S.S. Rajamouli Talks ‘Varanasi’ Wrap, ‘Baahubali’ in Animation

S.S. Rajamouli Talks ‘Varanasi’ Wrap, ‘Baahubali’ in Animation – Variety

1 जुलाई 2026 4 मिनट पढ़ें

Updated 1 जुलाई 2026 9:03 पूर्वाह्न

{"title":"S.S. Rajamouli Wraps Varanasi, Announces Baahubali Animation Project","excerpt":"Director S.S. Rajamouli has finished shooting his latest film ‘Varanasi’ and is now turning his attention to an animated version of the Baahubali saga. The journey from set to screen involved 97 takes for a single shot, early‑morning shoots, and a tense but productive relationship with actor Prithviraj Sukumaran. Priyanka Chopra praised Rajamouli’s command over the set, while industry insiders highlight the significance of bringing Baahubali to animation.","body_html":"<h2>Varanasi Wraps Up, New Horizons Ahead</h2>n<p>After months of shooting in the holy city of Varanasi, S.S. Rajamouli has officially wrapped his latest project. The director, known for his grand storytelling, has now turned his focus to a fresh venture: an animated adaptation of the Baahubali franchise. The announcement comes as a surprise to many, given the scale of the original films and the technical demands of animation.</p>n<h2>97 Takes for One Shot – A Testament to Perfection</h2>n<p>Behind the scenes, the Varanasi set was a laboratory of patience and precision. Reports from the crew reveal that a single scene required 97 takes before the director was satisfied. This level of detail underscores Rajamouli’s relentless pursuit of visual perfection.</p>n<ul>n<li>Long hours on set, often starting before dawn.</li>n<li>Multiple camera setups to capture the nuanced lighting of the ghats.</li>n<li>Continuous collaboration between the director, cinematographer, and actors.</li>n</ul>n<h2>Prithviraj Sukumaran: The Actor Who Stood His Ground</h2>n<p>Actor Prithviraj Sukumaran, who played a pivotal role in Varanasi, shared his experience of working with Rajamouli. While the director’s vision was uncompromising, Prithviraj noted that the working hours were intense, with 20‑minute lunch breaks and early‑morning schedules. Despite the challenges, the actor praised Rajamouli’s ability to maintain focus and deliver a cohesive performance.</p>n<h2>Priyanka Chopra’s Take on Rajamouli’s Leadership</h2>n<p>During a recent interview, Priyanka Chopra highlighted Rajamouli’s command over the set. She described him as having “complete and utter control,” a trait that keeps the production on track and ensures that every frame aligns with his vision. This level of authority is often cited as a key factor in the director’s success.</p>n<h2>Baahubali in Animation – What It Means for Indian Cinema</h2>n<p>The decision to bring Baahubali to animation marks a significant shift in Indian film production. Animation allows for expansive world‑building that would be difficult to achieve with live‑action alone. It also opens doors for younger audiences and international markets.</p>n<ul>n<li>Potential for new story arcs and character development.</li>n<li>Use of cutting‑edge animation technology to recreate the epic’s grandeur.</li>n<li>Opportunity to collaborate with global studios and talent.</li>n</ul>n<h2>Industry Implications and Future Projects</h2>n<p>Rajamouli’s move into animation signals a broader trend in Indian cinema where directors are exploring diverse formats to tell their stories. The