The much-anticipated collaboration between director S. S. Rajamouli, superstar Mahesh Babu and global icon Priyanka Chopra has officially locked its title: Varanasi.

The project, previously known internally as “SSMB29”, has now revealed the name that the makers feel aligns perfectly with the story’s emotional and mythic scale.

According to sources, the title rights were previously held by another party, but Rajamouli’s team successfully secured them, underscoring how committed they are to this particular name. The decision reflects the film’s narrative roots and its grand vision. A formal announcement event is scheduled for November 15 at the famed Ramoji Rao Film City in Hyderabad, where Rajamouli, Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra and the rest of the core team—including Oscar-winning composer M. M. Keeravani—are expected to be present.

The scale of the production promises to be massive. The team has reportedly recreated the city of Varanasi on a large set in Hyderabad rather than filming on location, allowing Rajamouli to control every detail of his cinematic universe. While official plot details remain tightly under wraps, insiders suggest that the story pulls from ancient history, mythological motifs and adventurous spectacle—elements Rajamouli has mastered in his past films.

Producers and industry insiders are already calling Varanasi one of the most ambitious Indian films in the making, with global aspirations and expectations that it will be a major event title both in India and overseas. As filming ramps up and the announcement date approaches, the excitement around this Rajamouli-Mahesh Babu-Priyanka Chopra trifecta just keeps growing.

(Also read: Mrunal Thakur to Priyanka Chopra Jonas: Actors Who’ve Been Targeted & Trolled Online)