Director SS Rajamouli Reveals Character Details As He Drops New Stills of Mahesh Babu's Rudra In Varanasi

August 9, 2026 at 11:07 AM IST
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Director SS Rajamouli Reveals Character Details As He Drops New Stills of Mahesh Babu's Rudra In Varanasi

Hyderabad, August 9 - Director SS Rajamouli has given fans another glimpse into his much-awaited collaboration with Mahesh Babu, Varanasi. On the occasion of the superstar's birthday, the filmmaker unveiled two new stills featuring Babu as Rudhra, offering a closer look at the character from the ambitious adventure drama.

Alongside the new images, Rajamouli described Rudhra as "witty, vulnerable and fierce," giving audiences a sense of the contrasting shades that Mahesh Babu's character will bring to the film. The latest stills have further intensified curiosity around Rudhra, who was previously introduced in a much more intense avatar during the film’s grand reveal.

Speaking about Rudhra, SSR recently said in an interview that, "Rudhra was born to fulfil a purpose much larger than himself. He carries a destiny he did not ask for. He is witty, he is vulnerable, and he is fierce. That is what Mahesh brought to him. Anyone can play fierce. Very few can play fierce and fragile in the same breath".

Varanasi also stars Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran in pivotal roles. The film is being mounted as a globe-trotting adventure, with the story travelling across locations including Varanasi, Antarctica and ancient Rome. Rajamouli has also confirmed that a major portion of the film has already been completed and that it is being shot in IMAX format.

The film is shaping up to be one of the biggest Indian theatrical spectacles, with Rajamouli once again combining large-scale action, mythology and adventure. Mahesh Babu’s Rudhra is expected to be at the centre of this globe-spanning narrative, with Varanasi currently scheduled for an April 7, 2027 theatrical release.

Published on August 9, 2026 at 5:37 AM

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