Varanasi: A Time-Travel Cinematic Journey Through Ancient Temples and Modern Sets
In the ancient city of Varanasi in northern India, there is a temple called Ratneshwar Mahadev Mandir that is slowly sinking due to water erosion. Similarly, in the upcoming film "Varanasi" by director S.S. Rajamouli, a massive replica of the holy city has been constructed in Hyderabad for filming. The movie spans multiple timelines, including the present day and the year 512 CE, with elements from The Ramayan, set in 7200 BCE.
While the temple in Varanasi was completed in the 19th century, the film requires it to exist above ground for certain scenes. Actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who plays Mandakini in the movie, describes the film as involving travel between different time periods, making it an intriguing time-travel movie.
Rather than using CGI or swappable sets, Rajamouli had a full-sized temple built and buried for the present-day scenes in the film. The meticulous work involved in creating the set was evident during a visit to the filming location, showcasing the attention to detail and realism in the construction.
The set of Varanasi features a realistic cityscape with crumbling stone steps leading to the Ganges, bustling plazas, shrines, and food stands. The set designers drew inspiration from the actual city of Varanasi to create an authentic environment for filming. Despite the challenges of maintaining secrecy and security due to surrounding developments, the production team is dedicated to ensuring the success of the film.
While the set of Rajamouli's previous film, Baahubali, remains open to visitors at Ramoji Film City, the Varanasi set will be demolished after filming is complete. The film is set to release in theaters worldwide on April 7, 2027, offering audiences a unique cinematic experience that blends historical timelines and fantastical elements.