During a recent appearance on the popular television show The Great Indian Kapil Show, Priyanka Chopra spoke candidly about the massive budget of her film Varanasi. She also addressed discussions around her remuneration, sharing light moments while engaging with the host and audience in a lively, humorous segment on television.
Priyanka Chopra fans already know the global icon is set to return to the Indian big screen after a long break with acclaimed filmmaker SS Rajamouli’s highly anticipated project, Varanasi. Since its announcement, the film has generated massive buzz for its epic scale and ambitious vision. Early reports suggested a staggering budget of nearly Rs 1,300 crore. Appearing recently on The Great Indian Kapil Show, Priyanka confirmed those eye-popping figures herself. After this revelation, curiosity has surged online, with many wondering how much the actress is being paid for a role in such a massive production in the upcoming film.
Priyanka Chopra confirmed Varanasi’s budget to be Rs. 1300 crore on Kapil Sharma’s show
Filmmaker SS Rajamouli unveiled the title, cast, first looks, and teaser of Varanasi at the grand Globetrotter Event held at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad on November 15, 2025. Although the film is scheduled for a 2027 release, the Priyanka Chopra–led project has already become the centre of attention, sparking widespread discussion and speculation, particularly around its massive budget, even years ahead of its theatrical debut.
Living up to her iconic status, Priyanka Chopra gave fans exactly what they were eager to hear by addressing Varanasi’s budget during her recent appearance on season 4 of Kapil Sharma’s popular show, The Great Indian Kapil Show. She confirmed that the film carries a massive reported budget of around Rs 1,300 crore. While the revelation left audiences amazed, it also sparked curiosity about her fee for the project. However, Priyanka opted not to comment on her remuneration, leaving the question unanswered.
Kapil Sharma Jokes That Varanasi ’s Massive Budget Might Be Linked to Priyanka Chopra’s Fees
For those unaware, Varanasi is counted among the most expensive Indian films ever made. It stands just behind Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana: Part 1, which is reportedly mounted on a massive budget of around Rs 2,000 crore. That said, within the Tollywood industry, Varanasi tops the charts and marks SS Rajamouli’s most expensive venture so far. The film’s enormous budget visibly left host Kapil Sharma astonished, prompting an observation of his own. He remarked that nothing Priyanka Chopra does is ever small, as everything associated with her is truly larger than life. “Even when she does a film, it is with Rajamouli sir, and we know that he makes big budget films.”
As the playful exchange between Kapil Sharma and Priyanka Chopra went on, Kapil humorously asked whether a portion of the film’s massive Rs 1,300 crore budget would create jobs for the people of Varanasi. His quip left Priyanka laughing heartily. When Kapil went on to tease her further, asking if her inclusion in the film had pushed up the budget—hinting at her hefty remuneration—she remained unfazed. Gracefully taking the joke in stride, Priyanka showcased her wit and sense of humour as she replied: “Are you trying to say that half the budget has gone into my bank account?”