Mahesh Babu's 'Varanasi' first look as Rudhra released on his birthday
Synopsis
On Mahesh Babu's birthday, SS Rajamouli's 'Varanasi' unveiled its most revealing detail yet — the first look of Mahesh as Rudhra, shot against the backdrop of Kilimanjaro and the Masai Mara in IMAX. Co-star Priyanka Chopra's BTS post and Rajamouli's note about a character who is 'fierce and fragile in the same breath' set the tone for what could be Indian cinema's most-watched release of 2027.
Key Takeaways
Mahesh Babu's first look as Rudhra from 'Varanasi' was released on his birthday, 9 August .
Priyanka Chopra shared a behind-the-scenes photo with Mahesh Babu, believed to be from the film's Africa schedule .
Director SS Rajamouli described Rudhra as a character who is 'witty, vulnerable, and fierce' — crediting Mahesh Babu for bringing depth to the role.
Portions of the film were shot near Kilimanjaro and in the Masai Mara , framed in 1.43:1 IMAX format. 'Varanasi' is set for theatrical release on 7 April 2027 , timed with the festival of Ugadi .
Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu turned a year older on 9 August, and the celebrations came with a significant reveal — the makers of the highly anticipated film 'Varanasi' dropped his first look as the character Rudhra, while co-star Priyanka Chopra marked the occasion with a warm birthday post on social media.
Priyanka Chopra's Birthday Wish
Priyanka Chopra took to her official social media handle to share a candid behind-the-scenes photograph alongside Mahesh Babu, believed to be from the film's Africa schedule. In the image, the two co-stars are seen seated together, offering fans a rare glimpse into the shoot.
'Happy Birthday Bob. Here's to going on the ultimate adventure with #Varanasi! @urstrulyMahesh,' Chopra wrote, striking a tone that was both personal and celebratory.
First Look: Mahesh Babu as Rudhra
The 'Varanasi' production team unveiled two striking first-look images of Mahesh Babu in character as Rudhra. One featured him in a relaxed pose on a bamboo raft, while another showed him standing amid vast wilderness, taking in the sprawling landscape around him. The makers captioned the release: 'Fierce isn't his only shade… RUDHRA in #Varanasi.'
SS Rajamouli on the Character of Rudhra
Director SS Rajamouli, the filmmaker behind 'RRR' and the 'Baahubali' franchise, shared a detailed note about Mahesh Babu's portrayal. 'Rudhra was born to fulfil a purpose much larger than himself. He carries a destiny he did not ask for. He is witty, he is vulnerable, and he is fierce. That is what Mahesh brought to him. Anyone can play fierce. Very few can play fierce and fragile in the same breath,' Rajamouli wrote.
He further revealed that the Africa schedule was filmed around Kilimanjaro and in the Masai Mara, adding: 'The land gave us something no set could. There were mornings I felt even the 1.43:1 IMAX frame could not hold what was in front of us.'
Release Date and What to Expect
'Varanasi' is scheduled to release in cinemas on 7 April 2027, coinciding with the festival of Ugadi. The film marks a landmark collaboration — Rajamouli directing Mahesh Babu for the first time, with Priyanka Chopra making her Telugu film debut. The Africa schedule and the IMAX framing signal a production scale befitting Rajamouli's reputation for large-canvas storytelling. With over a year to release, the birthday first-look drop suggests the makers are building a long promotional runway.
Point of View
Nothing more. Anchoring the reveal to Mahesh Babu's birthday maximises organic reach while Priyanka Chopra's post extends the film's footprint beyond Telugu-speaking audiences. What stands out, though, is the IMAX framing from Africa: Rajamouli is signalling that 'Varanasi' is not a prestige drama shot on exotic locations but a full-scale spectacle built for the largest screens possible. With a release nearly two years away, the question is whether this promotional heat can be sustained — or whether it peaks too early.
NationPress
9 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the film 'Varanasi' about?
'Varanasi' is an upcoming Telugu film directed by SS Rajamouli, starring Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra. The film features Mahesh Babu as a character named Rudhra, described by Rajamouli as someone born to fulfil a purpose larger than himself. It is scheduled for release on 7 April 2027.
Who is Priyanka Chopra playing in 'Varanasi'?
The source material does not specify Priyanka Chopra's character name in 'Varanasi'. She is confirmed as Mahesh Babu's co-star in the film, marking her debut in Telugu cinema.
Where was 'Varanasi' filmed?
Portions of 'Varanasi' were filmed in Africa, specifically around Kilimanjaro and in the Masai Mara. Director SS Rajamouli noted the footage was captured in a 1.43:1 IMAX format.
When does 'Varanasi' release in cinemas?
'Varanasi' is scheduled to release on 7 April 2027, coinciding with the Telugu and Kannada new year festival of Ugadi.
What did SS Rajamouli say about Mahesh Babu's character Rudhra?
Rajamouli described Rudhra as a character who 'carries a destiny he did not ask for' and praised Mahesh Babu for playing the role with both fierceness and vulnerability. He wrote: 'Anyone can play fierce. Very few can play fierce and fragile in the same breath.'
