S.S. Rajamouli’s forthcoming masterpiece Varanasi is poised to be one of the most ambitious films ever produced in India. The buzz surrounding the movie extends beyond Indian borders, with international media eagerly anticipating every detail.
Spanning millennia and various continents, from the frigid expanses of Antarctica to the rugged landscapes of Africa and the spiritual core of India – Varanasi, the film challenges its cast both physically and mentally. At the heart of this grand narrative is Mahesh Babu, who undertakes the dual role of the mortal hero Rudhra and Lord Ram, a part he acknowledges as one of the most demanding of his career.
Mahesh Babu discusses his portrayal of Lord Rama and his physical transformation
For Mahesh Babu, embodying Lord Ram was not just about acting but also about a significant transformation. Reflecting on the role, the actor shared that becoming Ram necessitated a complete unlearning of contemporary physicality. “I’m portraying Lord Rama’s character, which required a specific posture,” he told Variety. “You can’t adopt the stance of modern characters,” he elaborated. To achieve this historically accurate demeanor, Mahesh engaged in three months of rigorous Kalari martial arts training, not solely for action scenes, but to refine his posture, balance, and body alignment.
The preparation extended further. Mahesh also spent several months training with a track and field team to modify his running technique. In epic storytelling, particularly when depicting divine or historical personas, even movement must resonate with timelessness. The Telugu star expressed his satisfaction upon viewing the shot, deeming the six months of physical training “worth it.” He noted that the experience fundamentally altered his walking and standing posture. He believes the process transformed every facet of his physical presence on screen.
Varanasi signifies Mahesh Babu’s inaugural collaboration with Rajamouli, a director renowned for demanding utmost dedication from his actors. Balancing the grounded human emotions of Rudhra with the serene, composed divinity of Ram required precision, restraint, and immense control. It appears the entire team is pleased with the final outcome.
Prithviraj shares his greatest challenge while portraying the villain
Enhancing the film’s intensity is Prithviraj Sukumaran’s depiction of the antagonist Kumbha, a character limited to a wheelchair with only facial mobility. Prithviraj disclosed that everything portrayed on screen is practical, with no dependence on CGI for his physical constraints. Expressing menace and emotion solely through facial expressions became his most significant challenge, presenting a stark contrast to Mahesh’s physically transformative role.
Priyanka Chopra As Mandakini
With Priyanka Chopra Jonas portraying Mandakini and filming taking place in locations such as Kenya’s Maasai Mara and India’s Odisha, Varanasi’s scale, intricacy, and disciplined performances are already making the anticipation for the film quite intense.
SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi is set to premiere globally on April 7, 2027.
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