On the occasion of Priyanka Chopra Jonas' birthday on Saturday, the makers of SS Rajamouli's much-anticipated action-adventure film Varanasi unveiled the actor's first look from the film.
The newly released stills introduce Priyanka's Mandakini as a fierce globetrotter who is "strong, vulnerable and unforgettable in equal measure." Sporting an intense look against a rugged backdrop, the actor is seen in a role that promises to be a far cry from her previous Indian screen appearances.
Sharing the photos, Rajamouli wrote, "Grace when she smiles. Fire when she doesn’t. Mandakini…" Varanasi marks Priyanka's return to Indian cinema after The Sky Is Pink (2019). The film stars Mahesh Babu in the lead as Rudhra, while Prithviraj Sukumaran plays the primary antagonist, Kumbha. Priyanka's Mandakini finds herself caught between the two central characters in the globe-spanning narrative.
Described as an epic action-adventure, Varanasi spans thousands of years, taking viewers from ancient civilisations to the present day across multiple continents. The story traverses locations including Antarctica, Africa and the holy city of Varanasi, portions of which were recreated on elaborate sets in Hyderabad.
Earlier this week, Priyanka had shared fresh details about the project during an appearance on the Hey Jonas podcast, hosted by her husband Nick Jonas and his brothers Kevin and Joe Jonas. Revealing that she has been working on the film for around 14 months, she described it as "an epic adventure around the world and in time."
She also spoke about Rajamouli's meticulous filmmaking process, saying the celebrated director is known for taking his time to mount large-scale productions. While remaining tight-lipped about the plot, Priyanka teased that audiences can expect "many amazing slow-motion jumps" from her character.
Rajamouli's first original feature since the global success of RRR, Varanasi is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on April 7, 2027.