Viswambhara: How Director Vassishta’s Dream Project With Chiranjeevi Began After Dropping Rajinikanth’s Baasha Sequel

Director Mallidi Vassishta, known for his bold imagination, has finally opened up about how Viswambhara began, and it all started with a completely different film. In a recent interview, Vassishta revealed that he first pitched a story to Rajinikanth, which was meant to be a spiritual sequel to the superstar’s iconic 1995 film Baasha. But things didn’t go as planned.

The director felt the second half lacked the impact required for a Rajinikanth film. Adding to this, the actor already had a packed shooting schedule. So, the project was shelved.

That’s when Vamsi Krishna Reddy, also known as Vicky from UV Creations, stepped in. Through Vicky, Vassishta got a chance to meet Telugu megastar Chiranjeevi. The meeting proved fruitful. Chiranjeevi was highly impressed by the director’s vision and gave the green signal to a completely new film, Viswambhara.

What Is Viswambhara About?

Viswambhara is a grand socio-fantasy film that tells the story of a revolutionary man, played by Chiranjeevi, who travels across 14 different planets in search of a mysterious woman. The film blends elements of mythology, science fiction, and fantasy, aiming to deliver a visually stunning experience. Director Vassishta said the plot is openly shared because the film’s strength lies in its visuals and not in keeping the story secret.

Why Was Viswambhara Delayed?

The film was originally set for release on January 10, 2025, but has been delayed due to massive VFX work. With over 4,800 VFX shots, it’s being called the most visually intensive project in Telugu cinema history. Multiple studios are currently working on the effects. Some rumors claimed Chiranjeevi wasn’t happy with the teaser, but Vassishta cleared the air by saying the delay is purely for technical reasons and to ensure top quality.

Star Cast and Crew Behind the Fantasy Epic

The film stars Chiranjeevi in the lead, along with Trisha Krishnan (making her Telugu comeback after 8 years), Ashika Ranganath, and Kunal Kapoor. The music is composed by Oscar-winner M.M. Keeravani (RRR fame), and Chota K. Naidu is handling cinematography. Huge sets have been built, including a 54-foot Hanuman statue, to match the film’s epic scale.

Not a Sequel to Jagadeka Veerudu

There was speculation that Viswambhara might be a sequel to Chiranjeevi’s 1990 classic Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari. Director Vassishta clarified that while the new film shares a similar magical and adventurous tone, it’s an entirely fresh concept. The title Viswambhara, which means “the universe,” reflects the cosmic scope and spiritual depth of the story.

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