Mumbai, India — January 6, 2026
Deepika Padukone has officially begun her return to the big screen, marking one of the most significant entertainment developments of January 6, 2026. After embracing motherhood, the actor has started work on her most ambitious project to date — ‘Draupadi’, a large-scale mythological film inspired by the Mahabharata.
Look Test Signals Start of Pre-Production
According to industry sources, Deepika Padukone conducted her first look test for Draupadi today at a private studio in Mumbai. The session involved multiple costume trials featuring mythological-era attire and custom-designed jewelry created specifically for the character.
Sources indicate that Deepika has also undergone a specialized physical training regimen to authentically portray Draupadi as both a royal queen and a formidable warrior figure from the epic.
Madhu Mantena’s Long-Awaited Vision
Produced by Madhu Mantena, Draupadi is described as the filmmaker’s long-cherished dream project. The film aims to retell the Mahabharata from Draupadi’s perspective, offering a rare narrative lens centered on one of Indian mythology’s most powerful female figures.
The project is reportedly planned as a multi-part cinematic series, potentially spanning two or three films. The storyline is expected to trace Draupadi’s journey from her birth to pivotal moments such as the Cheer Haran and the Kurukshetra war.
Budget, Scale, and Direction
With an estimated budget exceeding ₹400 crore, the film is being mounted on a grand scale comparable to epics like Padmaavat and Bajirao Mastani. High-end visual effects and elaborate production design are expected to play a key role.
While the director has not been officially announced, industry chatter suggests that a National Award–winning filmmaker has been entrusted with the project.
Casting Discussions Underway
Deepika Padukone is confirmed as Draupadi, while casting talks are ongoing for the roles of the Pandavas and Lord Krishna. Several prominent names from both Bollywood and South Indian cinema are believed to be in consideration. Reports of Hrithik Roshan being approached for the role of Krishna remain unconfirmed.
Shooting and Release Timeline
Principal photography for Draupadi is expected to begin in March 2026. The makers are planning a pan-India theatrical release in late 2027 or early 2028, positioning the film as a major event release.
The project is widely seen as a defining chapter in Deepika Padukone’s career, symbolizing not just her return after motherhood but also her portrayal of a character deeply rooted in Indian cultural and historical consciousness.
