S.S. Rajamouli’s Varanasi is the most anticipated film of the year as it marks the collaboration of the filmmaker with Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran. With the actioner, Priyanka Chopra Jonas is also making a return to Indian cinema. But seems like the movie has been hit by a dry spell. Reports suggest that the shooting for the upcoming magnum opus was halted in Hyderabad after the authorities denied giving them 150 tankers of water to film an underwater scene. Read on!
Varanasi shooting hit by Hyderabad water crisis
According to a report by NTV Telugu, Varanasi encountered an unexpected roadblock after the production team’s request for 150 water tankers (with 10,000-liter capacity each) was denied by the Hyderabad authorities. Apparently, they had planned an ambitious underwater sequence, allegedly with Mahesh Babu, at a specially constructed set on the outskirts of the city.
However, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) said no to their demands, bringing the shoot to a halt. According to Zoom TV, the rising water demand and the strain on the existing supply system led to the authorities not allocating them the tankers for non-essential purposes, even though the team was taking care of the bill for the supply and transportation.
What we know about Varanasi
Varanasi stars Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Mandakini, Prithviraj Sukumaran as Kumbha, and Mahesh Babu in a dual role as Rudhra and Lord Rama. Senior actor Prakash Raj will also be playing a key role. The expected globe-trotting adventure is rumored to showcase Babu’s character trying to avert a cosmic disaster. Varanasi is currently slated for a grand release on April 7, 2027.
On the work front, PeeCee’s upcoming American comedy film, Judgment Day, co-starring Will Ferrell, Zac Efron, Regina Hall, and more, is in the post-production stage. As for Malayalam star Prithviraj, he has Khalifa and Santhosh Trophy in the pipeline. Mahesh Babu is currently putting all his energy into completing Rajamouli’s Telugu-language epic action-adventure film, expected to become one of the most expensive Indian films ever made.
For more updates on Varanasi, stay tuned to Pinkvilla!