It is well known that Priyanka Chopra is making her much-awaited re-entry to Indian cinema with Varanasi, SS Rajamouli's big-budget action adventure, headlined by Mahesh Babu. With anticipation building around the same, the Guntur Kaaram actor has now heaped praise on his co-star Priyanka Chopra for her performance in the latest actioner The Bluff, which released recently on Prime Video.
Noting that the Heads of State actor was in "top form", Mahesh Babu hailed her performance as "swashbuckling." Taking to his X post, he wrote, "The Bluff is a a well mounted film with engaging action and emotions!!! Priyanka Chopra is in top form. Swashbuckling and ticking all the boxes with a packed performance… Sending all my love to the team for the amazing work. (sic)"
In response, Priyanka Chopra thanked her co-star and shared an update for their upcoming film, saying, "See you soon in Antartica." The actor's news on Varanasi has sparked excitement among fans who expressed their curiosity on the film's unique setting. It also marks a pivotal moment in Indian cinema as very few films have been shot in the snow-covered continent.
Varanasi, scheduled for release worldwide on April 7, 2027, stars Mahesh Babu as Rudhra, Priyanka Chopra as Mandakini and Prithviraj Sukumaran as the antagonist Kumbha.
An animated teaser which was released by the makers during the Globetrotter Event in November last year, hinted at the story being set across time periods and combining elements of the period adventure and science fiction genres. It showcased various places like the Ross Ice Shelf in Antarctica, Amboseli Wilderness of Africa, Ugrbhatti Cave in Vaananchal, and the Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi. The teaser also travelled back in time to Varanasi of 512 BCE, and also offered a glimpse of the Ramayana War, which could play a pivotal role in Varanasi. Details regarding the extended cast is currently kept under wraps.
Meanwhile, The Bluff is set in the late 1800s and stars Priyanka as Ercell Bodden, a former pirate trying to turn a new leaf by leaving behind her past. But ghosts of the past continue to haunt as a few former crew members track her down to take revenge for leaving their ranks and stealing a stash of gold. Karl Urban, who also plays the lead, stars as Captain Connor, who wants to destroy Bodden following her escape from the pirate world. Directed by Frank E Flowers, the film also stars Temuera Morrison, Ismael Cruz Córdova, Safia Oakley-Green, Zach Morris, David Field, and Vedanten Naidoo.
