Priyanka Chopra calls Kenya shoot with Mahesh Babu for SS Rajamouli’s ‘Varanasi’ a “Crazy Experience”

March 6, 2026 - 12:27 PM IST

Actor Priyanka Chopra has shared a glimpse into one of the most unusual filming experiences from director S. S. Rajamouli’s upcoming action-adventure film Varanasi, revealing that parts of the movie were shot in the middle of migrating wildebeests in Kenya

Priyanka Chopra calls Kenya shoot with Mahesh Babu for SS Rajamouli’s ‘Varanasi’ a “Crazy Experience”

Speaking during a recent podcast appearance, Chopra recalled the challenging schedule while filming alongside Mahesh Babu. She said the cast and crew were surrounded by a large herd of wildebeests during migration, calling the experience both thrilling and overwhelming. According to the actor, the moment felt surreal as the team filmed scenes in the wild landscape while the animals moved around them. Mahesh Babu also previously spoke about the same schedule, admitting that the first day of filming in the African wilderness felt intimidating. The actor said he initially hesitated while stepping out into the open terrain surrounded by wildlife, but soon adjusted as the shoot progressed.

Rajamouli’s film, mounted on a massive scale, marks Chopra’s return to Indian cinema after several years focused on international projects. The film is reportedly designed as a globe-trotting adventure and has been shot across multiple international locations, including African grasslands. Reports also suggest that the production plans to film portions in Antarctica, which would make it the first Indian feature to shoot on the continent if completed as planned.

The film also stars Prithviraj Sukumaran in a key role and is expected to be one of the most ambitious projects in Rajamouli’s career following the global success of RRR. The film is currently in production and is slated for a worldwide theatrical release in April 2027, with releases planned in multiple languages.

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