Director SS Rajamouli has praised Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu for his performance in the upcoming adventure film Varanasi, saying the actor delivered far more than he had initially expected. The filmmaker’s latest comments have increased anticipation for the ambitious project, which combines large-scale action, adventure and elements inspired by Indian mythology.
Rajamouli, known for directing blockbuster films such as Baahubali and RRR, is collaborating with Mahesh Babu for the first time in Varanasi. The project has attracted considerable attention because of its scale, distinctive storytelling approach and the involvement of prominent actors from Indian cinema.
Mahesh Babu Exceeds Rajamouli’s Expectations
Speaking about his experience of working with Mahesh Babu, Rajamouli explained that he expected the actor to give his best to the character. However, the performance he witnessed during production went beyond what he had originally imagined.
The director said Mahesh brought exceptional commitment to the role and surprised him with the depth of his performance. According to Rajamouli, the actor contributed much more than anticipated, making their collaboration a particularly rewarding experience.
The filmmaker’s praise highlights the importance of casting an actor who can meet the creative demands of a character rather than relying solely on an established star’s popularity. Rajamouli has emphasised that he selects performers based on their suitability for a role and expects them to trust his creative direction once the collaboration begins.
For Mahesh Babu, the film represents a significant project in his career, bringing him into a new cinematic world shaped by Rajamouli’s distinctive approach to action, character development and visual storytelling.
Ramayana-Inspired Sequence Becomes a Major Attraction
One of the most discussed elements of Varanasi is a sequence inspired by the Hindu epic Ramayana. Mahesh Babu appears as Lord Rama in this portion of the film, adding a mythological dimension to the larger adventure narrative.
Rajamouli has previously spoken about his emotional response to seeing the actor in the character’s appearance for the first time. The filmmaker described the experience as powerful and said Mahesh’s screen presence suited the character in a way that immediately impressed him.
The director also revealed that filming the sequence required approximately 60 days of work. Its production involved multiple interconnected episodes, each presenting different creative and technical challenges. The team had to plan the scenes carefully, developing suitable approaches for their emotional requirements and visual presentation.
The extended filming schedule reflects the level of preparation involved in bringing this part of the story to the screen. Rather than treating the sequence as a conventional action scene, the production approached its individual sections with the ambition and attention associated with a major film in their own right.
A Fresh Approach to Indian Mythology
Rajamouli has frequently drawn inspiration from India's traditional stories and epics. With Varanasi, he aims to combine familiar cultural influences with an expansive cinematic experience that can appeal to audiences beyond India.
The filmmaker has also indicated that the movie should not be understood as a straightforward adaptation of the entire Ramayana. Instead, the mythology-inspired material forms part of a broader adventure story, with character emotions and dramatic developments intended to remain accessible to viewers unfamiliar with the original epic.
This approach could help the film connect traditional storytelling with contemporary filmmaking techniques, including large-scale action and elaborate visual effects.
Star-Studded Cast and Release Plans
Alongside Mahesh Babu, Varanasi features Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran in important roles. Priyanka plays Mandakini, while Prithviraj portrays the antagonist Kumbha. Mahesh Babu plays the central character, Rudhra.
The film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on April 7, 2027. With its combination of adventure, mythology-inspired storytelling and an internationally ambitious production, it is shaping up to be one of the major Indian film releases to watch.
Rajamouli’s latest appreciation of Mahesh Babu has further raised expectations for their first collaboration. Audiences will be watching to see how the director translates the Ramayana-inspired sequence and the film’s broader vision into a memorable theatrical experience.
