Filmmaker SS Rajamouli is known for mounting cinematic spectacles, and his next project, the Telugu epic sci-fi action adventure Varanasi, is shaping up to be his most ambitious yet. Set for a 2027 release, the film—which was formally announced in November at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad—has been the subject of massive buzz, not least because of its reported budget. Whispers across the industry suggest that the film's scale has ballooned to an unprecedented ₹1300 crore (approximately $150 million), positioning it as one of the most expensive Indian movies ever made.

Adding fuel to the fire is the casting of global superstar Priyanka Chopra alongside the Telugu legend Mahesh Babu and Malayalam star Prithviraj Sukumaran. The obvious question on everyone's mind has been: did the fee of the international icon contribute to this staggering figure?

A Witty Exchange on 'The Great Indian Kapil Show'

The speculation around the budget and Priyanka’s paycheck recently took center stage during the season premiere of Netflix's The Great Indian Kapil Show, hosted by the ace comedian-actor Kapil Sharma. Priyanka Chopra, as the first guest, faced the burning question with her characteristic charm and quick wit.

Kapil Sharma, after complimenting the actress's larger-than-life career choices, got straight to the point: “And now she’s working with Rajamouli saab, and we all know about his budgets. But I’ve heard that because Priyanka is in the film, its budget stands at ₹1300 crore.”

Priyanka’s simple affirmation of the budget, saying "Haan" (Yes), sent a wave of excitement and shock through the audience.

Priyanka's Counter-Punch: A Dig at the Paycheck Rumours

Never one to miss a joke, Kapil Sharma pushed the lighthearted interrogation further, attempting to link the budget increase directly to the actress. He humorously asked if the ₹1300 crore would be spent solely on filmmaking or if it was also intended to "provid[e] jobs to the people of Varanasi," before adding the punchline: "But, I heard that this wasn't the initial budget and that it increased once you came on board."

Priyanka Chopra's response to the host's insinuation was a masterclass in playful deflection. She countered the joke by asking Kapil if he genuinely believed that half of the reported budget had been transferred straight into her bank account. When Kapil cheekily replied, "It's obvious," the actress delivered a memorable comeback in Hindi: "Matlab aap ulta naak pakadne ki koshish kar rahe hain?" (Are you trying to indirectly pin this on me?).

This exchange, which instantly went viral, allowed Priyanka to acknowledge the gargantuan scale of the film without confirming any details about her actual remuneration.

The Grand Scope of 'Varanasi'

While the discussion about budgets and star fees provides great fodder for entertainment, the film itself promises a spectacular cinematic experience. Varanasi, described as a Telugu epic sci-fi action-adventure, is written by V. Vijayendra Prasad, the legendary storyteller behind Rajamouli’s biggest hits. The inclusion of Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran ensures it will be a major pan-India and international event upon its 2027 release.

Priyanka's presence undeniably expands the film's global reach, justifying the immense financial outlay required to bring Rajamouli's vision—a grand, globetrotting story—to the screen. The actor’s witty exchange with Kapil Sharma has successfully turned a potentially awkward question into a promotional moment that highlights the sheer magnitude of the project.
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