Mahesh Babu reviews Priyanka Chopra’s The Bluff, calls her performance ‘swashbuckling’ ahead of SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi

With anticipation building around Varanasi, co-stars Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra are already cheering for each other’s work. On Sunday, Mahesh took to X to heap praise on Priyanka’s action-packed performance in her latest release, The Bluff.Sharing his review, Mahesh wrote, “#TheBluff is a a well mounted film with engaging action n emotions !!! 👏👏👏 @priyankachopra is in top form swashbuckling and ticking all the boxes with a packed performance... Sending all my love to the team for the amazing work ❤️❤️.” Earlier, filmmaker S. S. Rajamouli had also applauded Priyanka’s performance. Taking to social media, he wrote, “Priyanka is unstoppable and always surprises What a commanding presence and fiery performance. Looking forward to #TheBluff.”Responding to the praise, Priyanka said, “Thank you for your kind words @ssrajamouli sir.” Priyanka is set to collaborate with Rajamouli for the first time in Varanasi, which stars Mahesh Babu in the lead. The film features Mahesh as Rudhra, Priyanka as Mandakini and Prithviraj Sukumaran as Kumbha.Rajamouli previously revealed that Mahesh will be seen as Lord Rama in a grand conclusion sequence that reportedly took 60 days to shoot. Last year, Rajamouli unveiled the film’s title and introduced Mahesh’s character, showing him riding an ox and holding a trishul — confirming that the actor plays Rudhra in the epic drama. Priyanka essays the role of Mandakini in the film, which is currently slated for release in April 2027.Varanasi marks Priyanka Chopra’s major return to Indian cinema, making it one of the most awaited films in recent times.