From Kapil Sharma’s cheeky questions to sly smiles and budget bombshells, Priyanka Chopra’s Netflix appearance turns into the hottest Bollywood talking point of the week.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas is back — and she’s making sure her return to Indian cinema is anything but small. The global icon recently appeared as the first guest on the new season of Netflix’s The Great Indian Kapil Show, and what started as a light-hearted chat soon turned into one of the most buzzed-about moments in Bollywood right now. The reason? A jaw-dropping ₹1300 crore budget rumour surrounding her much-awaited Indian comeback film, SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi.
Yes, you read that right. ₹1300 crore.
As expected, Kapil Sharma didn’t waste a second before bringing up the elephant in the room, and Priyanka’s reactions — playful, sharp, and telling — have now set the internet on fire.
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Kapil Sharma Drops the ₹1300 Crore Bomb
During the episode, Kapil pointed out something audiences have long believed about Priyanka Chopra — that she doesn’t do anything “small”. From conquering Bollywood to dominating Hollywood, walking international red carpets, starring in global franchises, and now returning to Indian cinema with India’s biggest filmmaker, everything about Priyanka screams scale.
Taking that cue, Kapil quipped, “And now she’s working with Rajamouli saab, and we all know about his budgets. But I’ve heard that because Priyanka is in the film, its budget stands at ₹1300 crore.”
The studio went silent. The audience gasped.
And Priyanka? She smiled and calmly replied, “Haan.”
That single word was enough to send social media into meltdown mode.
Did Priyanka Chopra’s Salary Inflate the Budget?
Kapil, clearly enjoying the moment, pushed further. “So will these ₹1300 crore be spent only on making the film, or are you also providing jobs to the people of Varanasi?” he joked, before adding fuel to the fire: “I also heard this wasn’t the initial budget — it increased once you came on board.”
This is where Priyanka switched gears.
Looking genuinely amused, she shot back, asking Kapil whether he believed half of the budget had been transferred directly into her bank account. When Kapil replied with mock seriousness, “It’s obvious,” Priyanka laughed and said, “Matlab aap ulta naak pakadne ki koshish kar rahe hain? (Are you trying to pin it on me?)”
Her response neither confirmed nor denied the numbers — but Bollywood insiders will tell you that silence, especially with a smile, often speaks louder than words.
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What This Means for Bollywood
If the ₹1300 crore figure is even remotely accurate, Varanasi would officially become one of the most expensive Indian films ever made — surpassing even RRR, Baahubali 2, and Adipurush. Coming from SS Rajamouli, the man who redefined global expectations for Indian cinema, the number doesn’t sound impossible.
Rajamouli is known for his obsession with scale, detailing, world-building, and cinematic ambition. Add to that Mahesh Babu, Prithviraj Sukumaran, and now Priyanka Chopra — a global star whose presence instantly pushes a project into international territory — and suddenly, ₹1300 crore doesn’t sound outrageous. It sounds strategic.
Priyanka Chopra’s Bollywood Comeback: Why It’s a Big Deal
Priyanka Chopra’s return to Indian cinema has been long awaited. While she has remained a powerful force globally, fans have been craving her presence in a full-fledged Indian spectacle. Varanasi is not just another Hindi film — it’s a pan-world adventure drama that spans continents and timelines.
Her role as Mandakini is said to be central to the narrative, with strong emotional depth and global appeal. For Priyanka, this marks a calculated, powerful return — not nostalgia-driven, but future-focused.
Industry insiders say her casting isn’t about star value alone. It’s about credibility, international reach, and storytelling gravitas.
Kapil’s Baahubali Joke and Rajamouli’s Secrecy
When Navjot Singh Sidhu attempted to pry into the film’s plot, Kapil instantly shut it down with a classic Rajamouli reference. He joked that nobody knew why Katappa killed Baahubali until the second part, so trying to extract plot details now was pointless.
The audience roared with laughter — but the underlying message was clear. Varanasi is being guarded closely, just like Rajamouli’s previous blockbusters.
All About Varanasi: Cast, Plot & Release Date
SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi quietly went on floors in January this year, avoiding media glare. The project was officially announced only in November at a grand event at Ramoji Film City, creating massive buzz across industries.
The film stars:
- Mahesh Babu as Rudhra
- Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Mandakini
- Prithviraj Sukumaran as Kumbha
Slated for a Sankranthi 2027 release, Varanasi is described as a large-scale adventure drama that spans time, geography, and civilizations. Sources suggest the film blends mythology, action, emotion, and political undertones — a Rajamouli trademark.
Why the ₹1300 Crore Buzz Matters
Whether or not the final budget hits ₹1300 crore, the conversation itself is telling. It signals a shift in how Indian cinema is positioning itself globally. Films are no longer being made just for domestic box office glory; they are being designed as global theatrical events.
Priyanka Chopra’s presence amplifies that ambition. Her Hollywood credibility, global fanbase, and crossover appeal make Varanasi more than just another pan-India film — it becomes a pan-world proposition.
The Final Word
Priyanka Chopra didn’t confirm her paycheck. She didn’t break down the budget. But with a smile, a sharp comeback, and impeccable timing, she ensured one thing — Varanasi is now one of the most talked-about Indian films years before its release.
And if this is just the beginning of the promotional buzz, Bollywood — and the global box office — should buckle up.
For more exclusive updates, insider chatter, and the latest Bollywood news, stay tuned to UltaPaltaKhabar.com — where cinema meets conversation.
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