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Priyanka Chopra is gearing up for her return to Indian cinema with Varanasi, co-starring Mahesh Babu, a project that has already generated significant buzz online ahead of its April 2027 release.

Recently, director SS Rajamouli revealed in an interview that nearly 25 minutes of the film will be set in a mythological era. However, the remark sparked criticism on social media, with many netizens taking issue with the approach, given that the film is rooted in the Ramayana.

© Sri Durga Arts

In a recent interaction, SS Rajamouli spoke about the extent to which mythology features in his 2027 film Varanasi, while being cautious not to reveal too much. Addressing the topic, he said,“I must be careful in answering this question so that I don't give out spoilers. About 25 minutes of the film is set in the mythological period. Yeah! That is how much I can tell you right now.”

S.S. Rajamouli teases how much of Hindu mythology will be depicted in his upcoming film ‘VARANASI’

“About 25 minutes of the film will be set in the mythological period… that’s as much as I can tell you right now” pic.twitter.com/rjj5PKZCLh

— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) February 4, 2026

A section of social media users has alleged that SS Rajamouli is being let off lightly for describing aspects of the film as mythological simply because he is a filmmaker from the South. At the same time, many fans have come out in his defence, pointing out that the director has repeatedly stated in the past that he is not a practising Hindu and identifies as an atheist.

One user commented, “So? If atheist Rajamouli says Ramayana is mythology then it's considered fine, but when some other atheist filmmaker says the same, they're trolled? Why the hypocrisy?”

So? If atheist Rajamouli says Ramayana is mythology then it's considered fine, but when some other atheist filmmaker says the same, they're trolled? Why the hypocrisy?

— Redding Cream (@FlamesBeyondAll) February 4, 2026

Another user commented, “Lol who are you kidding? The word mythology was imposed upon the Hindus by the Westerners as they believed these epics were fan-fic or fantastical. Plus my point is different. I don't mind SSR calling Ramayana mythology, but when other ppl do the same, why are they called out?”

Lol who are you kidding? The word mythology was imposed upon the Hindus by the Westerners as they believed these epics were fan-fic or fantastical. Plus my point is different. I don't mind SSR calling Ramayana mythology, but when other ppl do the same, why are they called out?

— Redding Cream (@FlamesBeyondAll) February 4, 2026

One user reacted, “Absolutely valid point. people are too biased, and the hindi film industry or bollywood has always been an easy target. i’m a hindu but an atheist, and even i can’t definitively call the ramayana either mythology or history. it’s complex. personally, i believe it’s a mix of both.”

absolutely valid point. people are too biased, and the hindi film industry or bollywood has always been an easy target.
i’m a hindu but an atheist, and even i can’t definitively call the ramayana either mythology or history. it’s complex.
personally, i believe it’s a mix of both.

— nolan (@krrishnolan) February 4, 2026

Another user reacted, “There are mythological stories in our history. Maybe he is referring that, and no one questions him because his films are not problematic in terms of showing India.”

There are mythological stories in our history. Maybe he is referring that, and no one questions him because his films are not problematic in terms of showing India

— Amey Deshmukh (@A_meme_y89) February 4, 2026

Starring Priyanka Chopra and Mahesh Babu in the lead roles, SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi is a globetrotter set across multiple dimensions and timelines.

The film will be released on April 7, next year.