The Viral AI Rumor: 'Varanasi' Directed by S.S. Rajamouli
Over the last two weeks, a wave of high-quality AI-generated visuals has flooded social media, reimagining Hrithik Roshan in a divine role—specifically as Lord Shiva—for an upcoming film titled Varanasi.
The Claim: Rumors suggested Hrithik was joining the cast of S.S. Rajamouli’s next epic alongside Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra.
The Reality: Industry experts confirmed on April 15, 2026, that these are completely fan-made. While the visuals of Hrithik as "Rudhra" were incredibly convincing, Rajamouli’s Varanasi is officially headlined by Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra. Hrithik is not currently part of the cast.
The Historical Connection: 'Super 30' at BHU
If you are seeing "Hrithik in Varanasi" headlines that seem factual, they likely refer to his past work.
The Project: For his 2019 biopic Super 30, Hrithik shot extensive portions in the city.
Historic Milestone: The production filmed at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in June 2018, making it the first Hindi film ever permitted to shoot on that iconic campus.
Hrithik’s Actual 2026–2027 Schedule
Project Status Detail War 2 Post-Production Set to release late 2026; Hrithik recently responded to fan theories about the film's VFX. Krrish 4 Pre-Production Filming is scheduled to begin in mid-2026. Notably, Hrithik is stepping in as the Director for this installment [1.2, 3.1]. Patriot Rumored Speculation regarding a cameo alongside Mohanlal, though unconfirmed [4.2].
"Michael" Nostalgia
Coincidentally, Hrithik’s name has also been trending this week due to the global release of the Michael Jackson biopic, Michael. Fans have been sharing a 2008 memory of Hrithik meeting MJ in Los Angeles during the shoot of Kites, an encounter Hrithik described as a "brief yet profound" highlight of his life.
SantaBanta Verdict:
While the "Hrithik in Varanasi" AI trailers are a testament to how badly fans want to see him in a Rajamouli-style mythological epic, the actor is currently focused on the director's chair for Krrish 4. For now, any footage of Hrithik in the holy city is either a trip down memory lane from the Super 30 days or a very clever digital deepfake.
