SS Rajamouli's Varanasi Faces Setback Over Water Supply Issues

SS Rajamouli's highly anticipated film Varanasi has hit a snag as the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board denied a request for 150 water tankers needed for underwater scenes. This setback has disrupted the shooting schedule for a key sequence. Despite the production team's willingness to cover costs, the ongoing summer season has led to increased water demand, making it difficult for authorities to allocate resources for non-essential uses. The film, featuring Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra, is set to release on April 7, 2027, and will explore themes from ancient rituals to cosmic events.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 3, 2026, 19:11 IST

Challenges for Varanasi's Production

The eagerly awaited film Varanasi, directed by SS Rajamouli, has encountered an unexpected obstacle in Hyderabad. The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) has denied a request for 150 water tankers essential for filming underwater scenes on a specially constructed set located on the city's outskirts. This decision has reportedly disrupted the preparation for a crucial scene.

Featuring Mahesh Babu as Rudhra, Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Mandakini, and Prithviraj Sukumaran as Kumbha, Varanasi is set to release in theaters on April 7, 2027.

Water Tanker Request Denied

According to reports from Telangana Today, the production team of Varanasi was turned down by the HMWSSB when they sought a significant number of water tankers to facilitate the shooting of intricate underwater sequences. The filmmakers had established a specialized water supply system to meet the technical demands of the shoot, but their request was ultimately rejected.

Officials explained that the ongoing summer season has led to increased water demand in Hyderabad, making it difficult for them to allocate such a large quantity of tankers for non-essential purposes. They emphasized the need to prioritize water supply for the city's residents.

Impact on Shooting Schedule

The denial of the water tankers has affected the planned schedule for the underwater sequences, which were anticipated to be a visually striking aspect of the film. Despite the production team's willingness to cover the costs associated with the tankers, the high demand for water has raised concerns within the department.

Insights on Varanasi

During the Comic Con Experience Mexico 2026, producer S. S. Karthikeya shared that Varanasi will feature a 20-minute segment showcasing the Ramayana, reflecting India's rich culture. The storyline follows Rudra (Mahesh Babu) as he journeys around the world to avert a disastrous asteroid collision triggered by a cosmic artifact. The film spans timelines from 512 AD to 2027, delving into the butterfly effect initiated by an ancient ritual that influences events across centuries.