Varanasi New Stills: Mahesh Babu’s Rudhra Gets Fierce New Look As SS Rajamouli Shares Birthday Surprise
Published: August 9, 2026, 9:52 AM IST
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Mahesh Babu in Varanasi (PC- Youtube)
Mahesh Babu is celebrating his birthday with a special surprise for his fansThe makers of SS Rajamouli’s much-awaited film Varanasi have released two new stills featuring the actor as RudhraThe pictures offer a fresh look at his character and were reportedly shot during the film’s Africa scheduleThe new pictures show Mahesh Babu in a relaxed yet intense avatar as RudhraSharing the stills, SS Rajamouli described the character as someone with several shades beyond his fierce side. The filmmaker wrote, “Fierce isn’t his only shade…RUDHRA in #Varanasi.”
The film’s official handle also wished Mahesh Babu on his birthday, writing, “Another trip around the Sun… before we travel across timeHappy Birthday Rudhra.”
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SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi faces another leak as Mahesh Babu’s intense action clip goes viral
The makers revealed that the stills were captured during the Africa schedule of Varanasi, with portions of the film being shot around Kilimanjaro and the Maasai Mara.
Rajamouli also praised Mahesh Babu’s performance, saying Rudhra is “witty,” “vulnerable” and “fierce.” He added that the actor brings both strength and fragility to the character.
Mahesh Babu plays archaeologist Rudhra
Varanasi follows Rudhra, played by Mahesh Babu, an archaeologist and explorer who is given a dangerous mission after the world faces a major threat from an asteroid called Shambhavi. He sets out across different parts of the world in search of an ancient cosmic artefactPriyanka Chopra Jonas plays Mandakini, a historian and skilled marksman who joins Rudhra on the mission.
Prithviraj Sukumaran plays Kumbha, the film’s main antagonist, who is described as a tech genius.
Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj join Mahesh Babu
Priyanka Chopra is the female lead in the film, while Prithviraj Sukumaran plays the antagonistThe makers had earlier shared glimpses of Priyanka’s character from the Africa schedule as well.
The film is currently in production and is expected to wrap filming by October 2026MM Keeravani has composed the music for the project. Varanasi is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on April 7, 2027.
