SS Rajamouli’s ambitious epic Varanasi, starring Mahesh Babu, made Indian cinema history on January 5, 2026, as its announcement teaser premiered at the legendary Le Grand Rex theatre in Paris. This marks the first Indian teaser premiered at Le Grand Rex, signaling the project’s massive global ambitions.
The Event Breakdown: Milestone, Excitement, and International Reach
Hosted by French distributor Aanna Films, the special screening at 9 PM local time drew attention worldwide. Le Grand Rex, known for hosting premieres of Indian hits like Baahubali 2 and Kabali, elevated Varanasi by launching its promotional material on such a prestigious stage. The teaser stunned international audiences, featuring Mahesh Babu’s fierce character Rudhra—wielding a blood-stained trishul while riding a charging bull.
Varanasi’s Global Vision: Scale, Cast, and Ambition
Reported to be around/over ₹1,300 crore, Varanasi is a globe-trotting action-adventure filmed partly in IMAX. Mahesh Babu plays a dual role, joined by Priyanka Chopra (in her Telugu debut as Mandakini) and Prithviraj Sukumaran as the antagonist. Rajamouli, fresh off RRR’s Oscar glory, reunites with composer M.M. Keeravani and writer Vijayendra Prasad for this mythological-inspired spectacle eyeing a 2027 release (possibly Sankranthi or April).
From Hyderabad Unveil to Paris Spotlight
The teaser first dropped at a grand Hyderabad event in November 2025, but the Paris debut underscores Rajamouli’s strategy to position Indian cinema as a worldwide force.
Buzz and Legacy
The milestone has fans celebrating a proud moment, trending globally, and reinforcing Rajamouli-Mahesh’s unbeatable combo.
A Global Horizon Awaits
Varanasi’s Paris premiere isn’t a showcase—it’s an ignition. As Indian stories conquer international screens, epics expand horizons, and ambitions soar, it affirms: Bold visions summon revolution in cinema’s ceaseless charge.
-By Manoj H