Priyanka Chopra calls Prithviraj Sukumaran 'Kumbha' in Varanasi birthday wish

Priyanka Chopra wished her Varanasi co-star Prithviraj Sukumaran a happy birthday on Friday. She called him Kumbha, the name of the villain he plays in SS Rajamouli's film.

She reshared the makers' birthday post on her Instagram Stories, adding "Happy Birthday Kumbha" and tagging the actor. The production team's own post called the character "the most complex mind in #VARANASI".

Mahesh Babu, who leads the film, posted his wish on his official handle and sent Prithviraj "lots of love n happiness always". The director picked X for his message. "Didn't want to awaken the Kumbha within you today," Rajamouli wrote, adding that Kumbha is "destined to make his mark on the world."

Rajamouli revealed Prithviraj's first look as Kumbha in November. At the time he said that after the first shot was done, he walked up to Prithvi and told him he was one of the finest actors he had ever known. He said bringing the "sinister, ruthless, powerful antagonist" to life was "creatively very satisfying".

Sri Durga Arts and Showing Business are producing Varanasi. Mahesh Babu plays Rudhra, a man who sets out to save the city of Varanasi as an asteroid heads towards it. MM Keeravani has composed the music, and the film is set to reach cinemas on April 7, 2027.