4 February 2026 (Navroze Bureau) : Global star Priyanka Chopra Jonas reportedly had one clear request before agreeing to be part of SS Rajamouli’s ambitious project Varanasi, and fulfilling that condition is said to have had direct implications for the film’s leading man, Mahesh Babu. The revelation has sparked widespread discussion among fans, highlighting the scale, expectations, and behind-the-scenes dynamics of one of the most anticipated Indian films in recent times.
SS Rajamouli, known for his uncompromising vision and grand cinematic storytelling, is currently working on Varanasi, a project that has already generated massive buzz due to its scale, technical ambition, and star-studded cast. The inclusion of Priyanka Chopra, who enjoys significant global recognition, has only amplified expectations surrounding the film.
According to sources familiar with the development, Priyanka Chopra agreed to come on board only after seeking assurance about the depth and importance of her character. Rather than focusing on screen time alone, her request reportedly centered on having a role that was narratively significant, emotionally layered, and integral to the storyline, rather than a token presence in a spectacle-driven film.
Priyanka, who has consistently chosen strong, performance-oriented roles across Indian and international cinema, is said to have made it clear that she wanted her character to have a meaningful arc. She reportedly sought confirmation that her role would influence the story’s progression and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the male lead in terms of impact.
SS Rajamouli, known for crafting powerful female characters in films like Baahubali and RRR, reportedly agreed with her perspective. However, accommodating this request meant revisiting the script and rebalancing character dynamics—leading to changes that affected Mahesh Babu’s character journey.
Sources suggest that certain scenes initially designed to showcase Mahesh Babu’s solo heroism were either trimmed or restructured to give Priyanka’s character greater prominence. This narrative shift is what insiders describe as Mahesh Babu “paying the price,” not in a negative sense, but as part of Rajamouli’s storytelling philosophy where the story takes precedence over individual stardom.
Mahesh Babu, who is making his first collaboration with Rajamouli, is said to have accepted the changes professionally. Those close to the production claim that the actor understands Rajamouli’s approach and is fully committed to serving the larger vision of the film. Rather than a hero-centric narrative, Varanasi is reportedly being shaped as an ensemble-driven epic with strong character arcs.
The development has been viewed positively by many in the industry, who see it as a sign of evolving storytelling in mainstream Indian cinema. Strong female roles are no longer seen as optional but essential, especially in big-budget films aiming for global appeal.
Rajamouli himself has often stated that emotionally compelling characters are key to making spectacle-driven films resonate with audiences. By agreeing to Priyanka Chopra’s request, the filmmaker appears to be reinforcing his belief that scale alone cannot carry a film without strong performances and well-defined character motivations.
Priyanka’s involvement is also expected to help the film reach a wider international audience. Her global fan base and experience in international productions bring added value to the project, making her role all the more important from both a creative and commercial standpoint.
The film’s Varanasi backdrop adds another layer of significance. Known for its spiritual depth and historical resonance, the city is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the emotional and thematic core of the story. Priyanka’s character is reportedly closely tied to this setting, making her presence central to the film’s narrative.
As filming progresses, anticipation continues to build around Varanasi. While official details remain under wraps, the buzz around Priyanka Chopra’s condition and the resulting script changes has only heightened curiosity. Fans are eager to see how Rajamouli balances star power, character depth, and cinematic spectacle.
Ultimately, the episode reflects the collaborative nature of filmmaking at the highest level. It also underscores a growing trend where leading actors—both male and female—prioritise strong storytelling over conventional hero-centric formulas. If early indications are anything to go by, Varanasi could emerge as a landmark film that blends epic scale with meaningful character-driven drama.
Summary:
Priyanka Chopra agreed to SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi after securing a strong, meaningful role, leading to script changes that reportedly reduced Mahesh Babu’s solo spotlight in favour of balanced storytelling.