The much-awaited first look of Mahesh Babu from filmmaker S. S. Rajamouli’s upcoming epic ‘Varanasi’ has been unveiled, sending fans into a frenzy.
The reveal came on Mahesh Babu’s 51st birthday, with the makers sharing two new character stills featuring the actor as Rudhra, the film’s central character. The images showcase Mahesh Babu in a rugged and intense avatar, with the vast landscapes adding to the film’s adventurous and larger-than-life scale.
Mahesh Babu as Rudhra
In the newly released visuals, Mahesh Babu sports a distinctly rugged appearance that marks a departure from some of his recent roles. His character Rudhra appears to be a man caught up in a much larger destiny, with the stills hinting at both his strength and vulnerability.
Rajamouli has described Rudhra as a character who is witty, vulnerable and fierce, praising Mahesh Babu for bringing these contrasting qualities to the role.
The newly unveiled frames were reportedly captured during the film’s Africa schedule. Rajamouli has highlighted the scale of the African locations, including areas around Kilimanjaro and the Masai Mara, suggesting that the natural landscapes will play an important role in the film’s visual identity.
A Global Adventure
‘Varanasi’ is one of the most ambitious projects in Indian cinema and brings together Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran. The film was officially unveiled in November 2025, when Rajamouli revealed its title along with a first glimpse of Mahesh Babu as Rudhra. That visual featured the actor riding a bull and wielding a trident, immediately generating massive excitement among audiences.
The film is expected to combine action, adventure, mythology and global locations, with the story reportedly moving across different periods and parts of the world.
Release Date
The film is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on April 7, 2027. With Rajamouli at the helm and Mahesh Babu leading the cast, ‘Varanasi’ is already among the most anticipated Indian films.
The latest look has only intensified curiosity around Rudhra and the world Rajamouli is creating for the film. Fans will now be waiting for the next major glimpse of what promises to be a spectacular cinematic adventure.
