'Varanasi': Rajamouli teases 'memorable' sequence inspired by 'Ramayana'
16 Nov 2025

Acclaimed director S S Rajamouli recently shared details about a significant scene from his upcoming film Varanasi, starring Mahesh Babu.

Speaking at the title announcement event for the film, he revealed that one of the sequences is inspired by the Indian epic Ramayana.

The event was held at Hyderabad's Ramoji Film City.

Rajamouli's childhood fascination with 'Ramayana' and 'Mahabharata'
Director's dream

Rajamouli, known for films like Baahubali and RRR, expressed his long-standing admiration for the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

He said, "Since my childhood, I've spoken many times about what the Ramayana and Mahabharata mean to me."

"I never imagined I would get to shoot an important episode from the Ramayana this early. While writing every scene and every dialogue, I felt like I was floating."

Rajamouli's emotional reaction to Babu's portrayal of Rama
Director's admiration

Rajamouli also shared his emotional reaction to seeing Babu in the role of Lord Rama.

He said, "On the first day, when Mahesh came in Lord Rama's get-up for the photoshoot, I got goosebumps."

"I was torn. Mahesh has the charm of Krishna, but the calmness of Rama."

"Still, I was confident. I even set that photo as my wallpaper... and then removed it."

'Varanasi' sequence took 60 days to shoot
Filming details

Rajamouli revealed that the sequence inspired by the Ramayana took 60 days to shoot.

He said, "Every single day was a challenge. Every episode and sub-episode felt like a film by itself; everything had to be reimagined and freshly planned."

"Crossing all those hurdles, we finally wrapped the sequence. I believe it will be one of the most memorable portions of the film."

Rajamouli's reaction to technical glitches during the event
Glitches

The teaser faced technical glitches and was delayed by a few minutes.

After the clip was finally released, Rajamouli said, "Finally, it happened. Some are emotional moments. I don't have a huge belief in God."

"My dad said, 'He (God) would be right behind me and make all things work.' I was angry, thinking, "Is this how you make it work?" My wife loves Lord Hanuman. She treats him as a friend. I got angry with my wife as well."