Globetrotter Event: SS Rajamouli, Mahesh Babu's epic is now officially titled ‘Varanasi’, teaser unveiled

Globetrotter Event: The highly anticipated Globetrotter event has now wrapped up, delivering a string of major revelations about SS Rajamouli’s next film with Mahesh Babu. What had long been referred to as SSMB29 finally received its official title: Varanasi.

The event, held at Ramoji Film City, unveiled the film’s first teaser on a towering LED screen, confirming that Rajamouli’s latest venture is not only a globe-spanning action adventure but also a “time-trotting” epic that traverses vast historical and mythical timelines. The footage introduced Mahesh Babu as Rudhra, a character set against an expansive, high-concept narrative backdrop.

With its international cast—including Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran—and its large-format IMAX presentation, Varanasi has quickly surged to the top of fan discussions.

The Globetrotter event, once anticipated for new details, has now delivered far more than expected, setting the tone for one of the most ambitious Indian films in recent years.

Check out the live updates here:

Fans welcome Priyanka Chopra in Tollywood

Priyanka Chopra's role as Mandakini in ‘Varanasi’ will mark her entry into Tollywood. Fans took to X to welcome the actor in Tollywood.

Watch the official teaser here

Shortly after the teaser was shown at the event, SS Rajamouli revealed the trailer for the rest of the world via YouTube.

Mahesh Babu's character name unveiled

Alongside the stunning teaser, the director also revealed Mahesh Babu’s character name, Rudhra, and released the accompanying character poster.

‘Varanasi’ official teaser OUT

The teaser was officially screened on the massive LED display at Ramoji Film City. In addition to being called Globetrotter, the film is also referred to as Timetrotter, a name that reflects the expansive timeline it appears to explore.

Mahesh Babu shares a sweet moment with daughter Sitara

At the Globetrotter event, Namrata Shirodkar and Sitara were among the first to arrive. Mahesh Babu made his entrance much later, as the film’s leading man. The moment he stepped in, Sitara lit up and hurried over to him, and Mahesh greeted her with a tender smile, his affection for her unmistakable.

Rajamouli praises Mahesh Babu

SS Rajamouli addressed the audience and spoke about Mahesh Babu’s exceptional self-discipline. He revealed that whenever the actor arrives on set, no matter how long the shoot lasts, he leaves his phone in the car and only checks it once the day’s work is complete.

SS Rajamouli talks the recent teaser leak

The teaser was moments away from being released, but the team needed additional time to adjust the video for the 100-ft LED screens. Rajamouli explained that the crew had been working tirelessly for the event and that a drone in the venue triggered the accidental playback of the footage. As a result, the teaser began circulating on social media even before the official launch.

SS Rajamouli addresses the crowd

SS Rajamouli took to the stage and expressed his gratitude to everyone present. He spoke about how long the team had been waiting to finally reveal the film’s teaser. The director also shared that the project has been shot in a premium large-format scale designed specifically for IMAX.

Fans wait for the official teaser reveal

Fans are now eagerly awaiting the official glimpse of the film, which has been titled ‘Varanasi’ after one of India’s holiest cities.

SSMB29 is now officially titled ‘Varanasi’

The much-anticipated project, previously known simply as SSMB 29, now has an official title: Varanasi. Although the livestream on Jio Hotstar has not yet revealed the teaser, the video asset was inadvertently played at the venue during technical checks, revealing the name ahead of schedule.

Priyanka Chopra takes the stage

Priyanka began her speech by thanking the audience for turning up in such large numbers. She went on to praise MM Keeravaani for his music and acknowledged Shruti Haasan for her earlier performance. Addressing Prithviraj Sukumaran, she remarked that while he appears terrifying in the film, he is the complete opposite off-screen.

She also spoke warmly about Mahesh Babu, calling him an absolute legend, and mentioned his wife Namrata and their daughter Sitara with affection.

Prithviraj Sukumaran thanks SS Rajamouli

Prithviraj Sukumaran took the stage and thanked MM Keeravaani for the massive introduction. He went on to thank SS Rajamouli for the oppurtunity. He also praised Mahesh Babu and said that Priyanka's character from ‘Barfi’ is his one of his favourite performances by an Indian actor.

MM Keeravaani introduces Prithviraj to the stage

MM Keeravaani introduced Prithviraj Sukumaran to the stage with a massive performance. Prithviraj will be essaying the role of the main antagonist, Kumbha.

SS Karthikeya addresses the crowd

Karthikeya, SS Rajamouli’s son, also spoke at the event, thanking the audience for their trust in him. His mother, Rama, watched on with evident pride.

Mahesh Babu is finally here!

Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu arrived looking effortlessly stylish. He made his way to his seat, greeting his wife Namrata and daughter Sitara before exchanging pleasantries with Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran.

Priyanka Chopra looks gorgeous as she enters the venue

Priyanka Chopra made a striking entrance at the event, dressed in a pink saree complemented by elaborate jewellery.

SS Rajamouli arrives at the event

SS Rajamouli, the acclaimed director, has now arrived at the event, accompanied by his wife, Rama Rajamouli. Upon entering, he was warmly greeted by Namrata Shirodkar and Sitara Ghattamaneni.

Prithiviraj Sukumaran, MM Keeravaani arrive at the event

Accompanied by his wife, Malayalam star Prithviraj Sukumaran arrived at the venue dressed in an all-black ensemble. Oscar-winner MM Keeravaani was also greeted with enthusiastic cheers from the crowd.

When and where to watch the Globetrotter event livestream?

The event will beging shortly at Ramoji Film Studio. For those who will be watching it from the comforts of their home can opt to watch it on JioHotstar.

Rajamouli, known for steering the Baahubali franchise and the Oscar-winning ‘RRR,’ is expected to outline the film’s vision during the event. This marks his first major public update since production quietly moved into its pre-shoot phase earlier this year.

Sources close to the team suggest that Rajamouli intends to position the film as an international action-adventure set across multiple continents, a genre he has previously described as “a globe-spanning survival story”.