Mahesh Babu’s Rudhra Look Revealed in Varanasi

Core News & Key Facts

Mahesh Babu’s character look from S.S. Rajamouli’s upcoming epic Varanasi has been unveiled, giving audiences a closer look at Rudhra, the central character played by the Telugu superstar. Two new character stills were released on August 9 to mark Mahesh Babu’s birthday, featuring the actor during the film’s Africa schedule.

The images were captured at two major African locations, Kilimanjaro and Maasai Mara. In one still, Mahesh is seen reclining on a bamboo raft in a jungle environment, wearing a loose olive-toned shirt and dark cargo trousers. His appearance features tousled curly hair and a full beard. Another image shows the actor in profile against the African savannah, with giraffes and zebras visible in the background.

The visuals underline the film’s international scale and its emphasis on real-world locations. Varanasi’s story is expected to span thousands of years and travel across several continents, with Antarctica, Africa and the Indian city of Varanasi among its major settings.

Context & Statements

Rajamouli described Rudhra as a character carrying a destiny far greater than his own ambitions. In his note accompanying the newly released images, the filmmaker highlighted the character’s combination of wit, vulnerability and fierceness, praising Mahesh for bringing contrasting qualities to the role.

Rajamouli also spoke about filming in Africa, saying the natural landscape provided something that could not be recreated on a set. He specifically recalled shooting around Kilimanjaro and in the Maasai Mara, noting the scale of the scenery and its impact even when viewed through an IMAX frame.

Mahesh Babu has spent significant time preparing for the demanding role. The actor reportedly dedicated a year to preparation and underwent three months of Kalari martial arts training to develop the posture required for his character. He has also trained with a track-and-field team for several months to alter his running style.

Mahesh Babu – “Varanasi”

The actor previously explained that the preparation changed the way he walked, stood and carried himself. His physical transformation was designed to suit the period-oriented aspects of the story, particularly his portrayal connected to Lord Rama.

Impact & What’s Next

Varanasi is Rajamouli’s first feature following the global success of RRR, which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for Naatu Naatu. The new film brings together Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran in major roles. Mahesh plays Rudhra and Lord Rama, Priyanka portrays Mandakini, while Prithviraj plays the principal antagonist Kumbha.

The latest Mahesh Babu reveal follows the earlier release of character images featuring Priyanka Chopra Jonas. With the production spanning locations across continents and incorporating large-scale action and period elements, the project is being positioned as an ambitious international-scale Indian production.

M.M. Keeravani, who won the Oscar for Naatu Naatu, returns as composer for Rajamouli’s new film. Varanasi is scheduled to open in theatres worldwide on April 7, 2027, with the newly released Rudhra stills adding to anticipation around the film’s characters, visual scale and story.