Mahesh Babu wishes SS Rajamouli on birthday: 'Cannot wait for world to see what we created'
Synopsis
Mahesh Babu's birthday note to SS Rajamouli — 'Cannot wait for the world to see what we are creating together' — is more than a warm gesture. With 'Varanasi' targeting a 7 April 2027 release and only a handful of shoot days left, this collaboration between the director of Baahubali and RRR and one of Telugu cinema's biggest stars is edging closer to becoming the most-watched Indian film event of 2027.
Key Takeaways
Mahesh Babu posted a birthday wish for SS Rajamouli on 10 October 2026 , hinting at anticipation around their film 'Varanasi' .
Jr NTR also shared a candid birthday tribute for Rajamouli, calling him 'the man who keeps raising the bar.' Producer S S Karthikeya confirmed only four to five days of shooting remain for 'Varanasi', with post-production completion targeted for January 2027 .
The film stars Mahesh Babu as Rudhra , Priyanka Chopra as Mandakini , and Prithviraj Sukumaran as Kumbha . 'Varanasi' is slated for a theatrical release on 7 April 2027 .
Tollywood star Mahesh Babu has penned a warm birthday message for director SS Rajamouli, his collaborator on the highly anticipated film 'Varanasi', expressing excitement about the project they are building together. The wish, posted on Saturday, 10 October 2026, came alongside a similar tribute from RRR actor Jr NTR, underscoring the deep bonds Rajamouli has forged across the Telugu film industry.
What Mahesh Babu Said
Taking to his official Instagram handle, Mahesh Babu shared a candid photograph of Rajamouli laughing, accompanying it with a heartfelt note. He wrote: 'Wishing you the most memorable birthday yet @ssrajamouli sir… Cannot wait for the world to see what we are creating together.' The post, laced with red heart emojis, instantly drew attention from fans and film enthusiasts across social media platforms.
Jr NTR Joins the Birthday Chorus
Jr NTR also marked the occasion with a candid image — showing the actor embracing Rajamouli from behind in a joyous moment. His birthday note read: 'Happy Birthday to the man who keeps raising the bar and then jumps over it himself. Love you Jakkanna @ssrajamouli.' The term 'Jakkanna' is an affectionate Telugu honorific by which fans and colleagues address Rajamouli, reflecting his iconic status in Indian cinema.
'Varanasi' Post-Production Update
The wishes arrive amid fresh updates on 'Varanasi', one of the most-watched big-budget productions in Indian cinema right now. Producer S S Karthikeya, speaking at an event during the promotions of another film, confirmed that only four to five days of principal photography remain. He added that post-production work is progressing simultaneously at a brisk pace, with the team targeting completion by January 2027. 'Post-production work on Varanasi is happening simultaneously. It is progressing at a brisk pace and we should be done with everything by January next year,' Karthikeya said.
Cast, Characters, and Release Date
The film stars Mahesh Babu in the role of Rudhra, with Priyanka Chopra portraying Mandakini and Prithviraj Sukumaran playing Kumbha. The project is currently targeting a theatrical release on 7 April 2027. This marks Rajamouli's first collaboration with Mahesh Babu, and the combination of the director behind Baahubali and RRR with one of Telugu cinema's biggest stars has generated considerable pre-release anticipation. With post-production on track, the coming weeks are expected to bring further updates including teaser and promotional material.
Point of View
And with post-production now the only barrier, the promotional clock has effectively started. The casting of Priyanka Chopra alongside Mahesh Babu gives the project an international dimension that few Indian films attempt. Whether Rajamouli can replicate the global breakout of RRR with an entirely new lead and a mythologically charged premise is the question the industry is quietly asking.
NationPress
10 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Varanasi' and who is directing it?
'Varanasi' is a much-anticipated Indian film directed by SS Rajamouli, the filmmaker known for Baahubali and RRR. It stars Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran, and is currently targeting a theatrical release on 7 April 2027.
What did Mahesh Babu write in his birthday wish for SS Rajamouli?
Mahesh Babu posted a photo of a laughing SS Rajamouli on Instagram with the message: 'Wishing you the most memorable birthday yet @ssrajamouli sir… Cannot wait for the world to see what we are creating together.' The post signals strong personal excitement about their collaboration.
When will 'Varanasi' be released in theatres?
'Varanasi' is currently scheduled for a theatrical release on 7 April 2027. Producer S S Karthikeya has confirmed that post-production work is progressing rapidly and should be completed by January 2027.
How much of 'Varanasi' remains to be filmed?
According to producer S S Karthikeya, only four to five days of principal photography remain for 'Varanasi'. Post-production is already underway simultaneously and is expected to wrap by January 2027.
Who are the characters played by the lead cast in 'Varanasi'?
Mahesh Babu plays the character Rudhra, Priyanka Chopra portrays Mandakini, and Prithviraj Sukumaran takes on the role of Kumbha in 'Varanasi'.
