling that they are open for business and eager to expand.If Varanasi receives the IMAX treatment it deserves by its April 7, 2027 release, it won't just elevate one film; it will reset the expectations for how Indian blockbusters are experienced. It could finally normalize IMAX-first filmmaking in India, turning it from a premium afterthought into a standard for excellence. As Rajamouli prepares to take his fight to LA, the message is clear: Indian cinema has the vision—it's time for the theaters to provide the canvas.

Bollywood

40 days ago

976 views

Priyanka Chopra To Return For Krrish 4? Here Is What The Actress Has To Say

Mumbai, February 5 - India's international star Priyanka Chopra is all set to make a grand comeback to Indian cinema with director SS Rajamouli's ambitious action adventure Varanasi, fronted by Mahesh Babu and also starring Prithviraj Sukumaran. Varanasi isn't the only Indian film Priyanka is doing. The actress is also part of Farhan Akhtar's Jee Le Zaraa, and she might return to reprise her role in the fourth instalment of the superhero franchise, Krrish. During the interview, Varanasi cast gave after teaser reveal, the actress spoke about her return to Indian cinema and seemingly confirmed Krrish 4. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The interviewer asked the Don actress if she would be part of the upcoming Don 3 and Krrish 4. Instead of giving a clear yes or no, the actress chose to remain tight-lipped, saying that she did not know if she could talk about those projects at all. Her evasive yet playful reply was enough to fuel speculation. Adding to the excitement, Mahesh Babu jokingly reacted to her comment, suggesting that "something is definitely happening," which further amplified the buzz online. Clips of this exchange quickly went viral, with fans interpreting Priyanka's reaction as a subtle hint rather than a denial. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) While there has been no official confirmation from the makers of Krrish 4 or from Hrithik Roshan regarding the cast, a recent report revealed that Hrithik met Priyanka in the US and both discussed the much-awaited film. Reports strongly stated that the actress would be returning to reprise her role as Priya Mehra, and he reaction in the interview had said it all, but confirmed the reports. As for Don 3, the project has currently been put on hold indefinitely after Ranveer Singh, who was cast to play the titular role, exited the film due to reasons known to the makers. Krrish 4, meanwhile, is expected to start shooting sometime this year, though exact timeline is not revealed yet. Stay tuned...

Tollywood

41 days ago

1.1K views

S.S. Rajamouli's Varanasi: Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Reveal Mind-Bending Plot Details in Global Interview

Following the monumental global success of RRR, visionary director S.S. Rajamouli is set to return with his most ambitious project to date, titled Varanasi. Scheduled for a 2027 release, the film has already ignited a massive conversation across the globe. In a recent high-profile interview with DiscussingFilm, the lead cast—Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Prithviraj Sukumaran—shared deep insights into the movie's plot, its decade-long development, and the grueling production process that took them into the heart of the African wilderness. The road to Varanasi has been a testament to Rajamouli's unwavering commitment. Mahesh Babu revealed that he has been waiting for this collaboration for over 15 years. He noted that he first met the director long before the Baahubali franchise changed the landscape of Indian cinema. Despite the massive delays caused by Rajamouli's other commitments and the pandemic, the director stuck to his word. Mahesh confessed that when he finally heard the narration after the release of RRR, the sheer scale of the vision was so intimidating that he felt a sense of nervousness, though he has since embraced the challenge of playing the lead role of Rudhra. In terms of plot, Varanasi is described as a high-concept, time-travel action epic. Mahesh Babu portrays Rudhra, a fervent devotee of Lord Shiva, the God of destruction and transformation. The narrative follows Rudhra as he is sent on a perilous mission through time to secure an ancient cosmic artifact. The journey is fraught with danger, as he discovers that he is being hunted by a brilliant but evil mastermind who intends to use the artifact for global domination. This blend of ancient Indian mythology and futuristic sci-fi elements marks a new chapter for Indian cinema, aiming for a truly globetrotting feel. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   The primary antagonist, Kumbha, is played by Malayalam superstar Prithviraj Sukumaran, who described the role as the most unpredictable character arc of his career. Kumbha is a technologically advanced villain, characterized by his use of a high-tech wheelchair and Doctor Octopus-esque mechanical arms. Prithviraj highlighted Rajamouli's unique directorial style, noting that despite the humongous visual effects and sets, the director’s priority remains the actor's close-up. He emphasized that Rajamouli pushes his actors out of their comfort zones to ensure an honest and powerful performance, making the villainous Kumbha a truly formidable threat. The production of Varanasi has also broken new ground in terms of filming locations. A significant portion of the movie was shot in Maasai Mara, Kenya, where the cast had unprecedented access to wildlife. Priyanka Chopra Jonas remarked that the support from the Kenyan government allowed the team to film in a way that has rarely been attempted in cinema before, providing a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Mahesh Babu added that the first day of shooting in Africa, surrounded by wild animals, was a memory he would never forget. With a budget estimated to exceed ₹1,000 crore and a release planned for the premium IMAX 1.43:1 format, Varanasi is shaping up to be a historic cinematic event in 2027.

Tollywood

45 days ago

1K views

SS Rajamouli, Mahesh Babu's Varanasi Plot Revealed: A Time-Bending Global Epic

Hyderabad, January 31 - SS Rajamouli's much-anticipated collaboration with Mahesh Babu, titled Varanasi, is shaping up to be a high-concept action-adventure that blends science fiction and large-scale spectacle. Also starring Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran, the film has been announced for global release on April 7, 2027. As the anticipation around the film continues to grow, the plot has reportedly been revealed, which offers what the movie is about. According to the core plot, mentioned in Letterboxd, Varanasi revolves around a catastrophic event, when an asteroid strikes the ancient city of Vāranāsi in India, triggering a chain of events that could potentially alter the fate of the entire world. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The asteroid impact is not just a moment of destruction but the starting point of a far bigger mystery. As chaos unfolds, questions arise about whether this incident marks the beginning of the end for humanity. Is Earth heading towards inevitable doom, or is there still a chance to change destiny? The film reportedly explores how this single event becomes a turning point in the history of the planet. "When an asteroid hits the city of Vāranāsi in India, what are the events that it leads to? Is the world about to be doomed? Does it need a saviour who has to traverse across the continents and timelines to influence the most crucial moment in the history of Earth?" says the plot. At the centre of this, Mahesh Babu as Rudra embarks on a globe-spanning and time-bending journey, influencing key moments in Earth's history to ensure survival. This unique blend of time travel and global adventure makes Varanasi one of Rajamouli's most ambitious concepts to date. The film also takes inspiration from one of the key episodes of Ramayana, which is said to be the highlight of the movie. By linking the spiritual significance of Vāranāsi with a global, timeline-altering crisis, the film is expected to deliver a visually spectacular and emotionally charged experience, redefining the scope of Indian cinema on the world stage. Stay tuned...