‘90 Takes, 20 Minute Breaks’: Prithviraj Sukumaran Talks About Working With SS Rajamouli for ‘Varanasi’ (Watch Video)
Prithviraj Sukumaran reveals shocking details from SS Rajamouli's 'Varanasi' sets, including a Mahesh Babu scene with nearly 100 takes. Explore the 'hardest-working director's' meticulous methods and early set arrivals. The global epic, also starring Priyanka Chopra Jonas, releases worldwide on April 7, 2027.
South Indian superstar Prithviraj Sukumaran has captivated audiences with never-before-heard details from the sets of SS Rajamouli's highly anticipated film, Varanasi. Currently under production, the multilingual epic, also starring Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, has been a subject of immense speculation, and Prithviraj's recent insights have only amplified the buzz surrounding Rajamouli's meticulous filmmaking process. Prithviraj Sukumaran’s ‘Let Woman Objectify the Man’ Remark Resurfaces Amid Janhvi Kapoor’s ‘Peddi’ Row.
Prithviraj Sukumaran on SS Rajamouli's Meticulous Filmmaking Method
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter India and other media outlets, Prithviraj Sukumaran described SS Rajamouli as the "hardest-working director" he has ever collaborated with, likening his approach to that of a "new director who had to wait 20-30 years to make his first film."
The actor shared astounding anecdotes, including a particular scene in Varanasi featuring both himself and Mahesh Babu that required an astonishing "94 or 97" takes, consuming an entire day of shooting. "We started working in the morning and came for a lunch break, because he didn't get the shot right. Just when we thought we will have a second mouthful of food, he calls us back on set," Prithviraj recounted, adding that the shoot continued until 6:30 or 7 PM, and even then, Rajamouli asked them to return the next day to reshoot the same scene.
Rajamouli's dedication extends beyond retakes. Prithviraj revealed that for a 7 AM shoot, the director would already be on set by 5:15 AM, having completed rehearsals with assistants and finalised camera setups. Lunch breaks on set were "barely 20 minutes," reflecting a relentless commitment that Prithviraj found profoundly impactful, stating, "I'm so much richer as an actor, as a filmmaker, and as a human being for having worked with him." He also noted Rajamouli's unique style of directing, where he would physically act out every emotion and movement himself to convey his vision to the actors.
Watch Prithviraj Sukumar's Full Interview:
More About ‘Varanasi’
Varanasi is touted as a globe-trotting action adventure, traversing multiple time periods and exotic locales from Antarctica to Africa and the iconic Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi. Prithviraj Sukumaran portrays the antagonist, Kumbha, a dangerous wheelchair-bound character, while Mahesh Babu takes on the role of Rudhra, and will also be seen essaying the role of Lord Rama in a specific sequence. Priyanka Chopra Jonas plays Mandakini. The film's scale, according to Prithviraj, is so immense that "'Big' is an understatement," a sentiment echoed by Rajamouli himself. ‘Embarrassing’: SS Rajamouli’s ‘Varanasi’ CCXP Mexico 2026 Panel Sparks Debate After Visuals Show Empty Seats.
With music by the Oscar-winning MM Keeravani and produced by Sri Durga Arts and Showing Business, Varanasi is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on April 7, 2027. These behind-the-scenes insights from Prithviraj Sukumaran further solidify Varanasi as one of the most eagerly awaited Indian cinematic events in recent memory.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 25, 2026 04:24 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
