Did you know Varanasi is not Priyanka Chopra's first Telugu film?

Actor Priyanka Chopra’s Telugu film debut has suddenly become a talking point again -- and no, Varanasi is not technically her first brush with the industry. As anticipation builds for SS Rajamouli’s ambitious new project, the actor’s Telugu filmography is being revisited, reopening an old question fans thought was already settled.

While Varanasi is widely being positioned as Chopra’s Telugu debut, the truth is far from that. Long before Rajamouli came calling, she had already signed, and even shot for, a Telugu film titled Apuroopam. The only difference? Audiences never got to see it.

So why is Varanasi still being called her debut?

Apuroopam, directed by GS Ravikumar, was meant to mark Chopra’s entry into Telugu cinema in the early 2000s. The film starred Madhukar and Prasanna alongside her and even released promotional material at the time. However, financial troubles stalled the project mid-way. Production eventually stopped, post-production never resumed, and the film was quietly shelved before it could see a theatrical or commercial release.

Because Apuroopam never reached audiences, Varanasi is now being treated as Chopra’s “official” Telugu debut -- a distinction that hinges more on release than participation.

What did Priyanka Chopra and Mahesh Babu say about it?

The confusion came up again during recent interviews promoting Varanasi. Mahesh Babu bluntly dismissed the idea of a prior Telugu outing, saying, “She has not. This is her first Telugu film.” Chopra, for her part, acknowledged the grey area, responding with a candid, “It’s complicated.”

Laughing off the debate in another interaction, Chopra admitted she hadn’t done a Telugu film that audiences had actually seen, with Mahesh Babu jumping in once more to underline the point.

Why does this debut matter so much?

For Chopra, Varanasi represents more than just another Indian film -- it’s a formal introduction to one of the country’s most devoted film audiences. Speaking about the overwhelming response to the film’s first look and character reveals, she highlighted the unique affection Telugu cinema fans bring to their stars, calling the early reception “really wonderful”.

Directed by SS Rajamouli and backed by MM Keeravani’s music, Varanasi also stars Prithviraj Sukumaran as antagonist Kumbha, with Mahesh Babu playing Rudhra. Chopra essays the role of Mandakini, marking her first Telugu appearance that audiences will finally experience on screen. The film is slated to release on April 7, 2027.

So while Varanasi may not be Priyanka Chopra’s first Telugu film on paper, it will be the first one that truly counts.