From Indian Waters to African Wilds: SS Rajamouli Unveils Birthday Stills of Mahesh Babu as Rudhra!
To celebrate Telugu Superstar Mahesh Babu’s birthday, the makers of the globally anticipated action spectacle #VARANASI have dropped two breathtaking stills, offering fans a glimpse of his character, Rudhra.
Directed by visionary filmmaker SS Rajamouli, the film is designed as a century-spanning, globe-trotting saga that moves from the sacred banks of India to the vast landscapes of Africa.
Two Distinct Avatars: A Bamboo Raft & the Maasai Mara
The newly released birthday stills capture the contrasting sides of Rudhra's personality:
-
Quiet Intensity: The first frame shows Rudhra relaxing on a bamboo raft amidst a dense jungle setting, oozing effortless charm, cool composure, and underlying steel.
-
Commanding Presence: The second frame places Rudhra in the vast grasslands of Kenya's Maasai Mara, surrounded by wild giraffes and wildebeests, looking back with a regal, commanding gaze.
"Very Few Can Play Fierce & Fragile Together" – SS Rajamouli
Reflecting on working with Mahesh Babu during the film's massive African schedule, director SS Rajamouli praised the actor's emotional depth and screen presence:
*"Rudhra was born to fulfill a purpose much larger than himself—he carries a destiny he didn't ask for. He is witty, vulnerable, and fierce all at once. Anyone can play fierce, but very few can play fierce and fragile in the same breath.
Shooting around Mount Kilimanjaro and the Maasai Mara gave us something no artificial set could replicate. There were mornings where I felt even the 1.43:1 IMAX frame wasn't large enough to capture the grandeur in front of us."*
— SS Rajamouli
Global Scale & IMAX Release Lock-In
Jointly produced by Sri Durga Arts and Showing Business, #VARANASI features an original musical score by Oscar-winner MM Keeravani.
Mounting one of the largest productions in Indian cinematic history, the team has locked in a worldwide theatrical arrival on April 7, 2027, with a full rollout in expanded IMAX formats.
