Priyanka Chopra returns to Hyderabad, resumes shoot for SS Rajamouli helmed ‘Varanasi’ with Mahesh Babu Global star

Priyanka Chopra Jonas is officially back in India to resume filming for the most anticipated project of the decade. On January 27, 2026, the actress shared a travel selfie on Instagram, confirming her arrival in Hyderabad to join the next major schedule of SS Rajamouli’s magnum opus, 'Varanasi.' Marking her grand return to Indian cinema after an eight-year hiatus, Priyanka stars alongside Tollywood superstar Mahesh Babu and Malayalam powerhouse Prithviraj Sukumaran in what is being billed as a globe-trotting, mythological time-travel adventure.

Priyanka Chopra jets off to Hyderabad

“And she’s off… I’ll see you soon, Hyderabad,” Priyanka posted, and the next big Varanasi schedule was on. Priyanka Chopra Jonas is reportedly accelerating her filming schedule for SS Rajamouli’s mythological action-adventure, 'Varanasi.' After joining the Hyderabad leg of the production, the actress has helped push the shoot ahead of its original timeline, ensuring key sequences are completed ahead of schedule.

Priyanka Chopra as Mandakini

In 'Varanasi', Priyanka Chopra plays Mandakini, the leading lady. Slated for a worldwide theatrical release on April 9, 2027—coinciding with the auspicious festival of Sri Rama Navami, 'Varanasi' is being mounted on a scale that only SS Rajamouli could envision. With a staggering reported budget of Rs. 1,300 crore, the film is designed to push the boundaries of Indian cinema, much like the director’s previous global phenomenon, 'RRR.'

Priyanka Chopra and Mahesh Babu's mutual admiration

The warmth within the cast has already been apparent off-screen. Recently, Mahesh Babu lauded Priyanka Chopra publically via the trailer release of her action-packed thriller ‘The Bluff’ as “hard-hitting and uncompromising” and Priyanka thanked him back saying “Thank you, my dost,” hinting at their warm friendship. As Priyanka returns to Hyderabad yet again for the filming of the grand scale ‘Varanasi’ movie, the hype builds around the film thanks to its huge scale, power-packed star cast and the long-awaited comeback of Priyanka Chopra.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”