SS Rajamouli Picks One of The Greatest Cinematic Moments In Varanasi

Hyderabad, February 13 - Director SS Rajamouli has often spoken about cinema transcending realism, and the scene he associates with one of the greatest cinematic moments in Varanasi perfectly reflects that philosophy. During an interview with Collider, the maverick filmmaker picked the moment in the film which he feels is going to be a peak cinematic moment.

The filmmaker was asked at what point he thought of making Varanasi. While he didn't pinpoint an instance which led him to make this global action adventure, he did point out the scene featuring the titular character, Rudra, played by Mahesh Babu.

The visual captures a ferocious warrior charging through the ancient city atop a raging bull, with dust, chaos, and towering temples framing the spectacle. It is not designed to depict everyday Varanasi, but its eternal spirit—raw, powerful, and deeply spiritual.

What elevates this moment into cinematic greatness is its symbolism. The bull instantly evokes Nandi, the sacred mount of Lord Shiva, who is intrinsically linked to Varanasi. By placing his protagonist on the bull, Rajamouli fuses man and epicness into a single visual idea.

For Rajamouli, this moment represents cinema at its most elemental—where culture, history, movement, and emotion collide in a single frame. It is the kind of shot that, Rajamouli feel, will remain etched in the audience's memory long after the film ends.

Also starring Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran, Varanasi is being filmed for IMAX and is scheduled to release on April 7, 2027, in multiple languages.

Stay tuned...