SS Rajamouli’s ambitious epic Varanasi The film starring Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra Jonas is already making headlines for its scale. The film has now achieved a historic feat even before its release. The upcoming action-adventure becomes the first Indian film to be shot in Antarctica and only the fourth feature film in cinematic history to have scenes actually shot on the frozen continent.
Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas starrer Varanasi becomes first Indian film to be shot in Antarctica; Producers to shoot on Ross Ice Shelf
Only three feature films globally – south of sanity (2012), odyssey (2016), and virus (1980) – Previously filmed scenes in Antarctica. Many films based on this region, such as talk And eight BelowNo actual filming is taking place on the continent, relying on visual effects or alternate locations. During this time, Scott of the Antarctic Exclusive pre-production landscape footage was captured on location, but principal photography began elsewhere.
Adding to the achievement, Varanasi The film is reportedly the first to cover the Ross Ice Shelf on screen, another cinematic first. This development places the film in a rare category of global productions that have tackled one of the toughest terrains on Earth to tell an authentic story.
Directed by SS Rajamouli, who co-wrote the film with V. Vijayendra Prasad and SS Kanchi. Varanasi It is set as a massive globetrotting adventure based on Indian cultural themes. Produced by Sri Durga Arts and Showing Business, the film brings together Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra Jonas for the first time, also starring Prithviraj Sukumaran in the lead role. The project also marks the return of Priyanka Chopra to Indian cinema after almost seven years, making it one of the most anticipated collaborations in recent times.
Although details of the film are being kept under wraps, the story of the film is said to follow Rudra (Mahesh Babu) as the city of Varanasi faces the imminent arrival of an asteroid, with the story unfolding across multiple timelines and continents. Apart from Antarctica, the film has also been shot at international locations including Kenya. The technical team consists of music by MM Keeravani, cinematography by PS Vinod and visual effects by V. Srinivas Mohan. Remarkably, Varanasi The first Indian and first non-English language film to be shot in 1.43:1 IMAX format.
Currently in production, Rajamouli is expected to continue shooting for the next six months before the film goes into post-production. Varanasi Slated for a theatrical release coinciding with the festival of Ugadi on April 7, 2027, it promises a cinematic spectacle on an unprecedented scale.
