'Varanasi': S. S. Karthikeya on recreating the ghats: 'S.S. Rajamouli had a vision of breath-taking sequences'
ETimes | May 5, 2026 2:39 PM CST
The upcoming film 'Varanasi' is already generating strong anticipation. Producer S. S. Karthikeya recently shared details about the film’s ambitious production design. The project is backed by S. S. Rajamouli 's vision.
Karthikeya has now explained how the team worked to recreate the iconic ghats.
S.S. Karthikeya at Comic Con
The film gained global attention at Comic Con Experience Mexico 2026. During the event, S. S. Karthikeya spoke about the challenges behind building the world of 'Varanasi'.
As quoted by Telengana Today, S.S. Rajamouli's son shared, “The story begins, revolves, and ends in Varanasi. It's also called the spiritual capital of India and is one of the oldest cities that was built and still inhabited. Obviously, our director SS Rajamouli had a vision of some breath-taking sequences in the Ghats of Varanasi, which practically we couldn’t have possibly executed there. As the producer our responsibility is to make that happen. We sent out our production design team to Varanasi to get all the possible dyes, measurements, picture references and all of that. To make his vision come true we built the Varanasi Ghats brick by brick to ensure his vision comes true.”
Challenges faced by Prithviraj Sukumaran
In an earlier interaction with Collider, Prithviraj Sukumaran spoke about the difficulties of playing Kumbha. His character is confined to a wheelchair. This limited his physical expression on screen.
"As an actor, especially after doing so much work in the industry, you function almost subconsciously, always aware that your body is available as a communication tool. Then you are put in a situation where nothing from the neck down is visible, and you realise that whatever you do physically will not be seen. Everything you have at your disposal is concentrated on your face. What you need to convey must come through your face and eyes," he said.
The actor further explained the depth of his role. "None of Kumbha's emotions is one-dimensional. Everything he does and says carries a great deal of weight from his past, with layers of subtext beneath every line. That complexity is what makes the character so compelling for me, and that is what truly excited me as an actor," he added.
Star cast in 'Varanasi'
The film features a powerful ensemble cast. Mahesh Babu plays Rudhra. Prithviraj Sukumaran appears as Kumbha. Priyanka Chopra Jonas takes on the role of Mandakini. The first looks of these characters have already created excitement online.
Karthikeya has now explained how the team worked to recreate the iconic ghats.
S.S. Karthikeya at Comic Con
The film gained global attention at Comic Con Experience Mexico 2026. During the event, S. S. Karthikeya spoke about the challenges behind building the world of 'Varanasi'.
As quoted by Telengana Today, S.S. Rajamouli's son shared, “The story begins, revolves, and ends in Varanasi. It's also called the spiritual capital of India and is one of the oldest cities that was built and still inhabited. Obviously, our director SS Rajamouli had a vision of some breath-taking sequences in the Ghats of Varanasi, which practically we couldn’t have possibly executed there. As the producer our responsibility is to make that happen. We sent out our production design team to Varanasi to get all the possible dyes, measurements, picture references and all of that. To make his vision come true we built the Varanasi Ghats brick by brick to ensure his vision comes true.”
Challenges faced by Prithviraj Sukumaran
In an earlier interaction with Collider, Prithviraj Sukumaran spoke about the difficulties of playing Kumbha. His character is confined to a wheelchair. This limited his physical expression on screen.
"As an actor, especially after doing so much work in the industry, you function almost subconsciously, always aware that your body is available as a communication tool. Then you are put in a situation where nothing from the neck down is visible, and you realise that whatever you do physically will not be seen. Everything you have at your disposal is concentrated on your face. What you need to convey must come through your face and eyes," he said.
The actor further explained the depth of his role. "None of Kumbha's emotions is one-dimensional. Everything he does and says carries a great deal of weight from his past, with layers of subtext beneath every line. That complexity is what makes the character so compelling for me, and that is what truly excited me as an actor," he added.
Star cast in 'Varanasi'
The film features a powerful ensemble cast. Mahesh Babu plays Rudhra. Prithviraj Sukumaran appears as Kumbha. Priyanka Chopra Jonas takes on the role of Mandakini. The first looks of these characters have already created excitement online.
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