The most anticipated first-look reveal in Indian cinema this year has arrived. SS Rajamouli has officially unveiled the first-look images of Mahesh Babu as Rudhra from his much-awaited pan-India action-adventure film Varanasi, with the reveal released on August 9, 2026, coinciding with Mahesh Babu’s birthday.
Taking to social media on his birthday, the superstar shared two striking working stills from the film featuring his character Rudhra, captioning them simply, “A little more of Rudhra’s world… #Varanasi.”
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What The Images Show
The reveal presents the actor in a rugged new avatar, complete with a thick beard and an intense gaze, captured against the breathtaking wilderness of Africa, including Mount Kilimanjaro and the Masai Mara.]
In one still, Mahesh Babu reclines on a bamboo raft in a jungle setting, dressed in a loose olive-toned shirt and dark cargo trousers, with tousled curly hair and a full beard. The other image shows him in profile against the African savannah, with giraffes and zebras visible in the background.
The still was shared on the film’s official Instagram handle with the caption: “Another trip around the Sun… before we travel across time.”
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Film | Varanasi |
| Director | SS Rajamouli |
| Character Revealed | Rudhra |
| Actor | Mahesh Babu |
| Look Revealed On | August 9, 2026 (Mahesh Babu’s Birthday) |
| Filming Location (Stills) | Africa — Mount Kilimanjaro & Masai Mara |
| Release Date | April 7, 2027 |
| Budget | ₹1,400 Crore (~$150M) |
| Music | MM Keeravani |
| Language | Telugu (Pan-India Release) |
Rajamouli’s Words On Rudhra
Rajamouli described the character: “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.”
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.”
Who Is Rudhra?
The film’s story spans thousands of years and traverses multiple continents, with locations ranging from Antarctica to Africa to the titular Indian city. Babu plays the dual roles of the protagonist Rudhra and Hindu God Rama.
The story reportedly moves across different eras and continents, while the ancient city of Varanasi remains central to the film’s larger mythology. At the heart of the story is an enormous threat involving an asteroid, setting up a narrative that combines mythology, adventure, science-fiction elements and high-octane action.
Rudhra is characterized by director Rajamouli as a figure of immense physical power and ferocity, yet also possessing wit and vulnerability — a complex portrayal Mahesh Babu is said to embody perfectly. The narrative hints at Rudhra being destined for a purpose far greater than himself, a monumental task he never sought, further enhanced by Mahesh Babu’s commanding screen presence.
The Dual Role & Mythological Connection
Mahesh Babu is appearing in dual roles as Rudhra and Lord Rama.
Mahesh Babu trained for one year, including six months just for running style. He also trained for posture and body language to play Lord Rama.
One of the sequences is inspired by a chapter from Indian epic Ramayana. Rajamouli said: “From childhood I’ve thought many times about making a Mahabharata-level dream project. Even when starting this film, I planned that I must take one major pillar from the Ramayana.”
In a strategic move to manage the massive budget, both SS Rajamouli and Mahesh Babu have opted for a revenue-sharing model instead of upfront fees, taking a stake in the film’s global profits.
The Full Cast
Varanasi stars Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran alongside Mahesh Babu. Chopra plays Mandakini, while Prithviraj plays the antagonist.
The action-adventure epic stars Mahesh Babu as Rudhra and Lord Rama, Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Mandakini, and Prithviraj Sukumaran as the antagonist, a scientist named Kumbha.
The makers had earlier unveiled Chopra’s first look as Mandakini on her birthday in July.
Full Cast & Crew
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Rudhra / Lord Rama | Mahesh Babu |
| Mandakini | Priyanka Chopra Jonas |
| Kumbha (Antagonist) | Prithviraj Sukumaran |
| Director | SS Rajamouli |
| Story | V. Vijayendra Prasad & SS Kanchi |
| Dialogues | Deva Katta |
| Music | MM Keeravani |
| Cinematography | PS Vinod |
| Visual Effects | V. Srinivas Mohan |
| Editor | Bikkina Thammiraju |
| Producers | KL Narayana & SS Karthikeya |
| Production | Sri Durga Arts / Showing Business |
The Scale Of Production
SS Rajamouli is currently helming what is now officially the most expensive Indian film ever made. Titled Varanasi, this upcoming magnum opus is being produced on a staggering budget of $150 million — approximately ₹1,300–1,400 crore — a figure that has sent shockwaves through the global trade circuit.
The visionary director behind RRR and Baahubali officially revealed Varanasi, teasing a visually spectacular time-travel adventure inspired by Hindu mythology. The film is slated for a 2027 release in IMAX format.
The title was dropped at an event in Hyderabad which was also attended by the movie’s cast. At the launch were Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran, music composer MM Keeravaani, and Shruti Haasan.
SS Rajamouli’s Box Office Legacy
| Film | Year | Box Office |
|---|---|---|
| Baahubali: The Beginning | 2015 | ~₹650 Crore |
| Baahubali 2: The Conclusion | 2017 | ~₹1,810 Crore |
| RRR | 2022 | ~₹1,200 Crore |
| Varanasi | 2027 | TBC |
Release Date & Format
Varanasi is set for a worldwide theatrical release on April 7, 2027, during the festive period of Ugadi and Rama Navami.
At the moment, scenes involving Rudhra and Mandakini are being filmed, along with Prithviraj Sukumaran in a crucial role. After focusing on action sequences earlier, Rajamouli is now said to be bringing out the teasing and playful scenes between Rudhra and Mandakini, in the Varanasi backdrop set erected in Hyderabad.
Fan & Industry Reaction
Mahesh Babu’s look from SS Rajamouli’s much-awaited film Varanasi has been unveiled, and it has created a huge buzz among movie lovers. The actor’s striking appearance as Rudhra has left his fans impressed, with many praising the originality and intensity of the look.
Mahesh Babu’s screen presence has always been one of his biggest strengths, and the Rudhra first look appears to take that quality into a completely different world. His intense appearance, combined with Rajamouli’s description of the character, has significantly raised expectations for the film.
At the film’s title launch event, Mahesh Babu himself had made a promise to the fans: “I’ll make everyone proud. Most importantly, I’ll make my director the most proud. The whole of India will be proud of us.”
FAQs
What is Mahesh Babu’s character name in Varanasi?
SS Rajamouli’s highly anticipated pan-India action-adventure film Varanasi has unveiled the first-look images of Mahesh Babu as the enigmatic character Rudhra. He also plays the dual role of Lord Rama in the film.
Where were the first-look images of Rudhra shot?
The images were captured during the film’s Africa schedule, which included filming around Mount Kilimanjaro and the Masai Mara.
What is Varanasi’s release date and budget?
Bankrolled by KL Narayana and SS Karthikeya, with music by Oscar-winning composer MM Keeravani, Varanasi is set to hit cinemas on April 7, 2027. The film is being made on a reported massive budget of around ₹1,400 crore, making it one of the most expensive Indian productions ever attempted.
What is the story of Varanasi?
The premise spans centuries — a story running from 512 CE to the present day, following a protagonist named Rudhra on a globe-crossing journey as an asteroid called Shambhavi threatens Earth. It is being sold as adventure first, mythology second — something closer to a globe-trotting quest than a devotional retelling, with the sacred city of Varanasi itself as a spiritual anchor point.
Who are the other cast members in Varanasi alongside Mahesh Babu?
The Telugu action epic will see Mahesh Babu playing Rudhra, Priyanka Chopra as Mandakini, and Prithviraj Sukumaran as Kumbha. Music is composed by Oscar-winning MM Keeravani, who previously won for Naatu Naatu from RRR.
