Rajamouli Unveils Varanasi: Mahesh Babu’s Epic Avatar as Rudhra Stuns Fans

SS Rajamouli, India’s master of grand storytelling, set the stage ablaze with the first official reveal of Varanasi, his massive new project with Mahesh Babu. At a spectacular launch event, a specially crafted concept trailer was screened, introducing Mahesh Babu as Rudhra in what is touted as Rajamouli’s most ambitious film to date.

The trailer opens in 512 CE and journeys all the way to the sacred Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi, hinting at a story that transcends eras, worlds, and mythological timelines — from Tretayug to Kaliyug. Mahesh appears in a commanding, transformative avatar, leaving viewers awe-struck.

Rajamouli shared an emotional revelation from the film’s early development. “For the first day of the photoshoot, we had Mahesh Babu as Lord Rama. I always imagined him more as Krishna, but he proved me wrong. I even kept his Rama look as my phone wallpaper — it gave me goosebumps every time.” He went on to reveal that the “Rama episode” alone took over 60 days to shoot and stands as one of the most memorable sequences of his entire career.

A visibly moved Mahesh Babu expressed his excitement and gratitude. “I wanted to come in my usual blue shirt, but Rajamouli wouldn’t allow it,” he laughed. Speaking on an emotional note, Mahesh remembered his father, the legendary Krishna, whose third death anniversary coincided with the event. “He always wanted me to do a mythological film. This feels like fulfilling his dream — a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Rajamouli also praised Mahesh’s unmatched discipline, revealing that the actor never checks his phone during shoots, leaving it in the car until pack-up.

Priyanka Chopra, who also stars in the film, spoke about Prithviraj Sukumaran’s menacing role, calling his on-screen presence “terrifying,” despite his gentle real-life persona.

Producer KL Narayana shared that this long-awaited collaboration was first discussed 15 years ago. “Rajamouli fulfilled his promise after completing his earlier commitments — Eega, Baahubali, and RRR. And now, I’m producing Varanasi. Keeravani, who composed for my debut film, returns as an Oscar winner.”

The evening opened with a powerful live performance by Shruti Haasan, who sang Sanchari, adding to the event’s grandeur.

Varanasi is slated for a massive summer 2027 release. While Rajamouli kept additional story and cast details under wraps, the first glimpse has already ignited massive expectations for what could be another defining moment in Indian cinema.