Apart from his directorial finesse and designing larger-than-life characters, director SS Rajamouli is also known for envisioning opulent sets. From Yamadonga to RRR, all his films boast lavish artwork. And for his upcoming film SSMB29, starring Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Mahesh Babu, the filmmaker is all geared to recreate the ‘spiritual capital of India’ in Hyderabad.
Varanasi set costs Rs 40 crore?
The work for the Varanasi set had begun early this year at Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad. Production Designer Mohan Bingi is reportedly monitoring the progress of the work of recreating iconic ghats, temples and riverfronts. Interestingly, the approximate cost of the Varanasi set is around Rs 40 crore, and it would be a major attraction in the action adventure.
Rajamouli is working closely with historians and research scholars who are experts on the temple architectures to ensure the detailing is authentic. A source close to the film unit reveals, “The team did discuss the possibilities of shooting in exteriors in the streets of Varanasi. But Rajamouli was keen and more comfortable to shoot in a set because of the logistic challenges.”
Recreating a holy city is a huge challenge
Given the Varanasi set’s cost, grandeur and scale, it is being tipped as the most expensive set in Indian cinema till date. Recreating a holy city is an arduous task, but Rajamouli is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that it's done authentically. He is once again bringing the green screen technology to use.
“Everything, right from the costumes and jewellery to the sets will have to reflect the time period and the traditions of pilgrimage. The set is being recreated in Nagara style of architecture punctuating towering spires and intricate carvings,” shares a source in the know. Since the film’s major work is about previsualization, Rajamouli will collaborate with world’s renowned VFX artistes to bring out world-class visuals.
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