Superstar Mahesh Babu is playing the lead role in the grand film Varanasi, directed by master filmmaker S. S. Rajamouli. Produced by K. L. Narayana and S. S. Karthikeya under the banners of Sri Durga Arts and Showing Business, the title Varanasi has been officially confirmed. Prithviraj Sukumaran and Priyanka Chopra Jonas play key roles in this prestigious project. At a grand event titled “Globe Trotter,” the team released the title, the first look poster of the hero, and a teaser titled Varanasi, showcasing the scale of the film. Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Prithviraj Sukumaran, and the film’s unit participated in the event, which created national and international buzz
Superstar Mahesh Babu – Rajamouli – Globetrotter Event Gallery
Varanasi Reveal – Globetrotter Event Highlights
Superstar Mahesh Babu is playing the lead role in the grand film Varanasi, directed by master filmmaker S. S. Rajamouli. Produced by K. L. Narayana and S. S. Karthikeya under the banners of Sri Durga Arts and Showing Business, the title Varanasi has been officially confirmed. Prithviraj Sukumaran and Priyanka Chopra Jonas play key roles in this prestigious project. At a grand event titled “Globe Trotter,” the team released the title, the first look poster of the hero, and a teaser titled Varanasi, showcasing the scale of the film. Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Prithviraj Sukumaran, and the film’s unit participated in the event, which created national and international buzz.
Superstar Mahesh Babu said, “I listened to every word my father told me – except one. He always wanted me to play mythological characters, but I never took it up. With this film, that wish is finally coming true. Wherever he is, my father will be happy listening to this today. His blessings are always with us. Varanasi is my dream project. Opportunities like this come only once in a lifetime. I will make everyone proud – especially my director. When this film releases, all Indians will feel proud. This is just the title announcement. I’ll leave the rest to your imagination. I hope the love and support from fans remains the same always. Whatever I do, I can never repay that love. I can only offer my respects with folded hands. We worked very hard to organise this event for you, our fans. Please return home safely.”
Director S. S. Rajamouli said, “I have always loved the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. I’ve often said that making the Mahabharata is my dream. When we started this film, I didn’t expect to take up such a significant episode from the Ramayana. But as I wrote each scene, each dialogue, as I visualised each shot, I felt like I was floating in the air. During the photoshoot with Mahesh Babu in the look of Lord Rama, I got goosebumps. I even kept that photo as my wallpaper but removed it later, afraid someone might see it. We’ve completed 60 days of shooting so far. Every point in the story has a sub-point, and we faced many challenges along the way. Out of all the films I’ve made, Varanasi is going to be the most memorable. On set, Mahesh Babu doesn’t use his phone at all until he leaves. I’m trying to follow him and avoid using my phone too.”
Malayalam star Prithviraj Sukumaran said, “One day I received a message from Rajamouli sir saying, ‘Hi, this is Rajamouli. There is a wonderful villain role in my next project. Would you be interested?’ I immediately went to his office to meet him. After the first five minutes of narration, my mind went blank. I was stunned by the way he narrated the story – his vision, his style. He narrated for three hours. This film will be extraordinary. You will see a completely different, grand form of Mahesh Babu. I’m also happy to be acting alongside Priyanka Chopra.”
Actress Priyanka Chopra said, “I thank Rajamouli sir for giving me the opportunity to be part of Varanasi and producer K. L. Narayana for trusting me. Mahesh Babu is a wonderful person and an amazing actor. Because of Namrata and Sitara, Hyderabad feels like home to me – they take such good care of me. Prithviraj will terrify everyone with his role in this film, but outside of it, he is a very kind person. By the time this film is complete, I will learn Telugu fully and deliver my speech in Telugu.”
Star writer Vijayendra Prasad said, “When I watched Mahesh Babu’s performance in Varanasi, I was speechless. There is a 30-minute sequence that still keeps replaying in my mind. No CG, no dubbing, no background score – nothing was added yet, but Mahesh Babu’s sheer presence left me stunned. That scene mesmerised me. The audience will feel the same when they watch the film.”
Oscar-winning music director M. M. Keeravani said, “I love the Mahesh Babu–Mani Sharma combination in Pokiri. Some people say I only compose classy tunes and cannot deliver mass beats. But this time, in Varanasi, you will hear my beats as well. The class is mine, the beats are mine – and those beats will earn a permanent place in the hearts of Mahesh Babu fans.”
Producer S. S. Karthikeya said, “I’ve been growing as a producer by making small films. I never thought I would handle such a massive project. I assumed it would take me another ten years to reach this stage. But Varanasi has given me this opportunity much earlier. This is the first time I’m standing on a global platform and speaking as a producer. We are once again trying to take Indian cinema to the global level.”
Producer K. L. Narayana said, “Fifteen years ago, I approached Mahesh Babu garu and asked if we could make a film with Rajamouli. He immediately agreed. Then I approached Rajamouli sir, who said he would do it after completing his commitments. Now, after fifteen years, we are finally here. In these years, Rajamouli sir has grown to great heights, yet he has stayed true to his word. His filmmaking style, his simplicity, his vision – nothing has changed. Thanks to Prithviraj and Priyanka Chopra for agreeing right away. Mahesh Babu, like his father, is a producer’s hero. My first film Kshana Kshanam had music by Keeravani, and now he is an Oscar winner. I’m delighted to work with him again. We will bring this film to the audience as soon as possible.”
