The buzz around SS Rajamouli’s upcoming magnum opus Varanasi has skyrocketed after reports emerged that lead actors Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra Jonas filmed crucial sequences in real African jungles instead of relying on studio setups and heavy VFX.
According to sources close to the production, Rajamouli insisted on capturing authentic visuals for the adventure drama. The team travelled to select wildlife zones in Africa and shot during the Great Migration season a period when thousands of wildebeests and other animals move across the plains. Rather than recreating the setting through computer graphics, the director chose to film amidst real landscapes and natural wildlife activity to enhance cinematic realism.
Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra reportedly participated in physically demanding schedules. One particular sequence involved the actors standing in close proximity to migrating herds under strict supervision from wildlife experts and safety teams. Extensive precautions were taken, including controlled shooting windows, animal behaviour monitoring, and emergency protection crews on standby. Even with these measures, the shoot is said to have been among the riskiest ever attempted in an Indian film production.
Rajamouli, known for pushing technical and visual boundaries in films like Baahubali and RRR, is said to be aiming for a grounded, immersive experience in Varanasi. By combining real locations with minimal visual effects, the filmmaker wants audiences to feel the scale and danger of the jungle adventure rather than viewing it as a purely CGI spectacle.
The daring shoot has significantly increased anticipation among fans. Photos and inside reports from the location have gone viral on social media, with many praising the team’s commitment to authenticity. Industry observers believe the decision could set a new benchmark for large-scale Indian productions, especially in the adventure genre.
Apart from Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra, the film also features Prithviraj Sukumaran in a pivotal role. With high-end international production values, extended post-production work, and Rajamouli’s reputation for delivering global spectacles, Varanasi is shaping up to be one of the most awaited Indian films in recent years.
