SS Rajamouli had planned to film a major underwater sequence for Varanasi in Hyderabad. This scene required a massive amount of water. Production designers requested 150 water tankers from the Hyderabad Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board. However, the board denied this request. They cited the current water shortage in the city as the primary reason.
The production team, led by SS Karthikeya, is considering new locations. They may move the shoot to Varanasi or Prayagraj, as per a national media report. These cities offer natural river settings for the required scenes. Filming in North India would eliminate the need for artificial water tankers.
Doubts linger. Is it so easy to plan tough underwater sequences in real locations? It's likely that, even in a new location, Rajamouli and team will have to rely on supply from water tankers.
Varanasi is fronted by Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra, with Prithviraj Sukumaran playing the mythical villain. It will hit the cinemas on 7 April 2027.
