SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi is currently in production, and fans have been eagerly waiting for a special birthday update on Mahesh Babu’s birthday. Instead, the makers surprised them with two exclusive stills from the highly anticipated film.
The frames feature Mahesh Babu in a relaxed avatar as Rudhra. Rajamouli described the character as someone born to fulfil a purpose much larger than himself, carrying a destiny he never asked for. He also highlighted Rudhra’s wit, vulnerability and fierceness, praising Mahesh for bringing both strength and fragility to the role.
The stills were captured during the Africa schedule, with the team shooting around Kilimanjaro and the Maasai Mara. Rajamouli revealed that the locations offered a scale that even the film’s 1.43:1 IMAX frame could barely contain.
The makers followed a similar approach for Priyanka Chopra’s birthday, unveiling exclusive stills instead of a major glimpse. While fans were expecting a fresh video featuring Mahesh Babu this time, the new frames have added to the anticipation around the film.
Produced by KL Narayana and SS Karthikeya, Varanasi also stars Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran in key roles. The film has music composed by Oscar winner MM Keeravani and is scheduled for release on April 7, 2027.