By skyforbes 
Predicted Story of Varanasi
Based on the trailer clues, Varanasi appears to be an epic sci-fi–mythology adventure that spans continents and centuries. The film opens in 512 CE at the holy ghats of Varanasi, where a sage performs a fiery ritual (homam) suggesting a prophecy or cosmic event. The scene then jumps to 2027 CE, when an asteroid named Shambhavi hurtles through the sky and crashes into the Antarctic ice cap. This impact (and the resulting iceball) unleashes strange global disturbances: we see ice-mountains and Antarctic seas, then a pan to Africa (Masai Mara) with aggressive hippos and monkeys. These shots imply that Shambhavi’s arrival triggers cataclysmic changes across the world.
2017 Asteroid & Aftermath: In the near future, Asteroid Shambhavi strikes Earth (2027 CE), as shown by the burning sky and crashing comet. The trailer suggests this event affects the global ecosystem: Antarctic glaciers and seas are disturbed, and African wildlife (hippos, monkeys) behave erratically. In our theory, the asteroid either carries a malevolent force or unlocks an ancient curse tied to Indian mythology.
Ancient Prophecy (512 CE Varanasi): The opening ritual in Varanasi implies an ancient prophecy is involved. Perhaps in 512 CE, holy seers foresaw Shambhavi’s return and began a ritual to contain its power. The text caption “512 CE” and the grand fire ceremony hint that Varanasi has been a sacred focal point for this cosmic cycle.
Journey Through Time: Following the asteroid’s impact, the hero’s quest becomes a time-travel mission. The tagline and trailer imagery (“globetotter”/“timetotter”) suggest the characters literally traverse eras and geographies. Indeed, after showing Varanasi and modern catastrophes, the trailer cuts back to the mythic past (the Ramayana era): we see a cave “like present-day Lanka” with a giant goddess, and scenes of Lord Rama versus Ravana with a colossal Hanuman and monkey army building a living siege tower. These scenes occur in Tretā Yuga (Ramayana age), c. 7200 BCE.
Divine Allies: In the ancient timeline, the goddess Mandākini (played by Priyanka Chopra) appears in a cave—perhaps a shrine or source of mystical power in Lanka. The Ram–Ravana battle hints that Rama’s legend is invoked. The trailer even depicts a giant Hanuman among the monkey hosts. This suggests the hero will enlist mythic allies from the Ramayana: e.g. a super-sized Hanuman and the army of Vanaras (monkeys) to aid the fight. The use of Lanka and Ram–Ravana imagery implies the modern crisis may be resolved by actions taken in the mythic past.
The Hero – Rudra: Mahesh Babu’s character is introduced as Rudra, a divine warrior (an avatar of Lord Shiva or a heroic form of Lord Ram). The final trailer shot shows Rudra, bruised but determined, riding the celestial bull Nandi and wielding a trident (Trishul). In mythology Rudra is a name of Shiva and also an epithet of Lord Ram as a warrior. Here, Rudra is likely the prophesied “savior” who must be awakened to stop Shambhavi’s threat. Mahesh’s Rudra may already be working across time: for example, he could be an Indiana Jones–style explorer (as suggested by reports) who uncovers clues in present day, then physically journeys to Tretā Yuga to retrieve divine weapons or blessings.
The Villain – Kumbha: Prithviraj Sukumaran plays Kumbha, a “vicious supervillain”. The name evokes the demon Kumbhakarna from Ramayana, or a new demonic entity tied to the asteroid’s curse. It’s likely Kumbha is either awakened by Shambhavi or born of its arrival, and the world (both modern and ancient) must unite to defeat him. The trailer’s thunder striking the Ganges at Manikarnika Ghat (a holy cremation site in Varanasi) may signal Kumbha’s rising power or the call for Rudra’s intervention.
Story Outline (Speculative): Putting these pieces together, a plausible plot is: In 2027, the Earth faces annihilation when Asteroid Shambhavi strikes. Ancient writings (discovered in Varanasi or Africa) reveal that every age a celestial event threatens life, and only the god-awakened warrior Rudra can avert it. Mahesh’s Rudra – possibly a present-day archaeologist/explorer – teams up with Mandakini (a fearless adventuress or avatar of the Ganges) to travel globally (Africa’s wilderness, Antarctic ruins, caves) following clues to the past. Through a supernatural portal or divine blessing, they enter Tretā Yuga (Ramayana era), where Rudra allies with Rama, Hanuman and the gods. Together they breach Lanka’s cave (where a goddess or weapon is hidden) and battle demons. Returning to the present (Varanasi’s Manikarnika Ghat), Rudra fully dons Shiva’s might. In the climax, Rudra on Nandi with the trident faces Kumbha (and perhaps the asteroid’s core being), using the power gained from the past to save the world.
Conclusion: In summary, Varanasi seems to weave a mythic narrative with sci-fi adventure. It “links Varanasi (512 CE), Asteroid Shambhavi (2027 CE)… Antarctica, Africa… and Lanka (7200 BCE)” into one story. The film follows a globe- and time-trotting quest: an explorer-hero (Rudra) and his allies confront a cosmic threat by journeying to the Ramayana’s era and harnessing divine powers. In effect, the trailer hints that Varanasi will culminate in a grand battle blending Lord Rama’s legend and Shiva’s avatar in the modern age – a dream project that “blends mythology with time travel” on a truly epic scale.
Sources: Latest reports and trailer breakdowns of Varanasi (Rajamouli–Mahesh Babu film) confirm these elements – the multi-era timeline, character names, and global settings. They all point toward a mythological sci-fi story tying together an asteroid catastrophe and the Ramayana cycle.