S.S. Rajamouli’s upcoming magnum opus Varanasi is fast emerging as one of the most ambitious Indian films ever mounted, with anticipation stretching far beyond national borders. At the heart of the epic narrative is Mahesh Babu, who takes on a demanding dual role—portraying both the mortal protagonist Rudhra and the divine incarnation of Lord Ram. The scale, mythology and sheer commitment involved have already positioned the film as a global cinematic event.
In a recent interaction with Variety, Mahesh Babu described the project as one of the most challenging experiences of his career. He revealed that portraying Lord Ram required him to completely unlearn modern physicality. “You can’t stand like modern characters,” the actor explained, emphasising the importance of posture, stillness and controlled movement. To achieve this, Mahesh Babu underwent three months of intensive Kalari martial arts training, not merely for combat sequences but to retrain his stance, balance and overall body alignment.
The transformation didn’t stop there. The actor also spent several additional months training with a professional track and field squad, focusing on refining his running technique to match the physical grace demanded by the role. Reflecting on the experience, Mahesh Babu said the effort was deeply rewarding. “The way I walked changed, the way I stood changed—everything changed,” he shared, calling the six-month-long physical preparation completely worth it after seeing the final shots.
Varanasi marks Mahesh Babu’s first collaboration with S.S. Rajamouli, a filmmaker renowned for pushing his actors to extraordinary levels of discipline and immersion. Adding to the film’s intensity is Prithviraj Sukumaran, who plays the antagonist Kumbha. Confined to a wheelchair and able to move only his face, Prithviraj’s performance relies entirely on nuanced facial expression and realism. The actor confirmed that no CGI was used to enhance the character’s physical limitations, making the role even more demanding.
The film also stars Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Mandakini, bringing further star power to the project. Filming is currently underway across diverse locations, including Kenya’s Maasai Mara and Odisha, reflecting the expansive visual canvas Rajamouli is known for.
With its mythological depth, global scale and intense performances, Varanasi is shaping up to be a landmark in Indian cinema. The film is slated for a worldwide release on April 7, 2027, and the wait has already begun to feel monumental.
