Mahesh Babu's first look as Rudhra in 'Varanasi' unveiled on his birthday
Synopsis
On his birthday, Mahesh Babu's first look as Rudhra from SS Rajamouli's 'Varanasi' landed — and the scale is staggering. Shot around Kilimanjaro and the Masai Mara in IMAX format, with Rajamouli calling even the 1.43:1 frame insufficient to capture what stood before them, this is a rare glimpse of a film built to redefine Indian cinema's global ambitions.
Key Takeaways
Mahesh Babu's first look as Rudhra from 'Varanasi' was unveiled on his birthday, 9 August .
Director SS Rajamouli described Rudhra as a character 'born to fulfil a purpose much larger than himself.' Key scenes were filmed in Africa , around Kilimanjaro and in the Masai Mara , in 1.43:1 IMAX format.
80% of filming is complete, with remaining portions being shot in Hyderabad .
Co-stars Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran also extended birthday wishes to Mahesh Babu.
The film is written by V.
Vijayendra Prasad and produced under Sri Durga Arts and Showing Business .
Tollywood star Mahesh Babu received a special birthday gift on Sunday, 9 August as the makers of his upcoming film 'Varanasi' dropped his first look as the character Rudhra, sending fans into a frenzy across social media. The reveal marks one of the most anticipated character introductions in recent Telugu cinema.
The First Look Unveiled
In the striking visuals, Mahesh Babu is seen relaxing on a bamboo raft in one frame, while another captures him standing amidst vast wilderness, gazing at the sprawling landscape around him. Sharing the first look, Mahesh Babu wrote on social media: 'Fierce isn't his only shade… RUDHRA in #Varanasi.'
SS Rajamouli's Note on Rudhra
Director SS Rajamouli, known for the blockbuster 'RRR', shared a heartfelt message accompanying the reveal. '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.
The director also offered a glimpse into the film's production journey, noting that the frames are from the Africa schedule, shot around Kilimanjaro and in the Masai Mara. 'I was stunned. There were mornings I felt even the 1.43:1 IMAX frame could not hold what was in front of us,' he added.
Co-Stars Join the Birthday Wishes
Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran, who co-star in 'Varanasi', also marked the occasion with a joint message: 'Another trip around the Sun… before we travel across time. Happy Birthday Rudhra.'
Production Status and Story
According to the production team, 80% of filming for 'Varanasi' has already been completed, including the major action sequences. The remaining portions are currently being filmed in Hyderabad. The film is written by V. Vijayendra Prasad along with S. S. Kanchi, and produced by K. L. Narayana and S. S. Karthikeya under the banners of Sri Durga Arts and Showing Business. The story reportedly follows Rudhra as the holy city of Varanasi faces the impending arrival of an asteroid.
With an IMAX-scale production, a global cast, and Rajamouli at the helm, 'Varanasi' is shaping up as one of Indian cinema's most ambitious projects in recent memory.
Point of View
Globally shot spectacle, not merely a Telugu blockbuster with international trimmings. The Africa schedule, the Kilimanjaro framing, the casting of Priyanka Chopra alongside Prithviraj Sukumaran: every element points toward a film engineered for worldwide theatrical reach. The real question is whether the story — an asteroid threatening Varanasi — can carry the emotional weight that Rajamouli's visual ambition demands. 'RRR' succeeded because the personal stakes matched the epic scale. 'Varanasi' will be judged by the same standard.
NationPress
9 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Rudhra in the film 'Varanasi'?
Rudhra is the character played by Mahesh Babu in 'Varanasi', directed by SS Rajamouli. According to Rajamouli, Rudhra is 'born to fulfil a purpose much larger than himself' and is described as witty, vulnerable, and fierce.
Where was 'Varanasi' filmed?
Significant portions of 'Varanasi' were filmed in Africa, around Kilimanjaro and in the Masai Mara, in 1.43:1 IMAX format. The remaining scenes are being filmed in Hyderabad.
How much of 'Varanasi' has been filmed so far?
According to the production team, 80% of the film has been completed, including major action sequences. The remaining portions are currently in production in Hyderabad.
Who are the co-stars in 'Varanasi' alongside Mahesh Babu?
Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran are confirmed co-stars in 'Varanasi'. Both wished Mahesh Babu on his birthday with a joint message referencing the film.
What is the story of 'Varanasi'?
'Varanasi' reportedly follows the character Rudhra as the holy city of Varanasi faces the impending arrival of an asteroid. The film is written by V. Vijayendra Prasad and S. S. Kanchi, and produced by K. L. Narayana and S. S. Karthikeya.
