The highly anticipated pan Indian project Varanasi, directed by S.S. Rajamouli and starring Mahesh Babu, has reportedly hit a significant roadblock due to a water shortage in Hyderabad. The production team had requested approximately 150 water tankers, each with a 10,000-litre capacity, from the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board for an upcoming underwater action schedule. However, officials reportedly rejected the request, citing the need to prioritise drinking water for the public during the current summer water crisis across the city. 

Despite this hurdle, director Rajamouli is moving forward with plans to begin the underwater sequences on May 18 at a specially constructed set in Gaganpahad. A letter from the production house has surfaced on social media, suggesting they are willing to bear all transportation costs and even purify the water themselves before use to mitigate environmental and public concerns. While the team navigates these logistical challenges, lead actor Mahesh Babu is currently in Germany’s Black Forest region, undergoing intensive physical training and trekking to prepare for his multiple roles in the film. 

Varanasi is already being hailed as one of Indian cinema's most ambitious projects, with Mahesh Babu expected to portray several distinct roles, including characters inspired by Rudra and Lord Rama. The film features a high-profile ensemble cast, including Priyanka Chopra, Prithviraj Sukumaran, and Prakash Raj, with a screenplay by veteran writer Vijayendra Prasad. With music by Oscar-winning M.M. Keeravani and Rajamouli's signature large-scale vision, the film continues to generate massive viral interest despite the ongoing shooting delays.