Varanasi producer SS Karthikeya hints SS Rajamouli film might vie for Oscars in new stunt category with ‘crazy’ action unlike RRR, Baahubali

SS Karthikeya teased that Varanasi will feature unprecedented action sequences, aiming to keep audiences engaged.

With the Oscars set to recognise stunt design as a separate category from 2028, the craft behind some of cinema’s biggest action sequences could finally get the recognition it deserves. SS Rajamouli’s upcoming Varanasi appears to be taking that spectacle a step further, with producer SS Karthikeya teasing action sequences that he says will be unlike anything audiences have seen in RRR or Baahubali.

SS Karthikeya talks about the stunts in SS Rajamouli's Varanasi.

SS Karthikeya talked about stunts in Varanasi

In an interview with Thyview, Karthikeya opened up about the action in Varanasi and revealed that the film will feature “crazy” and completely different sequences designed to keep audiences “on the edge of your seat”.

When asked how the stunts in Varanasi are shaping up following the Academy’s decision to introduce a stunt design category from 2028, Karthikeya said, "It's going to be crazy and a different kind of action. Not the kind of action that you saw in RRR or Baahubali. It's a completely different kind of action, but you will be on the edge of your seat in every sequence. So let's see."

The producer also spoke about SS Rajamouli’s long-awaited dream project, Mahabharata. He revealed that there has been no progress on the project yet, with Rajamouli continuing to say that he is “not ready” to take it on. Karthikeya further revealed that, after 25 years of working with Rajamouli, he has noticed that the filmmaker has only become more patient over the years.

Oscars to introduce stunt design category

The Oscars are set to introduce a new Achievement in Stunt Design category, giving stunt professionals long-overdue recognition at Hollywood’s biggest awards ceremony. The award will debut at the 100th Academy Awards in 2028 and will be open to films released in 2027.

The category will recognise the creative and technical work behind a film’s action sequences, including stunt designers, coordinators, performers, choreographers and other specialists involved in bringing elaborate and dangerous sequences to life.

About Varanasi

Written by Vijayendra Prasad, Varanasi marks SS Rajamouli’s first film since the global success of RRR. Starring Mahesh Babu, Prithviraj Sukumaran and Priyanka Chopra, the film blends mythology and Indian folk tales with sci-fi elements such as time travel to create a globe-trotting adventure.

Last year, the first glimpse of the film was released, revealing that Mahesh Babu’s character Rudhra embarks on a time-travelling quest at the behest of Prithviraj Sukumaran’s Kumbha, before realising that he has ulterior motives. Kumbha is the antagonist of the film.

Varanasi also marks Priyanka Chopra’s comeback to Indian cinema after almost eight years. She plays Mandakini, who was seen in the first poster wearing a saree and wielding a gun. The film is scheduled to release in theatres in April 2027.