Mahesh Babu's Varanasi: Two Striking Stills Unveiled on Birthday
On Mahesh Babu's birthday, Varanasi makers unveiled two exclusive stills featuring the star as Rudhra, shot in Africa. Directed by SS Rajamouli, the film is set for April 2027 release.
Dumtika Editorial
August 9, 2026 · 1 min read
(Image: Dumtika Editorial)
Mahesh Babu's Varanasi team released two exclusive stills on his birthday
Director SS Rajamouli praised Mahesh's portrayal of Rudhra's strength and vulnerability
Stills were shot in Africa, showcasing Kilimanjaro and Maasai Mara landscapes
Varanasi is set for release on April 7, 2027, with music by MM Keeravani
Mahesh Babu's Birthday Surprise: Varanasi Team Drops Exclusive Stills
On Mahesh Babu's birthday, the makers of Varanasi, directed by acclaimed filmmaker SS Rajamouli, delighted fans with two never-seen-before stills from the film. Instead of the expected video glimpse, these images offered a fresh look at Mahesh Babu's character, Rudhra, and have quickly become a talking point among Telugu cinema enthusiasts.
Rajamouli, known for his grand vision in films like RRR and Baahubali, described Rudhra as a man "born to fulfil a purpose much larger than himself, carrying a destiny he never asked for." He praised Mahesh Babu for portraying both the strength and vulnerability of the character, highlighting the star's ability to bring depth and nuance to the role.
The newly released stills were captured during the film's Africa schedule, with the crew shooting around the iconic Kilimanjaro and Maasai Mara regions. Rajamouli noted that the vastness of these locations was so immense that even the film's IMAX format struggled to capture their full scale.
This approach mirrors the team's earlier strategy for Priyanka Chopra Jonas's birthday, when exclusive stills were also shared instead of a teaser. Fans, who had been hoping for a video update, have expressed excitement over these powerful visuals, fueling further anticipation for the film.
Produced by KL Narayana and SS Karthikeya, Varanasi also features Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran in pivotal roles, with music by Oscar-winning composer MM Keeravani. The film is slated for release on April 7, 2027.
