The ambitious shoot of SS Rajamouli’s Varanas has run into an unexpected hurdle in Hyderabad. The film, which is currently filming large-scale underwater sequences, has reportedly faced a major setback after its request for 150 water tankers was denied amid a severe heatwave in the city. The situation has now put the shoot’s logistics under pressure.
The production team had approached the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply & Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) seeking thousands of litres of water to fill a specially designed pond for underwater scenes. However, officials refused the request, citing high water demand during the ongoing summer crisis. With limited resources already under strain, the denial has forced the makers to rethink their immediate shooting plans.
Varanasi Shoot Faces Hurdles Due To Heastwave
A Telangana Today report states that representatives of Sri Durga Arts, one of the producers of Varanasi, requested 150 water tankers of 10,000 litres each. The water was needed for high-quality underwater sequences being filmed at Hyderabad Film City in Gaganpahad.
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The letter submitted to the authorities also mentioned that the water would be purified to meet cinematic standards. While the production house agreed to pay tanker charges, the request was turned down. Officials confirmed that no water tankers were allotted for the shoot.
The rejection comes at a time when Hyderabad is facing an intense heatwave. The HMWSSB is already under pressure to meet rising water demand across the city. Due to these constraints, large-scale supply for film productions has become difficult.
As a result, the Varanasi team is now reportedly scrambling to arrange water from alternative sources to avoid delays. Despite the setback, filming of underwater sequences is expected to continue through May.
Inside Priyanka Chopra-Mahesh Babu Starrer
Varanasi is one of the most ambitious projects in Indian cinema. The film follows a time-travelling adventure led by Mahesh Babu, who plays a character named Rudhra. The story revolves around an ancient artefact linked to the Ramayana era.
The film also marks the return of Priyanka Chopra to Indian cinema after nearly a decade. Prithviraj Sukumaran plays the antagonist in this large-scale production.
Rajamouli’s Varanasi spans multiple timelines and locations, including India, Antarctica, Sri Lanka and Africa, along with flashback sequences set in the Treta Yuga. The film’s grand scale was first revealed at an event in Hyderabad, where its global vision was showcased.
