The massive action sequences for S.S. Rajamouli’s upcoming epic "Varanasi" are officially in the can. The director confirmed that the most demanding physical spectacles of the film are complete, marking a significant milestone for the project.

Production is now shifting focus to the smaller, connective tissue of the narrative. Rajamouli expects to wrap principal photography by September or October. It is a grueling pace. The film, which spans thousands of years and locations as extreme as Antarctica, is slated for an April 2027 release.

The IMAX Mandate

Rajamouli’s approach to the IMAX format has been surgical. Rather than forcing the film to fit the frame, he designed the action with the scale in mind from the start. He didn't pivot for the format. He built for it.

"From the beginning, we knew the sequences that were conceived would be best justified in the IMAX format," Rajamouli said. The transition from his preferred CinemaScope was not without friction, however. His team spent the first few days of the shoot recalibrating their eyes to ensure the framing worked for both anamorphic and IMAX screens. They adjusted. Then they moved on.

Why 'Baahubali' Belongs in Animation

While "Varanasi" dominates his live-action schedule, Rajamouli is simultaneously overseeing the expansion of his "Baahubali" franchise into animation. The upcoming feature, "The Eternal War," directed by Ishan Shukla, aims to bridge the gap between Indian mythology and global animation standards.

For Rajamouli, animation is not a fallback. It is a necessity. He believes the medium allows for a level of "color"—in terms of character depth and emotional expression—that is uniquely Indian. "We always believed 'Baahubali' will find success in the medium," he said. "It is just about finding the right person, right team, and the right expansion of the story."

He has taken a hands-off approach to the creative direction, trusting Shukla to navigate the 14 realms of Indian mythology. Once he confirmed Shukla understood the core character dynamics, he stepped back. He let the team take over.

Key Takeaways

  • Production Status: The major action sequences for "Varanasi" are complete, with final filming expected to wrap by October 2026.
  • Format Strategy: Rajamouli designed "Varanasi" for IMAX from the outset, requiring only minor framing adjustments to accommodate both IMAX and CinemaScope.
  • Franchise Expansion: The "Baahubali" universe is moving into animation with "The Eternal War," which Rajamouli views as the ideal medium to capture the emotional "color" of Indian storytelling.

The Path to 2027

Rajamouli is betting that the global audience, already primed by the success of "RRR" and the original "Baahubali" films, is ready for this leap. The challenge now lies in the post-production phase. With the spectacle sequences locked, the focus shifts to the digital rendering and the delicate task of balancing the scale of "Varanasi" with the intricate world-building of the "Baahubali" animated expansion. The industry will get its first real look at whether this dual-track strategy pays off when the marketing campaign for "Varanasi" kicks into high gear early next year.