Mahesh Babu backs 'Rao Bahadur': 'Gets under your skin'
Synopsis
Mahesh Babu's X post calling 'Rao Bahadur' a film that 'gets under your skin' is more than a celebrity endorsement — it signals genuine creative confidence in director Venkatesh Maha's vision. With Satya Dev's extraordinary physical transformation and a production scale rarely seen in mid-budget Telugu cinema, 'Rao Bahadur' looks set to be one of the more distinctive releases of the July 2025 season.
Key Takeaways
Mahesh Babu praised 'Rao Bahadur' on X on 23 May , calling it a film that 'gets under your skin'.
The film is directed by Venkatesh Maha and stars Satya Dev in the lead role.
Babu is presenting the film under GMB Entertainment , co-founded with wife Namrata Shirodkar .
A BTS video revealed Satya Dev 's transformation — prosthetics, custom contact lenses, ornate purple sherwani, and a traditional turban. 'Rao Bahadur' releases worldwide on 3 July 2025 , delayed from its original 5 June date.
Technical team includes cinematographer Kartik Parmar and music composer Smaran Sai .
Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu on Thursday, 23 May threw his weight behind the upcoming psychological drama 'Rao Bahadur', directed by Venkatesh Maha and starring Satya Dev in the lead role. Babu, who is presenting the film under his GMB Entertainment banner alongside wife Namrata Shirodkar, in association with A+S Movies and SriChakraas Entertainments, called it a film that 'gets under your skin' — high praise from one of Telugu cinema's biggest names.
What Mahesh Babu Said
Taking to his X timeline, Babu shared a heartfelt note: 'Rao Bahadur...It isn't just a film that grabs you by the collar but one that gets under your skin!!! Strange, beautiful and intensely dramatic. @mahaisnotanoun builds a stunning world... @ActorSatyaDev takes over that world like only he can!!! @DeepaThomasss shines with a beautifully nuanced performance... The terrific cast and outstanding technical team have supported the film brilliantly!!! Extremely proud of the entire team. Can't wait for you all to witness #RaoBahadur and his madness on the big screens from July 3rd!!'
Satya Dev's Stunning Transformation
A recently released Behind The Scenes (BTS) video titled 'Into The World Of Rao Bahadur' offered a detailed look at the film's ambitious production. The footage documented rigorous pre-production work, intricate prosthetics, and large-scale filming schedules that defined the project.
Central to the BTS was Satya Dev's remarkable physical transformation — complete with custom contact lenses, an ornate purple sherwani, heavy pearl necklaces, and a traditional turban. The actor's multiple looks across the film were showcased, each capturing the majestic aura of a bygone aristocratic era. Intense stunt preparation sequences were also teased, hinting at the film's dynamic narrative.
Production Scale and Technical Team
The BTS footage also revealed lavish antique-themed indoor sets and sprawling outdoor locations, underscoring the scale of investment behind the film. Kartik Parmar has handled cinematography, Smaran Sai has composed the music, and Rohan Singh is credited with production design.
The supporting cast includes Deepa Thomas as the leading lady, alongside Vikas Muppala, Bala Parasar, Anand Bharathi, Pranay Vaka, and Master Kiran in pivotal roles.
Release Date and What to Expect
'Rao Bahadur' is set for a worldwide theatrical release on 3 July 2025, having been pushed back from its original date of 5 June. According to sources close to the production, the film promises not just visual grandeur but a narrative that delves deep into legacy, hidden truths, and the haunting echoes of a vanished aristocratic world.
Point of View
And 'Rao Bahadur' appears to push that instinct into period-drama territory. The delayed release from June to July is worth noting: it either reflects a desire for more polish or a strategic calendar move to avoid competition. Either way, the BTS footage suggests a film that has been built with unusual care for its scale, and Satya Dev's transformation alone gives it a distinct identity in a crowded Telugu release slate.
NationPress
25 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Rao Bahadur' about?
'Rao Bahadur' is an upcoming Telugu psychological drama directed by Venkatesh Maha, starring Satya Dev in the lead role. According to sources close to the production, the film explores themes of legacy, hidden truths, and the haunting echoes of a bygone aristocratic world.
When does 'Rao Bahadur' release?
'Rao Bahadur' is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on 3 July 2025. The film was originally set to release on 5 June 2025 before the date was pushed back.
Why did Mahesh Babu praise 'Rao Bahadur'?
Mahesh Babu is presenting the film under his GMB Entertainment banner and shared a note on X calling it 'strange, beautiful and intensely dramatic' — a film that 'gets under your skin'. He also praised the performances of Satya Dev and Deepa Thomas and the work of the technical team.
Who stars in 'Rao Bahadur' and who directed it?
Satya Dev plays the lead role, with Deepa Thomas as the leading lady. The supporting cast includes Vikas Muppala, Bala Parasar, Anand Bharathi, Pranay Vaka, and Master Kiran. The film is directed by Venkatesh Maha.
What did the 'Rao Bahadur' BTS video reveal?
The BTS video 'Into The World Of Rao Bahadur' showcased Satya Dev's physical transformation, including prosthetics, custom contact lenses, a purple sherwani, pearl necklaces, and a traditional turban. It also revealed lavish period-themed sets, outdoor locations, and stunt preparation sequences.
