Mahesh Babu calls Varanasi Priyanka Chopra’s first Telugu film; actor says ‘it’s complicated’

Priyanka Chopra on Telugu debut: ‘It’s complicated’

Priyanka Chopra is set to make her official Telugu film debut with SS Rajamouli’s upcoming magnum opus Varanasi. However, the actress has now revealed that this will not technically be her first Telugu project, owing to an unreleased film she worked on early in her career.

Priyanka had acted in Apuroopam (2002), a Telugu film that was eventually shelved and never saw a theatrical release. As a result, Varanasi is being considered her formal debut in Telugu cinema.

Speaking during a recent interaction with Screen Rant Plus about being accepted by Telugu audiences, Priyanka appeared momentarily unsure about her filmography.
“Um, for me, I haven’t done a Telugu movie in… I don’t even know,” she said, prompting co-star Mahesh Babu to jump in.

“She hasn’t done it before,” Mahesh stated firmly.
Laughing, Priyanka responded, “Yeah, I haven’t done one.”
Mahesh added, “She has not. This is her first Telugu film, so I don’t know what she’s speaking.”
To which Priyanka summed it up with a smile: “It’s complicated.”

Elaborating on the reception she has received, the actress said the warmth from Telugu fans has been overwhelming.
“Having that kind of acceptance from Telugu audiences is very unique to this region. The level of love and affection is something special, and for me to receive that was really wonderful,” she said.

Priyanka added that the response to the film’s first look and title announcement has only heightened her excitement.
“To see the anticipation and love coming in from people across the world, especially so early, has been really wonderful,” she noted.

Varanasi marks Priyanka Chopra’s return to Indian cinema after nearly six years. Directed by SS Rajamouli, the film stars Mahesh Babu in the lead role of Rudhra, with Prithviraj Sukumaran playing the antagonist Kumbha. Priyanka will be seen as Mandakini.

The teaser offered a striking glimpse of Mahesh Babu’s character—bloodied, wielding a trishul, and riding a bull—setting the tone for the epic narrative. The film’s music is composed by MM Keeravani, while the story is penned by V Vijayendra Prasad.

As for Apuroopam, the film was directed by GS Ravikumar and also starred Madhukar and Prasanna alongside Priyanka. Despite substantial portions being shot and promotional material released, the project was reportedly shelved due to financial issues faced by the producers, leaving it unreleased.

With Varanasi, Priyanka Chopra finally gets her long-awaited—and official—entry into Telugu cinema.