Telugu cinema’s “Prince” Mahesh Babu is set to make an explosive comeback with what promises to be one of the most ambitious Indian films ever made. After Guntur Kaaram (2024), the superstar is collaborating with legendary director SS Rajamouli for a globetrotting adventure that’s already breaking records before release. Here’s your complete guide to Mahesh Babu’s highly anticipated upcoming project.
Table of Contents
Mahesh Babu Movie New at a Glance
| Movie Title | Director | Genre | Budget | Release Date | Co-Stars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Varanasi (SSMB29) | S.S. Rajamouli | Action-Adventure | ₹1,300 Crore | Summer 2027 | Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Prithviraj Sukumaran |
Varanasi: Everything You Need to Know
The Epic Scale and Budget
With a production budget of ₹1,300 crore ($150 million) excluding marketing, Varanasi is set to be one of the most expensive Indian films ever. This marks the first-ever collaboration between Mahesh Babu and SS Rajamouli, two titans of Indian cinema whose partnership has created unprecedented buzz in the film industry.
The Star-Studded Cast
Mahesh Babu plays Rudhra in this epic adventure, alongside Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Mandakini, marking her first collaboration with both Babu and Rajamouli and her return to Telugu cinema after Thoofan (2013). Malayalam superstar Prithviraj Sukumaran plays the antagonist Kumbha, marking his third Telugu film after Police Police (2010) and Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire (2023). This powerhouse ensemble brings together three of India’s finest performers.
The Groundbreaking Story
Rajamouli conceived the film as a globetrotting action adventure rooted in Indian cultural themes, drawing inspiration from the structure and emotional tone of classic adventure cinema. Reports suggest the film involves time travel elements, spanning multiple timelines including ancient India and modern day, with Varanasi serving as the spiritual center of this cosmic adventure.
Technical Brilliance
The film is the second Indian film to be filmed for IMAX, following Ramayana Part 1 (2026), and the first non-English film to feature 1.43:1 IMAX ratio sequences. The technical team includes Oscar-winner MM Keeravani composing the music, cinematography by PS Vinod, production design by Mohan Bingi, editing by Bikkina Thammiraju, and visual effects by V Srinivas Mohan. Hollywood-level VFX studios are employed to create stunning visual spectacles.
The Grand Launch Event
An event titled The Globetrotter Event was held on 15 November 2025 at Ramoji Film City with 50,000 fans in attendance, during which the film’s title and first concept reel were launched. The first look revealed Mahesh Babu in his most intense avatar yet, riding a charging white bull (Nandi) with a trident, set against temple backdrops. The event was streamed live on JioHotstar in India and on Variety’s YouTube channel internationally, becoming the first movie launch to be livestreamed on a major platform.
Production Journey
Principal photography commenced on 2 February 2025 in Hyderabad, with strict security measures including NDAs and mobile phone bans to prevent leaks. Filming and production later moved to Tanzania, Kenya and Odisha, showcasing the film’s truly international scope. The shoot is expected to continue throughout 2026 before post-production begins.
Release Strategy
The film is scheduled to be theatrically released in 2027 in standard and IMAX formats, with reports suggesting March 25, 2027 (Good Friday weekend) as the strategic release date. Shot in the Telugu language, it will also be released with dubbed versions in English, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam and Kannada languages, ensuring maximum pan-India and international reach.
Mahesh Babu: Journey of the Prince
Born on August 9, 1975, in Chennai to legendary actor Krishna, Mahesh Babu began his career as a child artist in Needa (1979). After making his lead debut with Rajakumarudu (1999), he rose to superstardom with blockbusters like Murari (2001), Okkadu (2003), and the industry-shaking Pokiri (2006) directed by Puri Jagannadh.
His collaboration with Puri Jagannadh on Pokiri and Businessman established him as a bankable action star, while films like Dookudu (2011), which became the first Telugu film to gross over ₹1 billion, cemented his superstar status. Recent hits include Sarileru Neekevvaru (2020) at ₹260 crore, Sarkaru Vaari Paata (2022) at ₹185 crore, and Maharshi (2019), which won the National Film Award for Best Popular Film.
Known for his philanthropy, Mahesh Babu donates 30% of his annual income to charity through his “Heal A Child” foundation, supporting children’s heart surgeries and medical treatments.
How to Watch Mahesh Babu Movies
Theatrical Release: Varanasi will receive a massive global release in summer 2027 across thousands of screens in standard and IMAX formats. Book tickets through BookMyShow or check your nearest multiplex chains for advance bookings.
OTT Streaming Platforms:
- Amazon Prime Video (Sarileru Neekevvaru, Bharat Ane Nenu, Maharshi, Pokiri)
- Netflix (Guntur Kaaram, Spyder)
- ZEE5 (Srimanthudu, various classics)
- Disney+ Hotstar (Dookudu, Telugu hits)
Stay updated with comprehensive South Indian cinema coverage at Technosports’ entertainment section for the latest news on Mahesh Babu’s projects and box office analysis.
FAQs
Q: When will Mahesh Babu’s Varanasi release in theaters?
Varanasi is scheduled for a summer 2027 theatrical release, with reports suggesting March 25, 2027 (Good Friday weekend) as the strategic launch date. The film will release simultaneously in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, and English in both standard and IMAX formats worldwide.
Q: What happened to Jana Gana Mana with Puri Jagannadh?
Jana Gana Mana, announced in 2016 as a collaboration between Mahesh Babu and director Puri Jagannadh, never materialized due to various reasons including scheduling conflicts and Puri’s subsequent films underperforming. The project was later revived with Vijay Deverakonda in 2022 but was reportedly shelved following the failure of Liger. Currently, Mahesh Babu is focused solely on Varanasi with SS Rajamouli.
