Priyanka Chopra has carved out an impressive career spanning Bollywood, Hollywood, and now, a deeper dive into South Indian cinema. While she's best known for her Hindi films and international projects, her connection to Telugu movies tells a fascinating story of near-misses, bilingual experiments, and high-profile comebacks. This journey highlights her versatility and the evolving landscape of Indian film industries.

The Unreleased Debut: Apuroopam in 2002

Back in 2002, fresh off her Miss World win, Priyanka was poised to make her mark in Telugu cinema with Apuroopam. Directed by G.S. Ravikumar, the romantic drama featured her alongside actors like Madhukar and Prasanna. Posters were released, and significant portions were shot, but production issues and cast problems led to the film being shelved indefinitely. This unreleased project remains a curious footnote in her early career, symbolizing the unpredictable nature of showbiz. It's a reminder that even global stars like Priyanka faced hurdles before hitting their stride.

The Bilingual Venture: Toofan/Zanjeer

Over a decade later, in 2013, Priyanka dipped her toes into Telugu waters through the bilingual film Zanjeer (Hindi) and its Telugu version, Toofan. Directed by Apoorva Lakhia, it starred Ram Charan in the lead and marked Priyanka's on-screen Telugu appearance. Playing a strong-willed character, she brought her signature energy to the remake of the classic Amitabh Bachchan film. Though not a massive hit, it introduced her to Telugu audiences and showcased her ability to adapt across languages. However, some debates linger about whether this counts as a "pure" Telugu debut, given its simultaneous shooting in two languages.

Mahesh Babu's Clarification on Her Official First

Fast forward to today, and Priyanka is teaming up with Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu for SS Rajamouli's ambitious project Varanasi (previously known as SSMB29 or GlobeTrotter). In a light-hearted moment during promotions, Mahesh Babu insisted that Varanasi is Priyanka's official Telugu debut, dismissing her earlier works. He playfully stated she hadn't done a Telugu film before, emphasizing this collaboration as her true entry point. Fans found his stance amusing, especially since it overlooked Toofan, sparking online discussions about what constitutes a "debut."

Priyanka's "It's Complicated" Response

During a chat with Screen Rant Plus, Priyanka addressed the banter with her signature wit. When discussing her Telugu experience, she laughed and said, "It's complicated," acknowledging the tangled history of her involvements. This response captured the nuance—Apuroopam never saw the light of day, and Toofan was more of a hybrid effort. Her humility and humor endeared her further to fans, who appreciate her candid take on career twists.

Excitement Builds for Varanasi

Varanasi, set for release in 2027, promises to be a game-changer. Directed by the visionary SS Rajamouli, it features Priyanka as Mandakini opposite Mahesh's Rudhra (inspired by Lord Ram) and Prithviraj Sukumaran as the antagonist Kumbha. The film blends mythology, action, and time-travel elements, aiming for global appeal like Rajamouli's RRR. Priyanka has shared her enthusiasm about learning Telugu phonetically, calling the process transformative.

Priyanka's Telugu journey reflects resilience and growth. From a shelved start to an epic collaboration, it underscores her enduring appeal in Indian cinema. As Varanasi approaches, fans eagerly await how this chapter unfolds, blending her international flair with Telugu storytelling magic.

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