Kalyani Priyadarshan has confirmed her return for ‘Lokah Chapter 2’, with shooting slated to begin in September 2026. The sequel to the record-breaking Malayalam film ‘Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra’ will reportedly feature Tovino Thomas in the lead, with Dulquer Salmaan’s return also rumored. The film is expected to expand the franchise’s mythological universe.

Speculation around the casting in SS Rajamouli’s ‘Varanasi’ has taken a fresh turn with Kichcha Sudeep’s name joining the list. This potential casting rumor instantly grabbed attention, not just for the scale of the film but also for the history that the actor shares with the filmmaker. Their previous collaborations, though limited in screen time, delivered memorable moments that audiences still talk about. With the new film promising a much larger canvas, the idea of Kichcha Sudeep returning to SS Rajamouli’s world has raised expectations for a role that could be far more substantial and performance-driven.

An official word awaited on Kichcha Sudeep’s addition

According to a report by India Today, Kichcha Sudeep is likely to play a key role in the film, but the makers have not made an official announcement yet. The news has created huge excitement among fans, especially because the actor had recently said that he prefers roles that have purpose and impact, even if they are not very long. His statement has added more curiosity, as many believe he would not take up a cameo unless it had strong importance in the story. ‘Varanasi’ will be Sudeep and director S. S. Rajamouli’s third collaboration after their successful films ‘Eega’ and ‘Baahubali: The Beginning.’

Mahesh Babu leads a massive global spectacle

The film already features a massive star cast with Mahesh Babu in the lead role as Rudhra. The teaser had shown him travelling across different parts of the world, and the time stamps in the video sparked theories about a time-travel element. However, Rajamouli has remained silent about these speculations and said that the teaser only contained clues for the audience to decode. The film also stars Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran in key roles, with music composed by M. M. Keeravani and the story written by V. Vijayendra Prasad.

Milestone year for Sudeep amid casting talk

Meanwhile, Sudeep is enjoying a special phase in his career. The actor recently completed 30 years in the film industry and also led the Karnataka Bulldozers to victory in the Celebrity Cricket League. If his entry into ‘Varanasi’ is officially confirmed, this will be a new landmark for Kichcha Sudeep, and also a much-awaited comeback with Rajamouli. The film is in production and scheduled for an epic release on April 7, 2027.