Strength and emotional depth: Mahesh Babu’s Rudhra revealed in S.S. Rajamouli’s ‘Varanasi’

Director S.S. Rajamouli has officially unveiled the first-look images of Mahesh Babu as Rudhra from his much-awaited pan-India action-adventure film, Varanasi. The reveal, released on August 9, 2026, coincides with Mahesh Babu’s birthday and offers the first detailed look at the actor’s rugged new appearance.

In the newly released images, Mahesh Babu appears with a thick beard and an intense, weathered look. The pictures were shot against the vast landscapes of Africa, including the wilderness around Mount Kilimanjaro and the Masai Mara. One image shows Rudhra standing against the dramatic African landscape, while another captures him relaxing on a bamboo raft. Together, the photographs give the film a large-scale, adventurous feel.

Rajamouli has described Rudhra as a character with several contrasting qualities. While he is capable of displaying tremendous physical power and ferocity, he is also witty and vulnerable. According to the director, Mahesh Babu was chosen because he can bring both strength and emotional depth to the role.

Rajamouli has also hinted that Rudhra carries a destiny much bigger than himself. He is not simply a powerful hero; he is a man born with a monumental purpose that he never chose. The director believes Mahesh Babu’s screen presence captures this combination of power, vulnerability and responsibility. Rajamouli has even said that some of the film’s larger-than-life sequences gave him “goosebumps” while filming, including a much-anticipated mythological sequence in which Mahesh Babu is expected to appear as Lord Rama.

The story, penned by Rajamouli himself, begins with an asteroid crash on Earth, threatening the sacred city of Varanasi. Rudhra, who is both an archaeologist and a mythic warrior, must search for a legendary artefact to prevent a global catastrophe.

The film features Priyanka Chopra Jonas as historian Mandakini and Prithviraj Sukumaran as the antagonist Kumbha. With its ambitious story and international locations, the project is being designed as a major global cinematic event.

The film is being made in collaboration with IMAX and is being shot with IMAX-certified large-format digital cameras. This distinction is important because “Varanasi” is officially described as “Filmed for IMAX,” rather than “Shot with IMAX Cameras.” The latter term generally refers to productions filmed with traditional IMAX 70mm film cameras, while “Varanasi” employs advanced digital camera technology and an IMAX-focused production and post-production process.

The film is also being produced in the immersive 1.43:1 IMAX format, promising a particularly expansive visual experience on compatible screens. Music is being composed by M.M. Keeravani.

With its enticing blend of mythology, science fiction, action and international scale, “Varanasi” is expected to be one of Indian cinema’s most ambitious upcoming releases. The film is scheduled to arrive in theatres worldwide on April 7, 2027.