Filmmaker SS Rajamouli, widely known for shaping the modern trend of two-part cinematic spectacles, has decided to take a different route with his next project, Varanasi. The much-anticipated film, starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran, will hit theatres as a single, complete feature.
The director made this clear during an interview with Screen Rant Plus, filmed at the first glimpse launch of Varanasi in Hyderabad last year. Addressing speculation around a possible second part, Rajamouli said the idea was briefly discussed but dropped early on, confirming that Varanasi is designed as one film.
Alongside format questions, rumours about the film’s length have also been circulating. Responding to claims of a 200-minute runtime, Rajamouli clarified that the final duration would be closer to three hours. He noted that while it may be a lengthy watch, it will not extend beyond that mark.
Rajamouli became a global name after Baahubali: The Beginning (2015) and Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (2017), which set box office records and inspired several filmmakers to adopt the two-part structure. His 2022 blockbuster RRR further cemented his legacy, winning an Oscar for Best Original Song for Naatu Naatu.
Interestingly, Varanasi will be his first single-part film since the 2012 fantasy hit Eega. While a sequel to RRR has been discussed by Rajamouli and his father, writer Vijayendra Prasad, no official announcement has been made yet.
