On November 15, S S Rajamouli finally let the audience into the grand world that he has been quietly building, as he unveiled the title of his next, Varanasi, at an event in Hyderabad. While the three-minute-plus teaser of the Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Prithviraj Sukumaran-starrer has expectedly made headlines, the filmmaker is already focusing on the film’s next leg.

mid-day has learnt that a month-long schedule will kick off at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad next week. Heightened security measures and caution will drive the stint as the unit will film the climax.

Insiders say that Babu’s look being leaked hours before the official reveal left Rajamouli disappointed. It has made him bullish about keeping further details tightly under wraps. An insider from the production unit says, “The film will release in 2027 and all details will have to be guarded until then.”

As a result, the makers are tightening on-ground protocols in the next leg. A source reveals, “Many departments, including costume and hair, won’t be allowed near the core shooting area. Only 100 people of the 400-member team will be allowed. A no-phone policy for the crew is in place. Rajamouli sir wants absolute secrecy.”