Editor's Choice

Epic Adventure Awaits: Inside S.S. Rajamouli’s Varanasi

Published

6 months ago

May 11, 2026

Johal

Epic Adventure Awaits: Inside S.S. Rajamouli’s Varanasi

Studio CarryOnHarry Entertainment Desk

Director S.S. Rajamouli, known for monumental blockbusters like Baahubali and RRR, is set to captivate audiences once more with his upcoming film, Varanasi. Slated for release on April 7, 2027, the film is not just a cinematic venture; it embodies a grand cultural narrative fused with epic action. Starring Mahesh Babu in a dual role, along with Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran, Varanasi follows the story of Rudhra as the ancient city faces an impending asteroid threat. This plot device serves as a backdrop to explore profound themes rooted in Indian culture while spanning multiple timelines and diverse locales.

Astonishingly, Varanasi is poised to be the first Indian film shot entirely in the groundbreaking 1.43:1 IMAX format, setting a new standard in visual storytelling. The ambitious project has been in the pipeline since 2010, with initial collaborations planned but delayed until after the success of RRR. Rajamouli describes the film as a globetrotting adventure reminiscent of iconic franchises like Indiana Jones and James Bond, yet deeply infused with Indian ethos.

What truly sets Varanasi apart is its production value. With an astounding budget estimated at ₹1,400 crore, it will likely become one of the most expensive Indian productions to date. Filming locations are as diverse as the story itself, including extensive shoots in Hyderabad, Odisha, and particularly the never-before-explored landscapes of Antarctica. This commitment to grand staging illustrates Rajamouli’s ambition to elevate Indian cinema on a global scale.

There are also fascinating anecdotes behind the scenes. Music composer M. M. Keeravani, known for his memorable scores, is once again collaborating with Rajamouli, ensuring that the musical elements are as impactful as the visual ones. Expect a soundtrack that captures both the grandeur of the film’s themes and the emotional arcs of its characters.

This film will also be a cultural tapestry. Varanasi, being one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world, serves as a character unto itself, rich with history and mythology. The film will weave ancient legends into its modern narrative, showcasing the timeless struggle between good and evil. Rajamouli has emphasized that the emotional weight of the film will resonate similarly to classic adventure tales, making it not just an action spectacle but a rich narrative experience.

The release set during Ugadi, a significant festival in India, aims to position Varanasi as a cultural celebration, drawing in audiences eager for an epic that knows no borders.

#StudioCarryOnHarry #BalleBalleRadio #Varanasi #SSRajaMouli #MaheshBabu #PriyankaChopra #IndianCinema #EpicFilms #AdventureMovie

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Editor's Choice

Ramayana Eyes Hong Kong Screens as Worldwide Numbers Keep Climbing

Published

7 hours ago

November 8, 2026

Johal

Ramayana Eyes Hong Kong Screens as Worldwide Numbers Keep Climbing

Studio CarryOnHarry Entertainment Desk | 8 November 2026

Ranbir Kapoor’s Epic Myth Crosses Borders

Nitesh Tiwari’s mythological blockbuster Ramayana: Rise of a Legend is spreading its wings further east, with an official Hong Kong release confirmed for 12 November 2026. The film will screen in its original Hindi language, with Chinese and English subtitles catering to local audiences — a bold multilingual move that underlines the production’s serious international ambitions.

The announcement arrives on the heels of a stunning worldwide opening weekend, with the Ranbir Kapoor-led epic reportedly crossing ₹384 crore globally within just three days of release. Tracking closely to Bollywood’s top stories this week, the film has already emerged as one of the highest-grossing Hindi openings in recent memory.

Star-Studded Cast Driving Global Appeal

The film features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram alongside Yash in a reportedly pivotal role, with Sai Pallavi rounding out the leading cast. Director Nitesh Tiwari, best known for Dangal, has translated one of Hinduism’s most beloved epics into a sweeping cinematic spectacle that has clearly resonated well beyond the Indian subcontinent.

Ticket bookings for the Hong Kong screenings are already underway, signalling strong anticipation from the city’s South Asian diaspora as well as local cinephiles drawn in by the scale of the production.

Worldwide Numbers Tell Their Own Story

A Box Office Juggernaut in the Making

By Day 3, global receipts had already surged past ₹384 crore — a figure that puts Ramayana firmly in the conversation for India’s biggest international openers ever. Industry insiders are now eyeing the ₹500 crore worldwide milestone as a realistic near-term target.

Day 2 India collection alone crossed ₹100 crore
Worldwide box office near $40 million (approx.) by end of Day 3
Hong Kong release date confirmed: 12 November 2026
Screening format: Hindi audio with Chinese and English subtitles

International Expansion Strategy

Hong Kong joins a growing list of international markets where the film has opened, reflecting a strategic push to position Bollywood epics as genuinely global theatrical events. For broader entertainment industry coverage on how Indian studios are reshaping their overseas distribution playbooks, the momentum around Ramayana provides a compelling case study.

What This Means for Bollywood’s Global Moment

The Hong Kong release, while one market among many, carries symbolic weight. It signals that Bollywood’s mythological storytelling — when backed by scale, star power, and savvy distribution — can command attention in culturally diverse markets well outside the traditional diaspora belt.

With bookings open and buzz building, all eyes now turn to whether Ramayana: Rise of a Legend can sustain its remarkable momentum through the second weekend and beyond.

– Entertainment Desk, Studio Carry On Harry

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Editor's Choice

How a Post-Credit Cameo Became Bollywood’s Boldest Franchise Bet

Published

12 hours ago

November 8, 2026

Johal

How a Post-Credit Cameo Became Bollywood’s Boldest Franchise Bet

Studio CarryOnHarry Entertainment Desk | 8 November 2026

A Post-Credit Moment That Stopped the Internet

When the credits began rolling on Ramayana: Rise of a Legend, audiences were not quite done. A post-credit scene revealed a sight few had anticipated — veteran Bollywood powerhouse Sunny Deol stepping into the sacred role of Lord Hanuman. The reveal sent shockwaves across cinema halls and social media alike, instantly becoming one of the most talked-about moments of the year.

Deol, born Ajay Singh Deol and long celebrated for his commanding screen presence, expressed heartfelt admiration for the film. He stated that Ramayana: Rise of a Legend is not merely on par with Hollywood productions — in his view, it surpasses them entirely.

The Film That Redefined Bollywood’s Epic Ambitions

The film brings together a remarkable ensemble, with Ranbir Kapoor portraying Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi embodying Sita, and Yash delivering a formidable performance as the demon king Ravana. The narrative weaves through Ravana’s layered backstory while charting the fateful abduction of Sita, drawing audiences deep into one of mythology’s most enduring tales.

The cast also reportedly includes Arun Govil as Dasharatha and Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi, adding further gravitas to an already stellar lineup. For fans tracking Bollywood’s top stories, this production represents a landmark moment in the industry’s global ambitions.

Box Office Signal: A Strong Opening Weekend

Industry projections pointed to a projected 3-day gross of approximately $7.3 million from international markets alone — a figure that underlines just how much appetite exists for Indian mythological epics on a global scale. The premiere on 5 November set the tone for what could become one of the highest-grossing Indian franchises of the decade.

A Sequel Already on the Horizon

The story does not end here. A sequel is already confirmed, with a release window of 2028 pencilled in. Producers are urging audiences to show up and support the first chapter, as its commercial performance will shape the scale and ambition of what follows.

Broader entertainment industry coverage has noted that the film’s production values, visual effects, and mythological authenticity are drawing comparisons to the very best of international fantasy cinema.

What Sunny Deol’s Words Really Mean

A veteran star with decades of credibility lending his voice — and his presence — to the project
The post-credit cameo signals a carefully planned cinematic universe around the Ramayana IP
Deol’s praise carries weight precisely because he has seen Bollywood evolve across four decades

Whether or not every viewer agrees that Ramayana: Rise of a Legend eclipses Hollywood, one thing is certain — Bollywood has rarely swung this big, or this boldly.

– Entertainment Desk, Studio Carry On Harry

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