S. S. Rajamouli’s Varanasi Shoot Faces Water Controversy in Hyderabad Amid Ongoing Heatwave
The shoot of Varanasi, directed by S. S. Rajamouli, is currently underway in Hyderabad, with the ambitious sci-fi epic reportedly filming extensive underwater sequences at Hyderabad Film City Studio in Gaganpahad. However, the production has now run into an unexpected hurdle involving water usage permissions amid the city’s ongoing water crisis.
Massive Water Request for Underwater Sequences
According to reports, the makers of Varanasi, produced under Sri Durga Arts, approached the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply & Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) with a request for 150 water tankers, each carrying 10,000 litres of water. The water was reportedly needed to fill a large pond constructed for underwater filming sequences.
The request letter was addressed to HMWSSB Managing Director K. Ashok Reddy, stating that the water would be purified to meet cinematic quality standards. The production team also assured that they would bear all tanker transportation and supply costs from the designated point to the shooting location.
Government Denies Permission
However, officials from the HMWSSB have reportedly denied the request. The decision comes in the backdrop of rising water demand in Hyderabad due to a severe summer heatwave, which has already strained local water resources.
As per reports, the rejection was communicated orally to the production team. Authorities cited priority water requirements for public consumption as the primary reason for not granting permission for the large-scale usage requested by the film unit.
Filming Continues Despite Setback
Despite the setback, underwater sequences for Varanasi are still being shot in Hyderabad and are expected to continue through May. The team is reportedly exploring alternative arrangements to source water for the elaborate sequences.
The film, one of India’s most ambitious upcoming projects, stars Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran.
A Grand Pan-India Spectacle
Varanasi marks S. S. Rajamouli’s first project after the global success of RRR. The film follows a time-travelling adventurer, played by Mahesh Babu, on a mission to uncover an ancient artefact linked to the Ramayana era.
The project also marks Priyanka Chopra’s return to Indian cinema after nearly a decade. Prithviraj Sukumaran plays the antagonist, adding further weight to the film’s star-studded lineup.
Expansive Storytelling Across Eras and Continents
The film is said to span multiple timelines and geographies, including India, Antarctica, Sri Lanka, and Africa, with sequences also set in the Treta Yuga, nearly 5,000 years ago. In flashback portions, Mahesh Babu reportedly portrays Lord Rama, adding a mythological dimension to the narrative.
Rajamouli previously unveiled the film’s first look at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad, showcasing its massive scale and visual ambition.
Release Plans
Varanasi is currently slated for a grand theatrical release in April 2027. With its scale, star cast, and global storyline, the film is already among the most anticipated Indian releases in the coming years.
For now, however, the production continues to navigate logistical challenges as it attempts to balance cinematic ambition with real-world resource constraints.
