Rumor mills in Tollywood move fast, but director Anil Ravipudi just hit the brakes on one story before it could snowball. Reports had suggested he was gearing up for a second film with superstar Mahesh Babu, but the director himself has now called it flat-out false.
Table of Contents
Anil Ravipudi: Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Who denied it | Director Anil Ravipudi |
| What was rumored | A second collaboration with Mahesh Babu |
| Their first film together | Sarileru Neekevvaru |
| Mahesh Babu’s current project | Varanasi, directed by SS Rajamouli |
| Varanasi expected wrap | October 2026 |
What Anil Ravipudi Actually Said
Taking to social media, Ravipudi was direct and warm in his response, calling Mahesh Babu a dear person he holds in high regard, while firmly stating that the circulating reports were untrue and urging fans not to spread the rumor further. It’s a clean, respectful denial — no drama, just clarity.
Remembering Their First Hit Together
Ravipudi and Mahesh Babu previously teamed up for Sarileru Neekevvaru, a film that followed an army officer navigating a family crisis while quietly working to protect the people around him from a growing threat. The film, co-starring Rashmika Mandanna alongside veterans like Prakash Raj and Vijayashanti, remains a fan favorite — which is likely why reunion talk sparked so much excitement in the first place.
Why the Timing Matters: Mahesh Babu’s Focus Is on Varanasi
Right now, Mahesh Babu’s attention is on Varanasi, a big-budget adventure directed by SS Rajamouli. The story is set in 2027, centered on an asteroid threatening the city, with the lead character racing across the globe to recover an artifact tied to Varanasi’s ancient past — a city with a history stretching back thousands of years, as detailed on Wikipedia. The film also stars Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran, and is expected to wrap by October 2026.
For more on the film’s scale and shoot progress, check our detailed coverage of Varanasi’s production updates and don’t miss our roundup of this week’s South Indian OTT and theatrical releases for more entertainment news.
FAQs
Q1. Did Anil Ravipudi confirm a new film with Mahesh Babu?
No. Ravipudi publicly denied the reports, calling them completely false.
Q2. What was Anil Ravipudi and Mahesh Babu’s last film together?
Their previous collaboration was Sarileru Neekevvaru, co-starring Rashmika Mandanna.
