SS Rajamouli Debuts Mahesh Babu’s Dual-Role Visuals for Global Epic Varanasi
Director SS Rajamouli released first-look imagery of actor Mahesh Babu in his upcoming globetrotting feature film. The production showcases the lead actor across African landscapes in a narrative spanning thousands of years.
Key takeaways
- Mahesh Babu portrays dual roles as the protagonist Rudhra and the deity Rama in the epic Varanasi.
- The production filmed on location in Africa, including Kilimanjaro and Maasai Mara, for authentic scale.
- Oscar winner M.M. Keeravani returns to score this follow-up to SS Rajamouli's global hit RRR.
- Varanasi is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical debut on April 7, 2027.
Character Details and African Production
To celebrate actor Mahesh Babu’s birthday, production stills from the upcoming film Varanasi have been made public. These images depict Babu in the role of Rudhra, captured on location at Kilimanjaro and within the Maasai Mara. One visual features the actor on a bamboo raft in a jungle environment, while a second profile shot places him against the African savannah with wildlife visible in the background.
Director SS Rajamouli indicated that the film utilizes a massive scale, employing 1.43:1 Imax frames to capture environments ranging from Antarctica to India. The filmmaker noted that Mahesh Babu portrays both the protagonist Rudhra and the Hindu deity Rama. Rajamouli described the character of Rudhra as a man fulfilling a destiny larger than himself, emphasizing a balance of wit, vulnerability, and ferocity.
Physical Transformation and Cast
Babu dedicated significant time to physical preparation for the dual roles. His training included three months of Kalari martial arts to master a period-specific posture and several months with a track and field team to alter his running mechanics. The actor stated that the training was necessary because the character of Lord Rama requires a stance distinct from modern individuals.
The ensemble cast includes Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Mandakini and Prithviraj Sukumaran as the antagonist, Kumbha. This production serves as Rajamouli’s follow-up to the globally acclaimed RRR. Oscar-winning composer M.M. Keeravani is set to provide the musical score for the project.
Key Facts
- The film features a timeline spanning several millennia and locations across multiple continents.
- Mahesh Babu underwent six months of specialized training to modify his walk, stance, and running style.
- Production utilized authentic locations in the Maasai Mara and Kilimanjaro rather than soundstages.
- Varanasi is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on April 7, 2027.
Why It Matters
This project marks a significant collaboration between the director of the Academy Award-winning RRR and one of Telugu cinema's most prominent stars. By filming in extreme locations like Antarctica and the African savannah, the production signals an intent to maintain the high-spectacle standards that brought Rajamouli international recognition.
Source: Variety
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