‘Varanasi’: Priyanka Chopra heads back to Los Angeles; Wraps her last schedule of the month for SS Rajamouli-Mahesh Babu film

Global icon Priyanka Chopra is making her much-awaited comeback to the Indian cinema with SS Rajamouli’s upcoming magnum opus ‘Varanasi’, featuring Tollywood superstar Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran in the lead. Recently, PeeCee shared an update regarding the shoot as she mentioned it was her last working day in the city.

Heading to Los Angeles for promotions

Priyanka Chopra shared on her Instagram stories that it was her last working day in Hyderabad for the month. She is heading to Los Angeles to promote her English action thriller ‘The Bluff,’ releasing on February 25, 2026. She will join the ‘Varanasi’ sets again after the promotions.

Priyanka Chopra as Mandakini

In the film, Priyanka Chopra will portray the role of Mandakini. The first-look posters show her holding a pistol while wearing a yellow saree. Her character mixes action with Indian culture. This is the ‘Don’ actor’s return to Indian cinema after working in Hollywood for several years.

More about ‘Varanasi’

Speaking about the characters of the other lead stars, Mahesh Babu plays Rudhra, a Shiva devotee who seems to be on a quest for a cosmic artifact. He faces the antagonist Kumbha, played by Prithviraj Sukumaran. The story travels to Antarctica, Kenya, and Varanasi. There is also a 25-minute Ramayana sequence where Mahesh Babu plays Lord Rama.



‘Varanasi’ is made with a huge budget of Rs 1,000-1,300 crore. SS Rajamouli directs the film, and the music is by MM Keeravaani. The movie is being shot for IMAX to give audiences an immersive visual experience. It also stars Prakash Raj.

The movie is announced to hit the big screens on April 7, 2027.

Priyanka Chopra’s last outing

Priyanka Chopra was last seen on the big screens in the Farhan Akhtar starrer ‘The Sky Is Pink’ in 2019 and also worked on the Netflix film ‘The White Tiger’ in 2021.

Additionally, there is also buzz that Priyanka Chopra might return as the female lead in Hrithik Roshan’s ‘Krrish 4.’ Makers have not confirmed the same. Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”