Mahesh Babu's first look as Rudhra in SS Rajamouli's 'Varanasi' unveiled on his birthday
Hyderabad, August 9
Mahesh Babu's first look as Rudhra from SS Rajamouli's pan-Indian epic 'Varanasi' has been unveiled on the actor's birthday, giving fans a new glimpse of the rugged character at the centre of one of the most anticipated action-adventure.
The still was shared on the film's official Instagram handle, with the caption: "Another trip around the Sun... before we travel across time. Happy Birthday Rudhra."
The newly released images feature Mahesh Babu in a rugged avatar, sporting a beard and casual outdoor gear.
One of the visuals places Rudhra amid the African wilderness, with zebras and giraffes visible in the background. Another shows the actor relaxing on a bamboo raft or cot surrounded by dense greenery.
The images were captured during the film's Africa schedule, which included filming around Mount Kilimanjaro and the Masai Mara. Director SS Rajamouli revealed the locations added a dimension that could not have been recreated on a set.
"Rudhra was born to fulfil a purpose much larger than himself. He carries a destiny he did not ask for. He is witty, he is vulnerable, and he is fierce. That's what Mahesh brought to him. Anyone can play fierce; very few can play fierce and fragile in the same breath," Rajamouli revealed.
He added, "These frames are from our Africa schedule, and the land gave us something no set could. Shooting around Kilimanjaro and in the Masai Mara, I was stunned. There were mornings I felt even the 1.43:1 IMAX frame could not hold what was in front of us."
'Varanasi', earlier referred to as SSMB29, stars Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran alongside Mahesh Babu. Chopra plays Mandakini, while Prithviraj plays the antagonist.
The makers had earlier unveiled Chopra's first look as Mandakini on her birthday in July. The character was introduced through contrasting visuals, including a bold black corset-style outfit and a more adventurous look featuring a white crop top and cargo pants.
The accompanying caption read, "To more adventures.... more discoveries... and journeys across every horizon."
Directed by Rajamouli, 'Varanasi' features music by Oscar-winning composer MM Keeravani. The film is described as an ambitious project spanning multiple timelines and continents and is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on April 7, 2027. Production has entered its final phase.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The sheer scale of this production is insane. Rajamouli doesn't settle for a set when he can literally shoot in the African savanna with real zebras and giraffes! That IMAX comment about the frame not being able to hold the beauty of the landscape tells you everything. Mahesh Babu in this rugged avatar looks completely different from anything he has done before. This is going to be a benchmark for Indian cinema. Period.
People forget that Mahesh Babu is not just a superstar but a genuinely talented actor. Rajamouli's words about him - "Anyone can play fierce; very few can play fierce and fragile in the same breath" - show exactly why this combination works. He's got that charm, that vulnerability, and now this raw intensity. Priyanka Chopra as Mandakini also looks promising. A truly pan-Indian project in every sense of the word!
Respect to Rajamouli for shooting in real locations. We see so many Hollywood films doing this and now an Indian director is raising the bar. The mention of multiple timelines has me intrigued - this isn't just an action adventure, it's clearly going to be something deeper. The Africa schedule, the 1.43:1 IMAX format, the scale... We are witnessing the beginning of a cinematic revolution. Just hoping the story lives up to what we are all imagining it could be.
I have been a Mahesh Babu fan for years, and this look is totally next level. The beard, the rugged vibe, the wilderness... It's a new side of him we have never seen. Also, big props to the team for choosing African locations that bring a fresh visual language to Indian cinema. The hype around this project is completely justified. Happy birthday, Prince! Wishing you an even more massive success with this one. 🔥
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