Priyanka Chopra’s Fierce ‘Mandakini’ Avatar Revealed in SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi

New Delhi, July 18, 2026;

Fans received a special birthday surprise from Priyanka Chopra as the makers of SS Rajamouli’s much-awaited film Varanasi unveiled her first official character poster. The actress will portray Mandakini, a mysterious and powerful figure in the grand adventure drama scheduled for release next year.

The newly released poster presents Priyanka in a striking transformation. She appears in a dark, battle-inspired outfit featuring a high-neck corset design, while her dramatic hairstyle and intense expression add to the commanding presence of the character. A fiery backdrop further amplifies the mysterious aura surrounding Mandakini.

Sharing the reveal on social media, the filmmakers hinted at the adventurous journey awaiting audiences, describing the film as a story filled with exploration, discoveries and unforgettable experiences.

The character reveal arrives as Varanasi moves closer to the completion of its production schedule. Earlier, director SS Rajamouli confirmed that filming has entered its final phase after the completion of the film’s large-scale action sequences. The remaining schedule mainly focuses on story-driven scenes connecting the major events of the film.

Rajamouli also spoke about shooting the project in the IMAX format, explaining that the film’s visually ambitious sequences were conceived for large-format presentation from the beginning. He noted that only minor adjustments were required while framing scenes to ensure they looked equally impressive in both IMAX and CinemaScope formats.

Varanasi stars Mahesh Babu in the lead alongside Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran. The film has remained one of the most anticipated Indian releases since its title announcement, with earlier promotional material introducing Mahesh Babu in a striking mythological-inspired look.

The ambitious action-adventure spectacle is slated to hit theatres worldwide on April 7, 2027.