A long, crucial sequence in Varanasi has been filmed using the latest motion-capture technology available at Hyderabad's Annapurna Studios. A&M MoCap Lab is where the key sequences for Varanasi was filmed. Starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Prithviraj Sukumaran, the multi-lingual project utilized the lab’s cutting-edge tech to bring the spiritual essence of Varanasi to life with unprecedented precision.
We now know some details of the sequence. "The episode will be almost 25 minutes long. I can’t tell you much, but it’s a thrilling scene. Unless they are informed about it, nobody would be able to make out that it was done using motion-capture," a key technical person behind the development has told The Hollywood Reporter. The lab, which is billed to reshape motion capture in Indian cinema, is a collaboration between Annapurna Studios, Shobu Yarlagadda’s Mihira Visual Labs, and Hollywood’s Animatrik Film Design.
SS Rajamouli and his team did a 360-degree capture during the pre-viz stage for the sequence. Varanasi is scheduled to hit the cinemas on 7 April 2027.
