Ss Rajamouli Opens Up About Actor Mahesh Babu Character Rudra In Varanasi

On the occasion of Telugu star Mahesh Babu’s 51st birthday today, two new stills featuring his character Rudra from SS Rajamouli’s highly-awaited film Varanasi have been unveiled. The images offer a glimpse into the world of the globe-trotting epic, which spans centuries.

In the first photo, Mahesh Babu can be seen resting on a bamboo raft in a jungle. The second picture transports viewers to the picturesque Maasai Mara in Kenya, Africa. It shows the actor standing against a vast landscape, with giraffes and other wild animals in the background.

Meanwhile, director SS Rajamouli spoke about the character of Rudra in Varanasi, and said, “Rudra was born to fulfil a purpose much bigger than himself. He carries a destiny he never asked for. He is funny, vulnerable and immensely powerful. That is what Mahesh brought to the character. Many can play a powerful character, but very few can embody both strength and vulnerability at the same time.”

He added, “These frames are from our African schedule. That land gave us something no set could ever provide. I was awestruck while shooting in the areas around Kilimanjaro and the Maasai Mara. Some mornings, I felt even our 1.43:1 IMAX frame could not fully contain the view in front of us.”

Several celebirities took to social media to wish Mahesh Babu on his birthday. Taking to his X handle on Sunday morning, actor Jr NTR wrote, “Happy Birthday @urstrulymahesh anna. Wishing you nothing but the very best always.”

On the other hand, ‘Megastar’ Chiranjeevi posted on X, “Happy Happy 50th, my dear SSMB @urstrulyMahesh! You are the pride of Telugu Cinema, destined to conquer the beyond! You seem to grow younger with every passing year! Wishing you a wonderful year ahead and many, many happy returns.”

Helmed by SS Rajamouli, Varanasi, with music by Oscar-winning composer MM Keeravani, has been produced jointly by Sri Durga Arts and Showing Business. It is set to hit theatres worldwide on April 7, 2027.