When SS Rajamouli chooses to hold back his hero’s introduction until after most of the film has already been shot, it immediately signals that the sequence is being designed as a major cinematic event. That is where Varanasi stands now, with more than 90 percent of the film completed and Mahesh Babu’s grand entry scene still among the key portions left to be filmed. For a project mounted on this scale, that delayed reveal only deepens curiosity around how Rajamouli plans to unveil his star.
Latest Shoot Update
Varanasi has already completed the bulk of its principal photography, with the Varanasi schedule now approaching its final leg. The remaining portions include a crucial introduction sequence for Mahesh Babu, making it one of the standout sections still left on Rajamouli’s filming slate.
That detail carries weight because Rajamouli has long treated character introductions as defining dramatic moments, often shaping them with scale, rhythm, and visual payoff. In this case, saving Mahesh Babu’s entry for later in the schedule points to a carefully mounted set piece rather than a routine opening block.
A Globe Trotting Adventure With A Big Ensemble
Directed by SS Rajamouli, Varanasi stars Mahesh Babu in the lead, with Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran in pivotal roles. The film is mounted as a large scale action adventure with a globe trotting canvas, and it remains one of the most closely watched Indian productions currently in the works. The title was officially unveiled in November 2025 after months of conversation around the project under the working name SSMB29.
The film is currently headed for a 2027 theatrical release. Its scale, cast lineup, and Rajamouli’s track record have kept industry attention firmly locked on each production update as the film continues to take shape.
Rajamouli’s Intensive Method Is Part Of The Buzz
The conversation around Varanasi has also been driven by the sheer care associated with Rajamouli’s filmmaking process. On a project of this size, even individual character beats are being positioned as event moments, and that has only added to the sense that Varanasi is being built with unusually exacting attention to detail.
That makes the latest update especially notable. Mahesh Babu’s introduction is not just another pending scene. It appears to be one of the film’s most strategically preserved moments.
Mahesh Babu’s Last Release Before Varanasi
Mahesh Babu was last seen in Guntur Kaaram, which released in theatres in January 2024 under the direction of Trivikram Srinivas. The film remains his latest release as of September 9, 2026, which has made the long build-up to Varanasi all the more significant for his fans. More than a routine follow-up, Rajamouli’s film represents Mahesh Babu’s next major big-screen chapter and one of the most ambitious projects of his career.
Stay tuned with us for the latest news, Hindi box office news, Hollywood news, OTT news, the latest Bollywood news, and the latest box office news.
