Archive · 30 Sep 2026
Rajamouli Says Mahesh Babu Surpassed Expectations In Varanasi
S. S. Rajamouli is making a new movie called Varanasi.
The movie stars Mahesh Babu, who was already a very famous actor before filming began.
Rajamouli said he does not choose actors only because they are famous.
Instead, he chooses people who fit the characters.
He expected Mahesh Babu to work very hard.
Rajamouli said Mahesh gave even more than expected and delivered 200 percent.
Mahesh plays a character named Rudhra.
Varanasi is planned to come to theaters around the world on April 7, 2027.
S. S. Rajamouli said he chooses actors based on character fit, not simply star status.
He said Mahesh Babu exceeded his expectations while playing Rudhra in Varanasi.
Rajamouli previously worked with Prabhas, Jr NTR and Ram Charan before they became major stars.
Varanasi stars Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran.
The film is scheduled for worldwide theatrical release on April 7, 2027.
- Who
- Director S. S. Rajamouli and actor Mahesh Babu, along with Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran.
- What
- Rajamouli discussed directing Mahesh Babu in the upcoming epic adventure film Varanasi.
- When
- Rajamouli discussed the film while speaking to students at Penn State University; Varanasi is scheduled for release on April 7, 2027.
- Where
- The discussion took place at Penn State University in the United States; Varanasi was filmed across multiple continents.
- Why
- Rajamouli said he selects actors who fit their characters and praised Mahesh Babu for exceeding his performance expectations.
- Film
- Varanasi
- Director
- S. S. Rajamouli
- Lead character
- Mahesh Babu plays Rudhra
- Other cast
- Priyanka Chopra Jonas plays Mandakini, while Prithviraj Sukumaran plays Kumbha
- Production period
- Production began in January 2025, and Mahesh Babu reportedly completed 606 days of shooting
- Release date
- April 7, 2027
- Languages
- Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam and multiple international languages