SS Rajamouli has addressed speculation about a possible shooting schedule in Antarctica for his upcoming film Varanasi. The filmmaker revealed that the team had considered filming in the icy continent but eventually decided to shoot those sequences differently.
Entertainment desk
October 13, 2026 / 10:50 IST
Earlier in March, reports suggested that the Varanasi team planned to film parts of the movie in Antarctica.
SS Rajamouli has responded to the speculation regarding a possible Antarctica shooting schedule for his much-awaited film, Varanasi. The filmmaker said that the team thought of shooting in the icy continent but decided to shoot the sequences differently.
Speaking on The Empire Film Podcast, the filmmaker revealed that they were “seriously” talking about filming in Antarctica during the planning phase and the crew had even made preparations to do so. But in the end, they chose to use other methods to get the scenes they wanted.
The clarification puts to rest the speculations that Rajamouli, Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra Jonas were supposed to fly to Antarctica for a dedicated shooting schedule.
Why Did Varanasi’s Team Think of Antarctica?
Earlier in March, reports suggested that the Varanasi team planned to film parts of the movie in Antarctica. There was a great deal of buzz around the idea, given the logistical challenges of shooting in one of the most remote and extreme environments on Earth.
Antarctica is said to be part of the storyline of the film, although the actual trip never took place. Exact locations and methods used by the production team to recreate the icy landscapes have not been revealed.
Rajamouli’s recent remarks suggest that the team played around with the idea before finally opting for a more practical approach. It is not known whether the sequences were created with visual effects, controlled sets or other locations.
Varanasi Journeys Across Continents and Ages
Varanasi promises to take the audience through a journey of different locations and historical timelines. The film’s supposed story spans Antarctica, Africa and ancient Rome before returning to the Indian city of Varanasi.
The grand scale of the setting is a reflection of Rajamouli’s vision, with the filmmaker known for marrying large-scale action, elaborate production design and ambitious storytelling.
The film stars Mahesh Babu in the lead role alongside Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran. The casting has been the talk of the town, especially as it combines two big names from different film industries.
Following the global triumph of RRR, Rajamouli’s next directorial venture is Varanasi. The 2022 action drama starring Ram Charan and Jr NTR was internationally acclaimed and won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for “Naatu Naatu”.
While the makers have kept many production details under wraps, the Antarctica discussion gives us an insight into the ambitious planning behind the film. Audiences will have to wait for the finished film to see how Rajamouli brings these settings to the screen, with alternative arrangements reportedly being made for the icy sequences.
Varanasi is set to release in theatres on April 7, 2027.
Entertainment desk Entertainment Desk at Moneycontrol reports on the celebrities, movies that shape India’s entertainment industry. With a sharp focus on cinema, OTT, web series, and latest trends, the entertainment desk delivers verified news, and analytical stories that place entertainment within a wider economic and cultural context. Our coverage goes beyond celebrity to examine how storytelling, audiences and business decisions influence one of the country’s most influential creative industries.
first published: Oct 13, 2026 10:50 am
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