Cinema fans across the globe were excited after the first official look of Prithviraj Sukumaran as Kumbha in SS Rajamouli’s upcoming film Varanasi was revealed, shining fresh light on the much-anticipated project.
Varanasi is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious films in Indian cinema. Directed by Rajamouli, the blockbuster director behind hits like Baahubali and RRR, this new epic promises grandeur, powerful visuals, and a thrilling story. The movie is scheduled for 7 April 2027 release worldwide.
Prithviraj plays the central antagonist in the film, a character named Kumbha. His first look has sparked wide discussion, as the character appears seated in a wheelchair with mechanical extensions, giving him a uniquely eerie and unpredictable presence on screen. Rajamouli’s team has teased audiences with visuals that suggest Kumbha will be far more than a typical villain.
In interviews, Prithviraj has described Kumbha as a deeply complex role, one that even he finds difficult to fully explain. He hinted that the character’s motives and actions will keep viewers guessing, as Kumbha is designed in “grey shades” rather than purely good or evil. This unpredictable nature has created buzz among fans, who are curious to see how he will challenge the hero of the story.
Prithviraj also spoke about the physical and psychological aspects of preparing for this role. In recent press interactions, he explained that the wheelchair isn’t just a prop but an extension of Kumbha’s personality and mindset, helping to shape the character’s presence in the film.
Behind him, Varanasi boasts an impressive cast including Mahesh Babu, who is in the lead role, and Priyanka Chopra, adding even more star power to the production. The scale of the film is enormous, with sequences shot in rich IMAX format and a storyline said to blend mythology with action and time-spanning adventure.
This latest reveal has sparked a lively reaction online, with fans sharing theories about Kumbha’s motives and how he will interact with Mahesh Babu’s character. Whether he is a mastermind villain, a misunderstood genius, or something more ambiguous, the character is already leaving an impression.
As Varanasi moves closer to its release date, expectations are high for what promises to be a spectacular cinematic event, propelled by strong performances, bold visuals and a fresh take on character complexity.
