Priyanka Chopra Jonas today turned a year older. On the occasion, her Varanasi hero and director showered her with a birthday poster. "Happy birthday to the one and only 'Mandakini'. Have the most amazing year ahead PC... Sending you lots of love and wishing you happiness always!!!" wrote Mahesh Babu, who plays Rudra in the movie.
Director SS Rajamouli's wish came with an insight into her character’s traits. "Grace when she smiles. Fire when she doesn’t."
Priyanka plays Mandakini in the ambitious pan-Indian film. She has called the project career-defining and unlike anything she has done before. In interviews, she revealed she gave Rajamouli one clear request before signing on: to include a dance number. "I have one request, will you make me dance?" she recalled. The result was an energetic sequence that even Mahesh Babu had to join. She has praised Rajamouli’s grand vision, which spans multiple eras and locations from Antarctica to ancient times. Priyanka described the film as a defining moment for Indian cinema.
Varanasi is set to hit theatres worldwide on April 7, 2027. It stars Mahesh Babu in a dual role and features Prithviraj Sukumaran as the antagonist.
