Varanasi First Look Sparks Debate: Has SS Rajamouli’s Prithviraj Reveal Divided Fans Before Takeoff?

Rajamouli: The Only Pan-India Director With Global Gravity

Let’s be honest—SS Rajamouli isn’t just India’s top filmmaker today; he’s a phenomenon. Ever since Baahubali changed the language of Indian cinema and RRR stormed the global stage, Rajamouli has become a name synonymous with scale, storytelling, and spectacle. What began in Telugu cinema has grown into a worldwide fascination, placing him alongside the likes of Christopher Nolan and James Cameron in ambition and fandom.

The Hype Around ‘Varanasi’

So when news broke that Rajamouli’s next project would be a globetrotting action adventure starring Mahesh Babu, Prithviraj Sukumaran, and Priyanka Chopra, expectations went through the roof. Tentatively titled Varanasi, this film is rumored to mix mythology, science, and survival in a world that feels both ancient and futuristic.

Recently, a leaked image from the sets—showing Mahesh Babu confronting Prithviraj’s character in a deserted field—set the internet ablaze. Fans speculated everything from a post-apocalyptic quest to a story inspired by the hunt for the mythical Sanjeevani Booti.

T

he Reveal That Divided the Internet

Ahead of the official “Globe Trotter Title Reveal” event on November 15 at Ramoji City, Rajamouli teased fans with the first look of Prithviraj’s character, Kumbh.

In the poster, Prithviraj sits in a wheelchair with mechanical arms sprouting behind him—a design instantly reminiscent of Doc Ock from Spider-Man 2. The pale skin tone, shadowy background, and cyber-mythic vibe sparked intense debate. Was Rajamouli creating India’s first myth-tech villain or simply repeating Western tropes?

Fan

s React: From “Professor X” to “Krrish 3’s Kaal”

Social media did what it does best: compare. Within hours, users pointed out resemblances to Professor X (X-Men), Doc Ock (Spider-Man), and Kaal (Krrish 3). Memes flooded timelines calling Kumbh “Addams Family meets Indian Sci-Fi.” Many defended Rajamouli, reminding others that even Baahubali posters were mocked before the final film redefined Indian visual storytelling. As one fan said, “If there’s one director we should trust blindly, it’s Rajamouli.”

Why This Still Matters

Let’s be real—Rajamouli doesn’t chase trends; he creates them. Even if this first impression feels underwhelming, history shows that his full vision always transcends the teaser material. The man who made us scream “Jai Mahishmati” and dance to Naatu Naatu knows exactly what he’s doing. And as the Varanasi campaign gears up, it’s clear that Rajamouli is once again setting the stage for something that could redefine Indian cinema’s relationship with the world.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. What is SS Rajamouli’s next movie after RRR?

His next film is tentatively titled Varanasi, a global action-adventure starring Mahesh Babu, Prithviraj Sukumaran, and Priyanka Chopra.

2. Why is Prithviraj’s look from Varanasi being compared to Western characters? Fans noted similarities to Doc Ock from Spider-Man, Professor X from X-Men, and Kaal from Krrish 3 due to his mechanical arms and wheelchair.

3. When will the Varanasi title and teaser be released?

The “Globe Trotter” title reveal event is scheduled for November 15, 2025, at Ramoji City, with live streaming on JioHotstar.

4. Is Varanasi a mythological film or a sci-fi movie? While details are under wraps, early speculation suggests it blends mythology, adventure, and sci-fi elements in a global quest narrative.

5. Why do Rajamouli’s posters often receive mixed reactions?

Rajamouli is known for starting low-key and focusing on storytelling over surface visuals. His full projects usually exceed initial expectations.