Mahesh Babu’s Birthday Reveal Highlights “Varanasi” Epic

On August 9, the day Mahesh Babu turned 51, two new character stills were released. The images show Babu as Rudhra against African backdrops captured during the film’s Africa schedule—one on a bamboo raft amid dense greenery, the other on the savannah with giraffes and zebras. Both were shot around Mount Kilimanjaro and the Maasai Mara, locations the director said could not be replicated on a set.

Variety Magazine

The film, titled “Varanasi,” is set in 2027 and centers on an asteroid named Shambhavi threatening the holy city of Varanasi. Rudhra, a rugged archaeologist, is recruited for a globe-spanning mission to retrieve an ancient cosmic artefact that could avert the disaster. He is joined by Priyanka Chopra Jonas’s character Mandakini, a historian and marksman. The antagonist, Kumbha (Prithviraj Sukumaran), pursues them across Africa, Antarctica, Europe, and Ancient Rome. Babu will also portray a dual role that includes the Hindu deity Lord Rama.

Mahesh Babu’s Varanasi Plot Details Are Finally Here And You Are Not Ready For This WIONSS Rajamouli unveils new 'Varanasi' stills on Mahesh Babu's birthday: 'Fierce isn't his only shade' Varanasi movie update: Mahesh Babu’s first look as Rudra wins hearts. SS Rajamouli’s movie plot goes viral Priyanka Chopra Wishes Mahesh Babu On His Birthday With BTS From Varanasi Shoot, Shares A Glimpse Of Their Africa Diaries Mahesh Babu Birthday: His Rugged Rudhra Look From Varanasi Is Here, Here’s Why SS Rajamouli Calls Him ‘Fierce And Fragile’

“Varanasi” is being filmed entirely in IMAX, the first non-English film to use the format for its whole production. Roughly 80 percent of the shoot is complete, including most major action sequences. Post-production runs in parallel with the remaining filming, allowing visual-effects teams to edit completed footage immediately. The production has traveled to Africa, Antarctica, Europe, and Hyderabad. Oscar-winning composer M. M. Keeravani returns to score the film, backed by Sri Durga Arts and Showing Business.

WION

Director S. S. He said Mahesh Babu brings a rare blend of ferocity and fragility to the role. He praised the African locations, noting that the natural landscapes offered a dimension “no set could” replicate. Mahesh Babu disclosed a year of preparation, including three months of Kalari training and track work to adjust his posture for the period-appropriate bearing of Lord Rama. Priyanka Chopra Jonas marked the actor’s birthday with a social-media post wishing him a “happy birthday” and calling the film an “ultimate adventure.”

Priyanka Chopra Wishes Mahesh Babu On His Birthday With BTS From Varanasi Shoot, Shares A Glimpse Of Their Africa Diaries

“Varanasi” is slated to open worldwide on April 7, 2027, coinciding with the Ugadi festival in India. The date has been confirmed across multiple production announcements.

Priyanka Chopra Wishes Mahesh Babu On His Birthday With BTS From Varanasi Shoot, Shares A Glimpse Of Their Africa Diaries

• Mahesh Babu’s age at the time of the birthday reveal: 51.

Priyanka Chopra Wishes Mahesh Babu With Varanasi Unseen Pic

• Percentage of filming completed: ? 80 percent.

WION

• IMAX aspect ratio referenced by the director: 1.43:1.

WION

• Key locations for the Africa schedule: Mount Kilimanjaro and Maasai Mara.

Variety Magazine

• Narrative timeline: set in 2027, featuring an asteroid named Shambhavi.

SS Rajamouli unveils new 'Varanasi' stills on Mahesh Babu's birthday: 'Fierce isn't his only shade'

All sources state that about 80 percent of production is finished and that the release date is April 7, 2027. No substantive discrepancies were identified regarding the plot, cast roles, or milestones. Details about the ancient artefact and the full visual-effects pipeline remain undisclosed.

WION