Priyanka Chopra reveals she gave SS Rajamouli an ultimatum for her Indian cinema comeback film Varanasi: “I have to do a dance song"

Priyanka Chopra talks about Indian cinema comeback

• Priyanka Chopra returns to Indian cinema with SS Rajamouli's Varanasi
• Varanasi features Mahesh Babu, Prithviraj Sukumaran, and Priyanka as Mandakini
• The epic film spans multiple eras and locations, releasing April 7, 2027

Did our AI summary help?

Priyanka Chopra is all set to make a grand comeback to Indian cinema with Varanasi, directed by SS Rajamouli, after around 7 years. The actress has recently talked about the "ultimatum" she offered SS Rajamouli when she agreed to star in his movie.

During a recent interview with Variety, Priyanka shared that Varanasi is "unlike anything" that she has ever done.

The actress said, “This is unlike anything I’ve ever done. We travel from like Antarctica to … And just the worlds that he creates are so larger than life, and nobody has the vision that he does. So even I’m excited to see more.”

She also recalled what she told the director before signing.

She recalled, “I was like, ‘Listen, I’m coming back to Indian movies. I have to do a dance song. Like you have to make me dance.’ I know I’m gonna be doing it, but we haven’t shot it yet. OK, that’s one of the last things, which I’m really looking forward to. But we already did do one where choreography was crazy. It’s so intricate.”

Priyanka is making her Telugu film debut with Varanasi, an epic action-adventure movie. Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran are also featured in Varanasi. At a lavish event in Hyderabad in November 2025, which drew over 50,000 fans, the official title of the movie was revealed.

Additionally, Rajamouli released a brief teaser that included breathtaking images and provided a glimpse into a narrative that spans several locations and eras, including Antarctica, Varanasi, Kenya, 512 CE, 2027 CE, and even the Threthayuga.

A dramatic image of Mahesh as the main character Rudhra, riding a bull and brandishing a trident as he races through Varanasi while wearing a blood-soaked tunic and a Nandi pendant, was seen in the teaser towards the end.

Also Read: Nick Jonas calls Priyanka Chopra’s Varanasi SS Rajamouli’s 'next big film,' teases "it’s going to be incredible"

Prithiviraj Sukumaran portrays the antagonist Kumbha in the film, while Priyanka plays Mandakini. MM Keeravani will provide the music for Varanasi. Sri Durga Arts and Showing Business are the producers.

Varanasi is scheduled to hit the theatres on April 7, 2027.

Priyanka is also gearing up for the release of Citadel Season 2. She will also be seen in The Bluff, alongside Karl Urban.