The production of SS Rajamouli's upcoming film Varanasi has been shrouded in mystery, but select international publications were given access to the sets late last year.
The film, starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran, is a sci-fi epic that explores time travel and spans continents, with a significant part set in Varanasi.
To solve the logistical impossibility of shooting in the north Indian city, Rajamouli built his own Varanasi on open land in Hyderabad, covering roughly 700 by 400 feet.
The set is an almost identical recreation of the city, scaled down by about 30%, with a level of craftsmanship that is striking.
The Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple, the iconic riverside shrine with a tilt, has been recreated with precision, down to its depth and angle.
The film's team has ensured that both cities are built simultaneously, allowing for seamless transitions between time periods.
Varanasi is set to release in April 2027 and is billed as the costliest ever made in India.
