Shani Shingnapur Temple Trust Opens Doors to Women, Breaks 400 yr old Tradition

The summer heat is not only affecting films releasing in theatres but is also creating unexpected challenges for projects currently under production in Hyderabad. With water demand surging in several upscale localities such as Manikonda, Narsingi, and Gandipet, residents of even standalone apartment complexes are reportedly relying on nearly two water tankers a day to manage basic needs.

In this backdrop, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Board reportedly declined a request for around 150 water tankers, even for a high-profile film production involving Mahesh Babu and ace filmmaker S. S. Rajamouli. The demand was said to have been made a week ago for a major shoot requirement.

According to fresh reports, the shooting of their upcoming big project Varanasi was initially planned at a specially constructed set replicating a temple city in Hyderabad. The schedule included complex underwater sequences where large portions of the set were expected to be submerged. However, due to the unavailability of the required water supply, the makers are now reportedly considering shifting the shoot to locations in Uttar Pradesh, including Varanasi and Prayagraj, where water availability is not a constraint.

With actors including Priyanka Chopra also currently participating in the Hyderabad schedule, the production team is keen to avoid delays and financial setbacks caused by the water shortage. As a result, there is growing buzz that the underwater sequence may be executed entirely in North India instead of Hyderabad.

The makers are now said to be working on constructing new sets in Varanasi and Prayagraj to continue the planned shoot without further disruption. Meanwhile, the film’s release date has reportedly been locked for April 7, 2027.

Director Rajamouli is said to be determined to complete the shooting schedules on time to ensure the film meets its announced release window. However, there is still no official clarity on whether the project will release as a single film or be divided into multiple parts, with speculation continuing around a possible multi-part release strategy.